Strategic Program Specialist

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Primary Category Page:
Staff and Management

Division:
Research Services

Requisition

Department: Research Services Office, Office of Research
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from August 15, 2026 to October 30, 2026
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

The Research Services Office (RSO) seeks an Institutional Programs Specialist to lead the administration of select institutional research funding programs and the implementation of the University’s Research Honours and Awards Strategy. The incumbent must be familiar with the national and international research landscape and have experience developing and reviewing proposals for multi-disciplinary and multi-sector audiences.

Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Programs, the Specialist will:

• Lead the administration of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John Evans Leaders’ Fund (JELF), the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) Infrastructure programs, and Ontario Early Researcher Award. Plan and present workshops. Provide knowledgeable strategic advice on research proposals and review application budgets. Coordinate award finalization and facilitate sponsor grant agreements. Develop and negotiate inter-institutional agreements. Coordinate and oversee reporting and compliance requirements.
• Support the development and review of proposals to other institutional programs (including CFI Innovation Fund, Canada Research Chairs, Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence), on an as‑needed basis.
• Lead administration of the Honours and Awards Portfolio: liaise with agencies offering research awards and prizes (e.g., Royal Society of Canada, Tri‑Agency Prizes); oversee the procurement and work of freelance editors who support award nominations; provide administrative support to the Honours and Awards Committee chaired by the Associate Vice‑President (Research Services); plan and manage equitable and transparent processes for internal review and selection of nominations;
  
  record, monitor and report on competition outcomes; format data for presentations and reports and outreach materials.
• Collaborate with a broad array of clients (faculty), process partners (College Research Managers, Research Financial Services, Physical Resources, Computing and Communications Services, Research Security), and external partners (funding and prize sponsors) to achieve successful outcomes and resolve challenges.

The position is responsible for increasing participation in prestigious awards and honours and increasing the competitiveness of nomination portfolios. They are responsible for maintaining or increasing success rates of select institutional programs (CFI JELF, ORF Infrastructure, Ontario Early Researcher Award).

The Specialist requires a research‑thesis based post‑graduate degree and a minimum of four (4) year’s progressive experience in research administration with significant experience in research proposal development. The successful incumbent must have excellent interpersonal, partnering and relationship building skills. Other requirements are:
Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects to meet deadlines, excellent critical and analytical thinking skills with attention to detail and accuracy, and strong computer skills with proven ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel, Outlook, Teams) and databases; track record of experimenting with and using new digital tools, including AI.

We seek a candidate who can work effectively as a member of a team, actively cultivate a culture of belonging, creatively solve problems and make decisions, practice curiosity and compassion in times of change, work with a high degree of confidentiality, and work extended hours during peak periods.

Employee Type:
Temporary

Position Number:
Requisition 2603

Classification: PM05

Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:
June 26, 2026
Closing Date:
July 7, 2026