Research and Training Manager, Braiding Knowledges Canada

Competition 1143

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement this position has an approximate appointment until March 31, 2029, with the possibility of extension, and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and annual salary range of $76,135 - $104,709.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton. Hybrid scenario is preferred but will consider other scenarios for the ideal candidate.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of  knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department

Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC) is a not-for-profit corporation established in 2024 with plans to continue the ground-breaking work of the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) and broaden its impact beyond mountain landscapes in Canada. The organization is hosted by the University of Alberta, BKC is supported by a five-year grant from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund Program (2024-2029).

BKC is dedicated to continuing and growing the work of CMN in Reconciliation Through Research, focusing on understanding and monitoring environmental change to inform conservation, restoration, and adaptation strategies. This is all in pursuit of the shared goal: to enhance the well-being of the environment and its people.

BKC is committed to continuing CMN’s efforts to cultivate trusting, authentic, reciprocal relationships and inclusive, decolonizing practices through place-based, community-driven environmental research.

This commitment enables BKC to deliver and mobilize more relevant, representative research, essential for advancing Reconciliation Through Research, training the next generations of leaders, and informing federal policy and practice in Canada

Position 

The Research and Training Manager is responsible for overseeing the research and training programs for Braiding Knowledges Canada under the direction of the Executive Director. This role manages research and training activities of the organization, ensuring programs are implemented as proposed, within approved budgets, comply with regulations, policies and procedures and ensure the organization supports effective and impactful delivery of these programs.

This role involves managing administrative functions related to research and training and collaborating with many different staff, researchers, partners and collaborators. This role works within U of A systems, policies, procedures and requirements.

Duties 

• Strategic Planning and Program Development: Collaborates with the Executive Director and Co-Research Directors to develop and implement short-term and long-term research and training plans, ensuring alignment with BKC's Strategic and Operational Plans.
• Financial and Budget Management: Oversees research and training budgets, collaborates with the Operations Manager to track and report financials, and ensures budget decisions comply with recommendations from the Research Management Committee and approvals from the Board of Directors.
• Research and Training Administration: Leads the administration and reporting of research and training grants, maintains contacts, and ensures timely preparation of materials for governance functions.
• Training Program Support: Manages the coordination and day-to-day operations of BKC’s training programs, supports diverse stakeholders, and develops training communications in collaboration with the Knowledge Mobilization Manager.
• Compliance and Performance Monitoring: Implements processes to ensure compliance and performance expectations, motivates teams, and removes barriers to achieve performance objectives.
• Relationship Building and Fundraising:  Identifies funding opportunities, prepares grant applications, builds relationships with internal and external partners, and supports the organization of research-related events.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in the natural and/or social sciences or a MSc with significant equivalent professional experience.
• 10+ years of experience developing or supporting regional to national research and training programs.
• Experience working in knowledge user sectors, such as Indigenous organizations, industry, government, or the not-for-profit sectors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrates a high level of organization and time management skills with demonstrated project management ability.
• Experience with research administration and reporting including experience with grant applications and other funding proposals
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders and work interculturally.
• Demonstrated financial management, analysis and reporting skills.
• Facilitation, negotiation and problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations involving human resources, financial or other situations.
• Must be able to work with periods of intense activity related to the research calendar, as well as manage tight deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to make responsible decisions, maintain confidentiality, and work well independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite and Google suite
• Alignment to BKC's mission, goals and values and commitment to the BKC's mission and strategic direction.
• Knowledge of and experience with not-for-profit governance and management models and best practices.