Manager, Research Programs & Partnerships (2 positions)

Position Description The Manager, Research Programs and Partnerships is responsible for strategic development, growth, operational management and successful delivery of George Brown’s research and innovation programs and partnerships. Primarily working within George Brown’s Product Development Institute (PDI), they lead the delivery of the full lifecycle of applied research and related technical research services opportunities, including identifying and cultivating prospective research partners; assessing needs and strategic fit; identify project funding sources; scoping projects; developing budgets and funding proposals; supporting development of contracts and agreements; managing program and project implementation; and monitoring performance, risk, budgets, deliverables, evaluation and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Research Program and Project Management Manage a portfolio of research and innovation programs and projects from initiation through post-project evaluation, including development and implementation of project plans, timelines, budgets, procurement and reporting requirements. Allocate and coordinate resources, including employees, student researchers, equipment and labs/spaces.

Maintain a high level of employee performance by providing effective supervision, coaching and functional leadership to direct reports and multidisciplinary project teams. Partnership and Business Development Identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with prospective and existing industry, community, government, academic, professional and other public and private-sector partners whose work, interests and needs align with George Brown’s research expertise and capacity.

Monitor relevant sector trends, government strategies, funder priorities, innovation-system developments and industry demands to identify new applied research, technical research services, and collaborative program opportunities. Assess and triage prospective opportunities based on strategic alignment, technical capability, available capacity, financial viability, risk, partner readiness, student learning, potential and expected institutional impact.

Proposal Development, Financial Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Identify and evaluate external funding opportunities from federal, provincial, municipal, foundation, industry and other sources, and determine alignment with institutional priorities, eligibility requirements and prospective partner needs.

Support the development of high-quality funding proposals, including preparation of project rationales, objectives, methodologies, workplans, budgets, performance measures, risk assessments, partner contributions and supporting documentation. Other duties as assigned. Educational and Experience Requirements Four-year degree from a recognized post-secondary institute in business or public administration, research administration, project management or a discipline relevant to George Brown’s research and innovation portfolio.

Technical and subject matter expertise that aligns with George Brown’s Product Development Institute areas of focus is a strong asset. This includes advanced manufacturing and prototyping; industrial design and engineering; robotics, automation and mechatronics; artificial intelligence and data science; computer science and software development; materials science; product testing and validation.

Formal education or training in project management, with knowledge of and demonstrable experience applying a variety of project management methodologies and frameworks, such as Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid, Lean and Stage-Gate approaches, with the ability to select and adapt methodologies to support multidisciplinary research, innovation and product-development projects.

A Project Management Professional (PMP) designation or equivalent credential is a strong asset. Training or demonstrated knowledge and experience related to research methodology, research ethics, research integrity, intellectual property, commercialization and/or research administration is an asset. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in applied research, research administration, program or project management, partnership development, business development, innovation services or a closely related environment.

Demonstrated experience identifying and securing externally funded research opportunities and projects, developing successful grant proposals and working with industry, community, academic and government funding organizations. Experience managing multiple complex programs or projects including scopes, workplans, budgets, contracts, timelines, risks, deliverables, procurement, evaluation and funder reporting.

Experience managing teams and supervising employees, including assigning work, coaching performance, resolving issues, and creating a positive team environment. Experience with research methods, research design, policies and requirements governing research in a postsecondary or comparable public sector environment. Relevant sector or industry experience aligned with the assigned research portfolio is an asset.

Skills and Attributes Program management, resource planning, risk management, coordination and organizational skills. Demonstrated business development, partnership development, client relationship management and project scoping skills. Grant writing, proposal development, report writing and editing skills. Strong financial management skills including budget development, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, reconciliation and performance analysis.

Knowledge of federal and provincial research funding programs, funding agency requirements and the broader Canadian and global research and innovation ecosystems. Excellent negotiation, facilitation, conflict resolution, listening and consultation skills. Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to technical and non-technical audiences and represent George Brown at internal and external events.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgement and manage multiple competing deadlines and priorities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail, data quality, documentation and service excellence. Broad leadership skills managing a diverse team of experienced individuals.

Excellent communication, collaboration, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated commitment to uphold the polytechnic’s priorities on equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization (EDII).