Lead Executive Advisor, Research Services

Job Type: Employee
Anticipated Duration in Months (for contracts and temporary assignments): N/A
Job Family:
Research and Program Support
# of Open Positions: 1 Faculty/Service - Department:
Research Management Services
Campus:
Main Campus
Union Affiliation: N/A
Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/09/15
Hours per week: 35
Salary Grade:
Non-Union Grade NM1
Salary Range: $ - $

Reporting to the Associate Vice‑President, Research Services, supports in the development and implementation of various strategic initiatives and the management of large funding programs. Provides advice, high-quality guidance and support to researchers in the development and submission of competitive proposals for major funding opportunities. Within the Research Services portfolio, this position provides strategic advice, analysis and executive support to the AVP.

This includes supporting the effective coordination and advancement of complex, cross-functional initiatives and providing high-quality analysis, briefing materials, recommendations and advice to support decision‑making by the AVP and senior University administrators.

• Participates to the design and planning of strategies around targeted research initiatives and work closely with the AVP to implement a strategic research action plan for the University.
• Monitor internal and external trends in research activities to identify priorities and recommend new initiatives.
• Conducts discussions with researchers to guide them on the institution’s strategic research priorities and to ensure that their research projects are aligned with the strategic areas of development in research as well as those of the funding organizations.
• Provides preliminary advice, guidance and strategies in a timely manner to researchers preparing proposals for major funding opportunities to ensure the projects submitted meet the evaluation criteria and are competitive.
• Connects researchers, faculty‑based facilitators and their teams to potential partners and networks to improve the team’s capacity and, thus, their competitive advantage in major funding competitions.
• Keeps abreast of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the funding environment, including internal funding programs offered by U15 universities for major funding opportunities, and makes recommendations to support decision‑making of senior university administrators regarding the efficiency and the effectiveness of the considerable research investments the University makes in terms of research funding, equipment and facilities.

• Master’s degree in pure and applied sciences, preferably with a strong research background, or equivalent experience.
• PhD considered an asset
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in similar or equivalent positions or responsibilities
• Knowledge of granting and contracting practices, policies and guidelines of federal and provincial funding agencies and departments as well as granting foundations
• Demonstrated experience in a university research or research administration environment with direct involvement in preparing major research proposals
• Experience with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) considered an asset
• Project management experience
• Experience using computer applications and systems such as Windows, PowerPoint, word processing software, spreadsheets, databases, email and the Internet
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent organizational, administrative and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about complex issues and develop sound and robust recommendations and action plans
• Ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines and shifting priorities, while consistently exercising…