Director, Research Grants and Training Programs, Research Services
About the role
The Research Services Office under the VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Director, Research Grants and Training Programs.
Reporting to the Senior Director of the Research Services Office (RSO) this role is an essential member of the RSO Leadership team. This office is a key catalyst in providing end-to-end seamless support to research endeavors undertaken by the University. The team of Directors overseeing RSO provide senior level strategic planning advice for effective research support, visionary leadership, management of effective communication both within the office and externally (researchers, funding partners, senior administration) and directing day-to-day office operations.
The Director, Research Grants and Training Programs position interacts directly and regularly with the Office of the Vice-President (Research) on numerous issues relating to the institutional research portfolio. The incumbent exercises sound judgment and decision making in the implementation of high-impact programs and services involving researchers (including faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students), senior research administration, departments, faculties and other institutional administrative units.
Within RSO, the Research Grants and Trainees Division includes two teams: External Grants; and Postdoctoral Office and Internal Grants. The External Grants team focuses on assisting and advising researchers applying for funding from the Tri-Agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other provincial and federal government sources, non-profit organizations, and similar international organizations, including U.S. Government agencies and Horizon Europe. The Postdoctoral Office and Internal Grants team provides various services to support postdoctoral scholars and supervisors, including coordination of the postdoctoral appointment process, providing professional development workshops, and supporting external fellowship applications.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Oversees the institutional review of all external grant applications, internal grant applications, and postdoctoral fellowship applications on behalf of the University of Calgary, ensuring all University and funding agency requirements have been met.
- Oversees grant application development services for high-profile, complex, and strategically important funding programs, in collaboration with the Director, Institutional Programs and Senior Director, UCalgary International.
- Oversees ongoing compliance with funding agency and University requirements, in collaboration with the Director, Research Security, Ethics, and Compliance, various University Finance teams and the relevant Legal teams.
- Facilitates the research process by overseeing programs and processes that provide expert advice, assistance and information to faculty members and postdoctoral scholars in order to stimulate research funding.
- Oversees Postdoctoral Office programming, services, and operations, in conjunction with the Associate Vice-President (Research) and Academic Director, Postdoctoral Program.
- Oversees high profile intramural research grant programs, including the VPR Catalyst Grants and Margaret Gunn Endowment for Animal Research programs.
- Oversees high profile trainee funding programs administered at UCalgary.
- Oversees budgeting and allocation of funds from institutional block grants from external funding agencies, as well as internal projects, which support various intramural research grant, postdoctoral fellowship, and summer studentship programs.
- Provides an innovative and proactive approach to service delivery.
- Develops and maintains communication strategies and information programs to aggressively promote research funding opportunities as well as RSO services for research-related activities.
- Explores and integrates innovative approaches to increase and maximize the University's participation in research funding opportunities in order to achieve the goals of the University's strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow, and its Research and Innovation Implementation Plan.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- University degree (or very significant experience) with several years progressively responsible experience in a senior administrative role, preferably in an academic environment (or a combination of related experience and training).
- Ability to operate within a complex, multi-faceted and highly centralized work environment and to work independently and yet participate as a strong team player.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of University policies and procedures.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the federal granting agencies‿ programs, policies, and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of key foreign research funding agencies and programs and their unique features.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills as well as advanced written and oral communication skills.
- Strong leadership capabilities with a demonstrated ability to set a clear vision, achieve results, and to lead and motivate others.
- Strong commitment to achieving high quality results and personal excellence.
- Superior interpersonal skills, flexibility, tact, and perseverance.
- The ability to build and maintain collaborative working relations both internal and external to the institution.
- Capacity to adjust the work schedule to meet multiple demands and pressures, and a demonstrated ability to provide a consistently high level of service.
Application Deadline: November 12, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in theManagement Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca ).
_Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. _
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
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University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4
CANADA
Copyright © 2025
The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 & 6).
The University of Calgary is situated on land Northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. On this land and in this place we strive to learn together, walk together, and grow together "in a good way."
About University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’
Director, Research Grants and Training Programs, Research Services
About the role
The Research Services Office under the VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Director, Research Grants and Training Programs.
Reporting to the Senior Director of the Research Services Office (RSO) this role is an essential member of the RSO Leadership team. This office is a key catalyst in providing end-to-end seamless support to research endeavors undertaken by the University. The team of Directors overseeing RSO provide senior level strategic planning advice for effective research support, visionary leadership, management of effective communication both within the office and externally (researchers, funding partners, senior administration) and directing day-to-day office operations.
The Director, Research Grants and Training Programs position interacts directly and regularly with the Office of the Vice-President (Research) on numerous issues relating to the institutional research portfolio. The incumbent exercises sound judgment and decision making in the implementation of high-impact programs and services involving researchers (including faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students), senior research administration, departments, faculties and other institutional administrative units.
Within RSO, the Research Grants and Trainees Division includes two teams: External Grants; and Postdoctoral Office and Internal Grants. The External Grants team focuses on assisting and advising researchers applying for funding from the Tri-Agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other provincial and federal government sources, non-profit organizations, and similar international organizations, including U.S. Government agencies and Horizon Europe. The Postdoctoral Office and Internal Grants team provides various services to support postdoctoral scholars and supervisors, including coordination of the postdoctoral appointment process, providing professional development workshops, and supporting external fellowship applications.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Oversees the institutional review of all external grant applications, internal grant applications, and postdoctoral fellowship applications on behalf of the University of Calgary, ensuring all University and funding agency requirements have been met.
- Oversees grant application development services for high-profile, complex, and strategically important funding programs, in collaboration with the Director, Institutional Programs and Senior Director, UCalgary International.
- Oversees ongoing compliance with funding agency and University requirements, in collaboration with the Director, Research Security, Ethics, and Compliance, various University Finance teams and the relevant Legal teams.
- Facilitates the research process by overseeing programs and processes that provide expert advice, assistance and information to faculty members and postdoctoral scholars in order to stimulate research funding.
- Oversees Postdoctoral Office programming, services, and operations, in conjunction with the Associate Vice-President (Research) and Academic Director, Postdoctoral Program.
- Oversees high profile intramural research grant programs, including the VPR Catalyst Grants and Margaret Gunn Endowment for Animal Research programs.
- Oversees high profile trainee funding programs administered at UCalgary.
- Oversees budgeting and allocation of funds from institutional block grants from external funding agencies, as well as internal projects, which support various intramural research grant, postdoctoral fellowship, and summer studentship programs.
- Provides an innovative and proactive approach to service delivery.
- Develops and maintains communication strategies and information programs to aggressively promote research funding opportunities as well as RSO services for research-related activities.
- Explores and integrates innovative approaches to increase and maximize the University's participation in research funding opportunities in order to achieve the goals of the University's strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow, and its Research and Innovation Implementation Plan.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- University degree (or very significant experience) with several years progressively responsible experience in a senior administrative role, preferably in an academic environment (or a combination of related experience and training).
- Ability to operate within a complex, multi-faceted and highly centralized work environment and to work independently and yet participate as a strong team player.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of University policies and procedures.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the federal granting agencies‿ programs, policies, and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of key foreign research funding agencies and programs and their unique features.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills as well as advanced written and oral communication skills.
- Strong leadership capabilities with a demonstrated ability to set a clear vision, achieve results, and to lead and motivate others.
- Strong commitment to achieving high quality results and personal excellence.
- Superior interpersonal skills, flexibility, tact, and perseverance.
- The ability to build and maintain collaborative working relations both internal and external to the institution.
- Capacity to adjust the work schedule to meet multiple demands and pressures, and a demonstrated ability to provide a consistently high level of service.
Application Deadline: November 12, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in theManagement Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca ).
_Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. _
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
Share: [__Share with Email](mailto:?body=Director%2C%20Research%20Grants%20and%20Training%20Programs%2C%20Research%20Services%20in%20Calgary%2C%20AB%2C%20Canada:%0D%0A %0D%0A https%3A%2F%2Fcareers.ucalgary.ca%2Fjobs%2F16973648-director-research-grants-and-training-programs-research-services%3Freferral_source%3Demail) __Share on Twitter share to twitter __Share on Facebook share to facebook __Share on LinkedIn share to linkedin
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University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4
CANADA
Copyright © 2025
The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 & 6).
The University of Calgary is situated on land Northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. On this land and in this place we strive to learn together, walk together, and grow together "in a good way."
About University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’