Awards and Agreements Officer

Department: Research Operations
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director, Research Support Services, the Awards and Agreements Officer will be accountable for a variety of research administration duties and responsibilities, including:

• Managing a portfolio of sponsored research programs to ensure proactive communication of opportunities and award results and effective coordination of client services for the University of Guelph’s research community;

• Reviewing proposals and applications to external research sponsors, as submitted by researchers (faculty, staff and/or students);

• Advising and working collaboratively with researchers on proposals to improve competitiveness with respect to sponsor guidelines; and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies and accuracy in budget preparation and supporting documentation (i.e. indirect cost rates, eligible costs, letters of support and institutional commitments);

• Submitting approved applications (i.e., approved by University signing authorities) on behalf of the University to sponsors, where applicable;

• Reviewing and negotiating a variety of research agreements, within established University policies and communicated parameters, with sponsors and other collaborators/stakeholders to ensure the expected, desired, or acceptable terms for the University are achieved, including, but not limited to: federal and provincial government; industry; not-for-profit and charitable organizations; other universities and post-secondary institutions; and/or international agencies;

• Informing relevant parties of agreement terms and risks that are identified, discussing risk mitigation strategies with senior staff, as applicable;

• Obtaining signatures and approvals of University signing authorities on legally binding documents;

• Verifying the status of certifications (e.g. animal care, human ethics), researcher eligibility, and other required checks at appropriate milestones to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements;

• Approving and setting up research trust fund accounts;

• Coordinating workshops, meetings and events for researchers and internal and external stakeholders;

• Preparing Research Alerts for publication to inform UG research community about funding opportunities and program guidelines;

• Communicating award notifications and other pertinent notices to researchers;

• Engaging in regular consultation with a variety of university and external stakeholders;

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date digital and hard copy records and following document retention,

• Upholding confidentiality and security procedures;

• Participating in the development, testing and implementation of information technology (IT) database and enterprise solutions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);

• Employing project management and client service skills to ensure timely delivery of the above services.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant area combined with three (3) years’ relevant experience including experience in research administration, agreement review and negotiation, and risk identification and assessment;

• Demonstrated skill and ability in reviewing budgets;

• Understanding of relevant legal terms and concepts; a law clerk designation and/or Certificate in Research Administration is considered an asset.

• Knowledgeable in general office procedures and have strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Office365, MS Word, MS Excel, as well as executing Internet searches;

• Familiarity with academic research policies and financial and administrative policies would be considered an asset;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion and wellness in the workplace;

• Strong project management and organizational skills;

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction;

• Ability to deal with conflict and manage stressful situations with tact, diplomacy, and discretion;

• Strong client focus orientation and demonstrated skill and ability in building relationships;

• Attention to detail, analytical and decision-making skills and a high level of initiative.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10545006
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 7
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 10/29/2024
Closing Date: 11/05/2024