Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 35
Salary Grade: 15
Please note, this is a 2-year, temporary full-time contract opportunity. Secondments are welcome.
About Western
With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.
About Us
The Faculty of Science’s mission is to be a cornerstone of society’s development through the education of students, the creation and dissemination of knowledge, innovative partnerships with industry, government, and other educational institutions in the global community.
Responsibilities
The Research & Development Officer (R&DO) is responsible for enhancing the overall research success and productivity within the Faculty of Science in collaboration with the Associate Dean, Research and Director of Development. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to raise research and philanthropic dollars to support research in the Faculty of Science. The incumbent supports the mandate of the Faculty and Alumni Relations & Development by interacting with alumni who have a strong affiliation with the Faculty and Western, and with industry partners, corporations, foundations, and friends, with interests closely aligned with that of the Faculty’s mission and goals to develop industrial partnerships. The R&DO directly assists with increasing research funding through identifying opportunities for interdisciplinary research collaborations between faculty members and various partners, and in communicating relevant information to faculty and by providing strategic direction and support in grant writing. The R&DO identifies and establishes new, and maintains existing, relationships with key partners in order to market and promote the Faculty of Science’s research, ensuring connections are established with relevant faculty members and research collaborations are emerging. The incumbent implements strategies to support researchers related to industrial interactions and in support of Research Services agreements, making relevant connections and the acquisition of funding, and providing related expertise to faculty regarding internal and external grant processes.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor of Science degree or relevant University degree
- Master’s Degree in a Science related discipline is preferred
Experience:
- 5 years' experience working in a research, fundraising or other revenue generating role
- Experience working in an academic research or fundraising environment with faculty, researchers, and industry partners
- Experience identifying, developing and maintaining relationships and partnerships with industry, donors, and alumni
Preferred:
- Experience preparing and writing research grants and/or funding proposals would be an asset
- Experience working in a science-related faculty (Science, Engineering, Medicine, etc.) with exposure to grant-funded multi-disciplinary research projects or fundraising
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of relevant industry/external partners with an ability to match their needs with the research areas of faculty from various programs
- In-depth knowledge of the best practices for reviewing grant proposals and of Canadian peer-review granting systems, processes and procedures
- Familiarity with intellectual property management, including copyrights and patents
- Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
- Ability to research new avenues of funding from federal granting agencies, industry, alumni and other funding sources
- Ability to effectively lead a fundraising or revenue-generating campaign and achieve targets
- Ability to source leads, cold call and use other methods to connect with industry/external partners
- Ability to assess clients’ needs, suggest options, overcome objections, and move forward with partnerships
- Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
- Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
- Attention to detail and proofreading abilities with an excellent command of the English language
- Oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on proposal development and with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports, translate information into easily understood terms, summarize information and provide a rationale for action
- Ability to understand researchers needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
- A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
- Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with associates and colleagues including senior management
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the Faculty and University's events and activities
- Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals in order to achieve desired outcomes
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to complete spreadsheet design and database management and to develop grants, reports and presentations
- Ability to understand, interpret and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders
- Ability to evaluate issues, recognize potential problems and take action to proactively resolve issues
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
- Familiarity with Western Policies and Procedures relating to research preferred
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.
Please Note:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be acknowledged.