This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has an initial appointment of one year with a possibility to renew.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Centre Director, the Centre Program Manager provides strategic, operational, and partnership leadership to support the effective functioning, growth, and outreach of the Centre. They also coordinate significant funding efforts with industrial, provincial and federal funding agencies.

The Centre Program Manager is directly engaged in activities that foster positive relationships with the research community that result in increased awareness of and engagement with the centre, investment in research in the targeted areas of energy and contribution to the overall research goals of the centre and the university. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape major research initiatives and partnerships that advance innovation in energy and mineral processing.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

Management of the Centre

• Provides strategic advice to the centre director to establish CEMP as the leader in public engagement in clean energy, net-zero transition, etc., by organizing visiting speakers, hosting industrial leaders and other centre events.
• Collaborates with Dean, Faculty of Engineering, VPR and VPIE to promote and facilitate clean energy and related research within the University.
• Provides strategic advice to the centre director, Dean, OVPR and OVPIE on research projects and initiatives related to clean energy and mineral processing topics.
• Works with the university researchers and principal investigators to identify industrial sources of funding and research collaborations.
• Provides leadership for large strategic multi-disciplinary, cross-university and cross-institution collaborations for funding proposals to provincial and federal agencies.
• Leads the liaison with existing industry partners and attracts and cultivates new partners to secure large projects and endowments to grow the centre, provincially, nationally and internationally and across a variety of sectors, community groups, government, etc.
• Evaluates scenarios to position the centre to benefit from emerging opportunities.
• Builds and maintains relationships with external and internal networks and partners, including collaborators, funding agencies, suppliers, etc.
• Develops strategic plans and operational procedures for the centre.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Coordinates and manages the operations of the Centre, ensuring alignment with the Centre Director’s strategic direction and effective implementation of programs, administrative processes, and financial activities.
• Creates policies, processes, procedures and tools to support the achievement of the Centre's goals.
• Designs and implements solutions to operational challenges. Makes continuous improvements to services, programs, or operations to increase performance and deliver results
• Evaluates, develops, and, where necessary, transforms business processes to ensure operational and financial efficiencies.
• Leads the administration of research projects funded by the Centre.
• Oversees project evaluation and closure activities.
• Ensures the proper application of University of Alberta Policy and Procedures within the areas (e.g. research administration, risk management, etc.)

Financial and Budgetary Responsibilities

• Oversees the financial management of the centre, working collaboratively with finance partners, including managing spending allocations from endowments.
• Provides financial oversight and control of research program funds to ensure optimum use of financial resources.
• Leads the administration of large grants, e.g., Mitacs Umbrella or ERA’s Lab Services Incentive Program, in collaboration with the OVPR, e.g. coordinates scientific peer-review and project stewardship.
• Works collaboratively with the principal investigators to develop short-term and long-term plans.
• Works with the principal investigators to determine resources (fiscal and human) required for various research projects and makes recommendations regarding resource allocation.
• Works with the Finance Partner assigned to the area to monitor, analyze, forecast and report on financial position.
• Explores possible funding/grant opportunities. Identifies fundraising opportunities. Prepares and submits funding/grant applications.
• Contributes to the compilation of grant applications, scientific and financial reports and ensures timelines/deliverables are met.

Communications

• Prepares Centre and program reports, briefing materials, and documentation, and works collaboratively with the Marketing and Communications team to disseminate them to appropriate audiences.
• Acts as communications liaison in conjunction with a Communications partner or the Faculty/VP offices into which they report, for internal and external communications, including updating research proposals, communicating with external stakeholders.

People Management

• Oversees hiring, performance reviews, and other key aspects of team management.

• Provides direction and guidance to research associates working at the centre, as needed.

• Establishes clear performance expectations, regularly evaluates progress, and recognizes achievements. Takes proactive steps to address performance challenges.

• Fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives and contributions are valued and celebrated. Removes barriers to success and motivates the team to achieve their goals.

• Master’s or doctoral degree in engineering, natural sciences, applied sciences, or a related field relevant to energy or resource systems.

• 5-10 years of leadership experience in engineering, technology development, technology administration, translational research, and research funding bodies.

• Demonstrated strategic planning and stakeholder engagement experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, intuitive and empathetic listening skills and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience interacting with industry partners or senior external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in working in/with provincial and federal government funding agencies and programs is preferred.

• Experience in leading large research and innovation proposals is preferred.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume in ONE PDF document.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $92,312 - $126,931.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of 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 FirstPeoples 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 over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 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.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.