PROGRAM OFFICER (13 MONTH CONTRACT)

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM), and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.

We have an ambitious mandate – to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored, and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Officer is responsible for the administration of Alliance funding agreements awarded as a result of funding calls and institutional agreements. The Program Officer works collaboratively with members of the Alliance team to ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, as well as, the organization’s Contribution Agreement with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

This position supports functional areas in funding administration, including but not limited to, regulatory compliance, funding call preparation and processing, administering adjudication process, award, and acceptance, monitoring Ultimate Recipients contractual obligations through regular reporting, and post-award administration. The Program Officer provides compliance and finance support along with mentoring for staff related to the funding administrative process. The Program Officer is a member of the Corporate Services team and reports to the Director, Program Management and Administration.

This opportunity is a 13-month contract position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide overall technical and administrative leadership for funding calls and institutional agreements.
• Serve as the primary contact for applicants, awardees, academic institutions, scientific experts, and researchers regarding Funding Agreements and Institutional Agreements.
• Manage and oversee the full lifecycle of a funding call, from development and launch through pre-award to post-award phases.
• Oversee the adjudication process, forecasting the level of need for reviewers, preparing information for committees including analysis of reviewer scores, chairing merit-review evaluation committees, and writing the merit-review committee report for each adjudication stage.
• Manage multiple funding application deadlines, including the deadline to submit applications and post-award reporting.
• Assist funding applicants throughout the application submission process.
• Ensure that all financial and program management reporting complies with the Alliance’s Contribution Agreement and financial management regulations.
• Oversee if the funding is implemented in accordance with the operational and financial needs of the organization.
• Develop annual fiscal year budgets with the Director, Program Management and Administration, and design and implement funding budget and forecasting systems.
• Provide detailed reports to the Director, Program Management and Administration to update funders and Board of Directors on the organization’s progress.
• Work with Finance to ensure funding compliance, budget, and award payments are accurate and timely.
• Analyze budget trends and make recommendations for cost control and reduction for various funding calls to optimize the funding administration process.
• Identify, design, and deliver outreach sessions that help improve funding application preparation and writing.
• Facilitate collaborative agreements between institutions to establish close working relationships and to advise them of long-term project goals.
• Prepare and analyze funding reports, maintain metrics for annual reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Administer and maintain funding information in grant management platforms to support application intake, adjudication workflows, award administration, and reporting.
• Maintain records, files and documentation at a high standard.
• Perform cross-functional and/or other duties, as assigned or requested, consistent with the job classification.
• Represent the Alliance programs department, delivering presentations at meetings and events.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new business processes that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
• Provide program administration training to newly hired program employees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge normally associated with an undergraduate degree, preferably in Finance, Business Administration, or another relevant field.
• Minimum five to seven years of progressive experience or knowledge in effective grant-making and funding of research and/or submitting funding applications.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft 365 and related collaboration tools (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint), comfortable working with technology systems, e-signature tools, and paperless workflows.
• Experience using online grant management platforms for creating program workflows, maintaining accurate funding records in support of funding calls, adjudication, and post-award administration
• Ability to apply effective project management techniques and utilize program design, delivery and post-award compliance best practices.
• Knowledge of funding sources, educational institutions, policies and procedures and best practices in the delivery of funding.
• Strong skills in designing, writing, and editing complex funding documents including calls for proposals and reporting requirements.
• Ability to read, comprehend, interpret, and apply government regulations and proposal guidelines.
• Projects a professional demeanor in explaining policies and procedures/rules and regulations in a clear and non-threatening manner.
• Resourceful self-starter with a proven ability to perform under tight deadlines, facilitate, and coordinate working groups while working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in both of Canada’s two official languages is an asset.

The Alliance is strongly committed to equity and inclusion within the community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people.

The expected salary range for this position for candidates residing in Canada is between $78,660 CAD - $117,990 CAD. Placement within this range will be determined based on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, demonstrated performance, and overall alignment with the requirements of the role. The range reflects the Alliance’s commitment to equitable pay practices and to ensuring fair compensation for all employees.

Please apply here: Careers at the Alliance!