Jobline: Senior Officer, Research Impact And Accountability, Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation

Position: Senior Officer, Research Impact & Accountability
Department: Philanthropy
Closing Date: Friday, September 10, 2021
Reporting to the Director, Finance & Operations, and as a member of the Finance and Operations Team, the Senior Officer, Research Impact & Accountability is responsible for independently leading and coordinating a robust research program that holds researchers accountable to DMRF and our donors, to clearly demonstrate the impact of their contributions.
The chosen candidate will work in collaboration with the CEO, Director, Finance & Operations, and our Research Advisory Council to develop and implement an integrated research funding strategy, including the monitoring of grant performance to accelerate health research funding. They will work closely with Directors, Donor Relations, Philanthropy, Deans of Dalhousie’s Faculties of Health, Medicine, and Dentistry, researchers, and faculty members, to support and cultivate a solid relationship between DMRF and its grantees, resulting in long-term engagement and research support.
This position works collaboratively with the Philanthropy Team to facilitate fundraising for DMRF’s funding priorities, including ongoing monitoring, and performance of grants, coaching and advising grantees, as well as the negotiation of performance milestones to support grantee success.
JOB DESCRIPTION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To act as a professional advisor to the CEO and the Director, Finance and Operations, on the development and ongoing monitoring of DMRF’s research funding priorities, ensuring alignment with DMRF’s impact goals.
Provide leadership oversight to assist DMRF in setting and executing on its research impact goals through consultative and evidence-based priority setting, grant execution, and impact reporting
Gain a deeper understanding of the greatest health needs and interests of Maritimers and donors as it relates to supporting areas of health research. Then, pair these insights with a deep understanding of key areas of research excellence at Dalhousie and in other institutions in the Maritimes, to achieve DMRF’s impact goals
Establish positive collaborative working relationships with Dalhousie researchers and research departments, our partners, other post secondary institutions, health care research teams, the research community, and governments to help develop and implement DMRF’s core funding initiatives in accordance with DMRF’s strategic plan
Understand sector research strategies and deepen DMRF’s understanding of programs of the federal granting agencies, provincial research support organizations, and relevant international bodies that can be leveraged through our support
Engage with and understand the role of the research function of federal and provincial governments, post-secondary institutions, hospitals, health foundations, and other partner organizations (i.e. NSBI, Innovacorp, ACOA, Volta Labs, COVE) to incorporate their interests into DMRF’s funding priority setting
Work with the Director, Finance and Operations to support sound decision-making on grant administration including the development and monitoring of standard operating procedures, research budget planning, grant management, and reporting.
Design, implement and monitor end-to-end grant administration standard operating procedures, including faculty, partner, and researcher proposals
Collaborate with DMRF’s Research Advisory Council to review grant proposals and provide feedback on the capacity of the grantee
Ensure that DMRF has a positive engagement strategy for DMRF funded researchers.
Ensure compliance with related granting and financial signing authority policies, as well as provide oversight related to funded grants including grantee reporting to facilitate donor and impact reporting
Ensure that DMRF’s research reporting structure is robust and allows for comprehensive customized donor reporting and organizational impact measurement
Support a professional corporate culture by ensuring that both internal and external commitments are identified, agreed upon, and followed through, and by ensuring appropriate, accurate and complete monitoring and reporting occurs
Contribute to DMRF’s operational plans to ensure budget requirements are clear and appropriate
Ensure that DMRF’s granting portfolio is nimble and responsive to the health needs of Maritimers, Canadians, and beyond where appropriate.
Utilize technological tools to manage end to end research grant administration
Other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a related discipline
5+ years experience in a research related role
Experience in business development or relationship building based role
Experience in program design, project management, research and grant making, preferably in a networked environment
Proven track record of positively contributing to a culture of learning and a demonstrated ability to plan and think strategically; set and achieve realistic goals and objectives; and balance multiple priorities
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), Raisers Edge, and Adobe Suite or similar programs an asset
Proven management and leadership skills an asset
Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
RELEVANT SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Experience in a fast-paced environment requiring quick and appropriate decision-making skills
Possess excellent communication and relationship building skills to engage credibly in areas of expertise with high level stakeholders across government, private sector, and donors
Possess excellent interpersonal skills that enable you to interact with a diversity of people and support resolution of issues
Ability to work as a team member to gain cooperation and facilitate groups of people to work toward shared goals
Ability to self-motivate, organize, and prioritize time and resources
Demonstrate a high level of sound judgement, tact, and diplomacy
Proactive approach with the ability to anticipate needs and interests of varied audiences
Strict attention to detail and accuracy with an appreciation for the implications of errors
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
Work With Us
We are a strong team with a passion for not only advancing health research outcomes, but for a work environment that is supportive, hardworking, and fun. Now, more than ever, the world has seen the power health research has to effect the health and wellness of each of us. If you are looking to advance your philanthropic acumen by working with a gifted and talented team, in a culture that encourages growth and professional development, DMRF is the place for you. At DMRF, your voice will be heard. We value your knowledge and expertise and will be looking to you to you advise us on the latest and greatest philanthropic best practices. We encourage you to come to our table, ready to share your experience and enthusiasm!
We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity-seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities,
Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, African Nova Scotians, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
DMRF provides competitive compensation, including RRSP, health benefits, and other unique programs to support the health and well-being of your and your family.
Deadline to Apply is Friday, September 10, 2021. Please email your cover letter and resume to Mr. Matthew King, Director, Finance & Operations, Matt.King@dal.ca.