Vice-President(Research & International)
Date posted: June 16, 2026
Advertised until: July 07, 2026
Work schedule:
[1006] Academic - Derived Schedule
Expected Start Date
July 27, 2026
For more information please contact: Allison Stephen, Director, Office of the Vice-President (Research and International) - [email protected]
Project Development Facilitator
Position #: 35658
Salary range: $75,000-$100,000
The Major Projects Office (MPO) invites applications for a full-time Project Development Facilitator, commencing July 27, 2026, or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Reporting to the Director, Major Projects Office within the portfolio of the Vice-President (Research and International) Office (VPRIO), the Project Development Facilitator is primarily responsible for (i) the non-technical aspects including planning, coordinating, facilitating, and leading to complete, UM-compliant, and high quality submission of major project proposals for diverse funders, and (ii) supporting administrative activities for the smooth functioning of the unit.
Responsibilities include:
Funding Opportunity Development & Research Support - 50%
- In consultation with MPO subject matter leads, seeks out and identifies suitable funding opportunities and organizes, and shares them in a timely manner to the UM research community.
- Develops realistic, outcomes-focused pathways to encourage UM researchers to consider new funding sources and implements plans to realize opportunities
- Collaborates with VPRIO EDIA Advisor and ensures that research proposals receive adequate and consistent input
- Coordinates with appropriate institutional units (e.g., Faculty, VPRIO), assembles, and readies required components for the final complete, high quality application package.
- Continuously seeks out ways to improve MPO support to the research community. Liaises with VPRIO units and Post-Award managers to provide support for institutional compliance-related components (e.g., Human Research Ethics, VPRI Finance)
- Develop new research projects in their field of expertise.
Systems, Tools & Process Improvement - 30%
- Seeks out ways including software solutions to share new information in an attractive and easily accessible manner and facilitates the implementation
- Pilots and implements improvements for the smooth functioning of the support system (e.g., presentations for new funding calls)
- With support from the appropriate VPRIO, and academic units, gathers institutional information and populates external funder templates (e.g., budget, application forms) to support UM applicants
- Collaborates with the appropriate VPRIO lead and ensures that the team’s software and hardware needs are met
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement - 10%
- Manages MPO email accounts used for interactions with the UM research community for ongoing and specific project-related activities.
- Engages with and manages communications and interactions with funding agencies, consultants as needed.
Program Coordination & Operational Support - 10%
- Ensures that the external facing and internal MPO information is current, accurate, and clear
- Provides support for newly funded MPO projects, and for ongoing post-award projects related to institutional obligations, as needed
- Supports planning and logistics for events and activities for MPO-led initiatives
- Other responsibilities and duties as needed.
The Major Projects Office (MPO) is a unit of the Vice President Research and International whose mandate is to collaborate with researchers and partners, and ideate, develop, and/or support the development of competitive, strategic and innovative, large-scale, inter and multidisciplinary research projects that address significant global, national, and regional issues or lead to realizable opportunities. It is comprised of a Director, four Grants Facilitators, and two Post-Award Project Coordinators.
The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in any discipline, with a PhD preferred, and a minimum of five years of related experience in research administration, grants facilitation, or funding development at a Canadian university, funding agency, or research intensive, non-academic/industry association, or agency. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated experience in developing new research projects. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Superior verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
- Excellent strategic and project management skills.
- Ability to work in ambiguity and navigating directional changes adeptly.
- Demonstrated experience writing/editing and proofreading materials.
- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with groups and individuals such as senior level academics, researchers, administrators, and external partners.
- A team player.
- High degree of tact and diplomacy, reliability, confidentiality.
- Ability to think critically and troubleshoot complex problems.
- Strong time management skills, organizational skills, and flexibility to effectively prioritize and ensure completion of assigned work and change priorities as the need arises.
- Ability to give both academic-focused and external-focused presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Sound knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, internet applications and database of complex information systems.
- Ease and proficiency with software packages, website development, intranet site updates, use of business software.
We particularly invite application from those who can support and enhance our diversity, including Indigenous peoples, women, racially marginalized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of marginalized sexualities and genders, and those committed to a diverse environment.
Schedule: 40hrs/week, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. This is an in-person position located at the Fort Garry campus.
The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.
Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.
The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.
