Manager, Strategic Operations Grants and Contracts

Halifax, NS
Hybrid
Posted Oct 9, 2026
1 position

$82,887–$111,181 / year

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Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Senior · 5+ years
Minimum education: Master’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Seniority: Mid-Senior level

Job summary

Lead strategic and operational improvements across the Grants and Contracts unit, including planning, performance measurement, and implementation of systems and technologies that improve productivity and service delivery. Oversee research grant applications and advise researchers and university leaders on funding opportunities, application development, agency requirements, and policy compliance.

Job details

Position Details Position Information Position Title Manager, Strategic Operations Grants and Contracts Research Project Department/Unit Research Services Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Posting Number S314-26 Employee Group DPMG Position Type Term Duration of Contract (if applicable) 2 years Employment Type Full Time Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0 Salary $82,887 - $111,181 per annum based on 35 hours per week Classification ADM-07 Provisional Statement About Dalhousie University Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018. Job Summary Dalhousie University, under the leadership of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, administers over $270M annually in research funding. Reporting to the Managing Director, Research Services, the Manager, Strategic Operations Grants and Contracts provides strategic leadership to assess complex processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement solutions that enhance workflows and service delivery to Dalhousie’s research community. Key Responsibilities Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency within the Grants and Contracts unit, and across ORS more broadly. Develop and implement new systems and technologies to enhance productivity and improved delivery of service. Lead the operational planning process, promotion of research funding opportunities available to researchers at Dalhousie, and establish and monitor performance metrics. Oversee the organization, submission and tracking of research grant applications, including individual, multi-researcher and multi-institutional applications. Advise researchers, faculty leaders, and administrators on research funding opportunities, grant development, agency requirements, and research policies. Ensure research applications comply with University and funding agency policies and procedures, liaising with other units within and outside Research and Innovation to support knowledge sharing, integration of processes, and coordination of educational materials and systems for the research community. Note The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines. Required Qualifications Master’s degree with a minimum of five years’ experience in a management or leadership role in a research environment (or an equivalent combination of training and experience). Demonstrated experience leading operational planning for high-performing teams in a complex organizational environment. Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of systems, processes, and technologies to enhance productivity and improved delivery of service. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop new initiatives, and implement process and service improvements. Strong judgment, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with researchers, administrators, and senior leaders. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Assets Knowledge of the research funding environment, including funding programs, funding agencies, research administration practices, and the interpretation and application of research-related policies, is considered an asset. Job Competencies The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular: Self-Awareness & Professionalism Integrity Respect & Inclusion Adaptability Knowledge & Thinking Skills Additional Information Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program. Application Consideration Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture. Diversity Statement Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information. If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here . Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Open Date 10/08/2026 Close Date 10/23/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22187

What you’ll do

Requirements

A master’s degree and at least five years of management or leadership experience in a research environment are required, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Candidates must demonstrate operational planning, systems and process implementation, strategic problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines accurately; research funding knowledge is an asset.