Research and Grants Navigator

at  Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University is seeking an experienced Research and Grants Navigator to join the Office of the VP Research. The Office provides direct support to faculty, staff, and students in all aspects of research creation and translation, including applying for, and/or receiving, funding from external agencies, and serving as the central clearinghouse for all university grant proposals, contracts, and awards. This position provides navigation and project management support for research and knowledge dissemination activities at TRU, with a particular focus on post-grant support.
The Research and Grants Navigator liaises between TRU’s research stakeholders - including faculty, students, Research Office, related administrative support units and library. Reporting to the Director, Research Services, this position collaborates with researchers to advise on aspects such as budget management, financial controls, human resources, procurement, facilities management, Open Access publication, IT, legal, and risk management. This position will be the primary contact for TRU researchers with questions regarding research services across campus; the successful candidate will be required to have advanced knowledge of the services, facilities and supports at TRU and will be the primary lead in assisting researchers to engage effectively with these resources.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

Essential qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Minimum three years of recent work experience in research services administration or pre-and/or post-award grant administration, preferably in an academic setting with a broad understanding of academic operations and research required.

Knowledge and skills:

• Advanced knowledge of research funding agencies, academic research organizations, and the principles and methods of research administration and grant program management.
• Knowledge of post-secondary institutions and faculty development activities.
• Very good to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure, multi-task and prioritize while meeting strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in communicating with faculty, students, managers, peers, and research community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• High level of resourcefulness, initiative, and prioritization to meet challenges of a complex environment.
• Demonstrated skills in effective project management.
• Understanding and experience with research supports and post-award compliance best practices.
• Knowledge of regulations relating to federal grants and award administration.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in highly detailed work.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles of Indigenization and equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Ability to:

• Explain policies and procedures/rules and regulations in a clear and collegial manner.
• Facilitate meetings and coordinate the work of teams.
• Work both independently and as part of a team.
• Work effectively with diverse groups.
• Maintain high-quality and detailed records and data.
• Complete projects in a timely and efficient manner.

• Assists researchers in effectively engaging with TRU research-relevant resources.
• Navigates and facilitates post-award administration of external and internal research grants, sponsored contracts, and awards, including the transfer of funds and ensuring timelines are met.
• Leads creation and renewal of processes and procedures regarding administrative research services on campus, including engagement with service units in each area.
• Serves as primary contact for researchers and TRU administrative support units for all post-award activities to provide excellent advice, customer service and to resolve complex issues related to sponsored projects.
• Liaises between TRU research administration, researchers, funding agencies, and external partners/community organizations of financial administration including policies, procedures, and agency guidelines.
• Acts as compliance point of contact, interpret and inform researchers of any compliance issues regarding granting agency regulations, and disallowances with their program. Assist in correcting discrepancies and monitoring corrective actions.
• Facilitates research-related services and post-award grants orientation for new researchers on policies, procedures, and forms required for sponsored projects.
• Develops training materials and provide systems training as requested for research services and post-grant activities.
• Establishes calendar of reporting and closeout reminders for sponsored programs, reminding researchers of reporting deadlines.
• Maintains necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials pertinent to research services and post-award grants activities.
• Works as a team with Grants Development Officers in performing relevant grants activities and assisting with sustaining external funding.
• Works with research finance to review and meet financial compliance requirements.
• Supports faculty engagement and professional development activities.
• Other duties, as assigned.