Assistant Director, International Research

Date Posted: 04/21/2025
Req ID:42605
Faculty/Division: VP - Research
Department: Research Services Office
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About us:

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possible so that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best - advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

Your opportunity:

The Assistant Director, International Research will advance the University’s mission of global excellence and impact by overseeing both pre- and post-award supports for all research funding awarded by U.S. and international agencies, as well as other priority grants and programs. Leading a team of research development and funding administrators, the Assistant Director will develop plans and implement processes to ensure that University of Toronto researchers are optimally supported in their applications to priority funding competitions around the world Assistant Director, International Research and that the awarded funds are managed to the highest standards of effectiveness, accountability, and compliance.   

Reporting directly to the Director, Research Development but exercising significant independence, the Assistant Director is responsible for the effective delivery of research funding support mechanisms, tools, and services within the University of Toronto community and contributing to institutional growth and success in key funding programs. The incumbent will also work closely with the Office of the Vice-President, International, the Innovations & Partnerships Office (IPO), and divisional academic leaders (e.g. Vice-Deans/Vice-Principals) and research administrators.

The Assistant Director will be a strategic leader in the Research Services Office (RSO), providing insights and analyses, contributing to policies & procedures, and strengthening global institutional relationships. They will plan and oversee the delivery of their team’s administrative supports to facilitate optimal participation and maximum success in a range of sponsored research opportunities through which millions of dollars and strategic partnerships are secured annually, helping to attract and retain world-class faculty members, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Essential Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

University degree; graduate degree preferred or the equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in research administration. Extensive knowledge of and experience in a research-intensive university environment. 
Specific experience with or knowledge of research administration, proposal development, financial administration, and partnership development. Research administration experience may include: agreement drafting and negotiation, ensuring eligibility & compliance with sponsor criteria, promoting funding programs both strategically and broadly, and generating research performance metrics and analyses. Proposal development experience may include: writing/editing proposals, coordinating peer reviews, helping faculty navigate the application process, and delivering training/info sessions on grant writing and application strategies. Financial administration may include: budget preparation, transaction processing, budget management, and financial reporting. Partnership development experience may include: promoting organizational research capabilities to government, industry, or other sectors, building and strengthening relationships with partner organizations, and identifying and recommending new opportunities for external partnerships. Demonstrated experience in direct or indirect people leadership and a record of working collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies with diplomacy, empathy, and tact.

SKILLS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Highly developed staff management and leadership skills. Expert knowledge of both Canadian institutional research administration policies and practices, and the international research funding landscape. Advanced interpersonal, facilitation and mediation skills, as well as the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and discretion. Collaborative, open and creative approach to problem solving and a willingness to address challenging issues. Ability to understand and enable diverse viewpoints and approaches to achieve goals. An innovative and strategic thinker with a broad vision for the role of international research funding and partnerships in achieving institutional research excellence. Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to maintain databases and produce statistical reports/analyses to inform use initiative and good judgment in decision making.
 

Closing Date: 05/05/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried 
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $104,818 - $122,290 -- Broadband Salary Range: $104,818 - $174,698
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial