About US

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 150 full- and part-time degrees, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields – while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Accessibility and Accommodations

RRC Polytech is committed to accessible employment and to ensuring that our hiring processes are barrier free. If you require information in an alternate format, or if you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact peopleservices@rrc.ca.

Director, Office of Applied Research Services (Term Full-Time)

Research Partnerships & Innovation

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Term Position Available (anticipated September 28, 2026 up to March 31, 2030)

POSITION LOCATION: Notre Dame Campus (Winnipeg, MB), Hybrid**

** RRC Polytech reserves the right to modify work arrangements in alignment with operational and organizational needs.

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union

For the purposes of this job posting, internal applicants and applicants from MITT will be given preference over external applicants.

At RRC Polytech we aspire to have a workforce that is representative of the diversity within our communities. For this hiring process, a preference hiring practice will be applied. Consideration will be given to applicants who self-identify within their application as one or more of the following equity-deserving group(s): Women, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Racialized Persons, Persons of the 2SLGBTQlA+ Community. For more information about our hiring practices, please visit: www.rrc.ca/hr/work/hiring-process/.

Employment support is available to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) seeking employment at Red River College Polytechnic. For guidance on the application process, interview preparation, or to discuss accommodation needs, applicants are invited to contact our Indigenous Recruitment Consultant at Indigenoustalent@rrc.ca.

TALENT POOL: This competition may be used to establish a 12-month talent pool of qualified candidates for future vacancies. Even if you do not meet all of the listed qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Office of Applied Research Services (OARS) supports and oversees all aspects of applied research administration at RRC Polytech, guiding proposal development, grant submissions, research operations, and compliance with institutional and funding‑agency requirements. The team provides expertise in funding programs, research policies, ethics, data management, security, and partnership development, while also coordinating facilities planning, staffing support, and reporting of research metrics. OARS serves as a central hub connecting researchers, students, industry, and community partners, offering strategic advice, operational support, and resources that enable high‑quality, impactful applied research across the institution.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Director, Office of Applied Research Services (OARS) leads all aspects of research administration across RRC Polytech and research operations under the Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) division. This includes overseeing all pre-award grants facilitation and proposal review and submission services, post-award research accounting, compliance (e.g.,TAGFA), research security, and data management. The Director ensures that the institution is effectively supporting applied research, facilitating large-scale funding opportunities, and meeting all regulatory and financial requirements for research operations and administration. The Director leads the OARS office in supporting the research community, ensuring the efficient processes, and enhancing the sustainability of research partnerships and funding models.

The Director will report to the Executive Director, RPI, and enhance business models, provide strategic advice on sustainability, and support the tracking and reporting of research metrics and impacts through sound metrics and performance analysis. In addition to ensuring the operational efficiency of the OARS office, the Director is responsible for overseeing the administration of large, cross-institutional programs and will work in collaboration with the Executive Director, RPI to steer the negotiation and development of large grants and partnerships, such as regional development agency grants, CFI, technology access center proposals and institutional funding proposals to Tri council and other funders. This role oversees a team comprised of 2-3 Program Managers, (one is Research Grants Officer), two Operations Managers (Finance and HR & Admin), and an Industry Liaison Manager.

This role is critical for fostering RRC’s growth in securing federal, provincial, and industry funding, and the Director’s office will act as the primary liaison to all stakeholders in the research landscape. The Director ensures that the Office of Applied Research Services is aligned with the strategic goals of RRC Polytech and RPI’s Research Plan and maximizes opportunities for researchers and research centers.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

Doctoral degree or equivalent graduate education in Business Administration, Science or a related field. A combination of education and experience may be considered Extensive experience in research management, particularly in pre- and post-award administration, including grant preparation, negotiation, and post-award financial management Proven experience negotiating and developing large research grants, multi-party partnerships, and industry collaborations Experience in managing large, cross-institutional programs and teams, with a strong understanding of how to oversee complex, multi-year funding arrangements Significant experience in research operations and administration, including leadership roles in academic or research-intensive organizations Demonstrated success in leading and managing diverse teams, budgets, and large-scale research initiatives Strong leadership and staff management experience, with the ability to mentor and guide teams.

Expertise in research compliance, data security, and research ethics

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with a strong ability to work with diverse stakeholders and external partners Must have the ability to act and represent the College in a professional, collegial, collaborative and entrepreneurial manner Experience building a respectful workplace culture that promotes diversity, learning and continuous improvement

WHY WORK WITH US

At RRC Polytech, we believe our people are our greatest assets. We offer supportive, inclusive workplace where you can grow, contribute and thrive.

Salary Range for this position: $124,693 - $166,917 per annum

Generous Paid Vacation: full-time employees accumulate a minimum of 15-days vacation per year, increasing to 30 days with service, while full-time Instructors accumulate 44 days per year. Information on casual and part-time vacation accrual is outlined in the Collective Agreement or the Terms and Conditions for Excluded Employees as applicable December Break: employees receive time off with pay during the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day Defined Benefits Pension Plan: Employer and Employee contributions to future retirement benefits Comprehensive Benefits: Including Health and Group Life insurance, Long Term Disability, employee & family assistance program, mental health support up to $1,000, and a robust Health Care Spending Account Inclusive Leave Programs: Wellness, maternity, adoptive, and parental leave, as well as ceremonial, cultural, religious and spiritual leave Growth and Recognition: Professional development, professional licensing and fees coverage, and severance pay on retirement

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada This position may be required to work evenings and/or weekends This position may be required to work overtime This position may be required to travel

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.