Research Development Officer

at  Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University is seeking an experienced Research Development Officer to join the Office of the VP Research. The Office provides comprehensive support for research creation and translation, oversees external funding applications and serves as the central hub for institutional grant proposals, contracts, and awards.
The Research Development Officer (RDO) is integral in advancing institutional research priorities and growing research by facilitating proposal development, communicating research opportunities, fostering collaborations, and supporting researcher development. To enhance funding success, the RDO guides faculty throughout the research development and application process, offering expert advice on writing a competitive proposal, crafting non-technical components, reviewing and editing proposals, creating compelling research summaries, budgeting, agency policies, and navigating the proposal submission process. The RDO also facilitates engagement and development programs for researchers’ success. The ideal candidate excels in writing, editing, organization, coordination and problem-solving, demonstrating effective team collaboration. The role also entails networking with external research funders, federal and provincial agencies, research foundations, private organizations, and potential research partners.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

Essential qualifications:

• Ph. D. or Master’s degree with relevant research experience will be considered. Education and knowledge in Social Sciences and Humanities are highly valued.
• Minimum three years of recent work experience in areas of research development, and grants management, including significant experience with preparation of research proposals, budgets and reports, preferably in academic setting with broad understanding of academic operations and research required.

Knowledge and skills:

• Advanced knowledge in conducting and designing research programs and in research methodologies.
• Comprehensive interdisciplinary grasp of research and scholarship, coupled with the ability to enhance productivity in research and scholarship.
• Advanced knowledge of academic research organizations, and the principles and methods of research development and administration.
• Advanced knowledge of research funding agencies, encompassing their programs, research security, research data management, EDI, and other regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional knowledge of grant life cycle and successful grant application procedures and importance of meeting institutional compliance requirements.
• Experience in engaging with researchers for professional development.
• Advanced editorial and documentation skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Detail oriented, resourceful, innovative, flexible, and accessible.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure, multi-task and prioritize while meeting strict deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to communication with faculty, students, managers, peers, and research community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in effective project management.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles of Indigenization and EDI.

Ability to:

• Work both independently and as part of a team.
• Work with grants database software.
• Work effectively with diverse groups.
• Complete projects in a timely and efficient manner.

• Serves as the primary contact for researchers for all research development and administration activities, providing excellent advice and service.
• Liaises with TRU researchers, funding agencies, and external partners/ community organizations for partnership development.
• Provides active leadership in identifying, soliciting, and cultivating major funding agencies (provincial, federal, and national agencies, not-for-profits, for-profits, and foundations).
• Promotes and advertises best value opportunities to faculty in all research disciplines.
• Maintains comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of funding opportunities and requirements and is able to match opportunities to faculty members’ strengths and areas of expertise.
• Assists and advises researchers and research teams in developing and submitting research proposals.
• Using a multi-disciplinary lens, reviews grant applications, ensuring alignment with funding agencies’ guidelines and institutional policies. Provide expert guidance for submitting competitive applications by facilitating compelling summaries, budgets, and proposal edits.
• Advises, develops and prepares complex technical documents for grant applications, including data management plans, research security assessments, EDI statements, and KM plans.
• Reviews and interprets feedback regarding unsuccessful grants with researchers to assist in strengthening future funding applications.
• Maintains knowledge of funding programs, policies, regulations, and procedures; disseminates changes to researchers and advises on the implementation of changes and the impact of changes on funded operations.
• Assists the Director of Research Services in developing and administrating large institutional applications (CFI, CRC, RSF, etc.) when required.
• Assists the Director in supporting researchers’ engagement and development programs through event coordination, facilitation, and training materials development.
• Monitors and reports on faculty research, leveraging key areas of activities for proposals and revenue growth.
• Identifies and contacts potential partners, initiates and sets up meetings among faculty and with potential partners to develop joint grant applications and research partnerships.
• Using specialized databases and systems, records and tracks grant proposals, awards, and related statistical information; creates reports as required.
• Assists and advises researchers in navigating internal application processes and policies.
• Prepare communications on funding decisions for researchers, deans, finance, and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Work as a team with pre-grant development and post-award grants facilitation staff to perform relevant grant activities and assist with sustaining external funding.
• Perform other duties as assigned.