Research Activities Officer

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Job Summary

A Brief Overview

Reporting to the Director, Graduate Programs and Research Office, the Research Activities Officer (RAO) will act as a senior liaison between the Research Office, the Smith School of Business faculty, and external Queen's groups in the planning, execution, and promotion of research marketing and communications initiatives. The RAO will provide advice and resources to faculty members to aid in the submission of successful applications for internal and external research funding, and will develop strategies to increase participation and success rates. The RAO will work closely designated individuals in the VPR, to prepare various tri-agency grants, stay apprised to new funding opportunities and identify eligible funding opportunities for research centres and initiatives at Smith. , The incumbent will plan workshops and events to showcase research successes at the Smith School of Business, highlight faculty publications, and position Smith faculty as thought leaders in Canada. The Research Activities Officer will be responsible for coordinating the nomination process for major national and international research prizes and awards. The RAO will establish a close working relationship with Smith faculty members to submit grants, award, and prize applications. A Master's or Graduate degree is considered a strong asset.

This position provides expertise to identify appropriate funding opportunities, and develops proposals for a variety of application opportunities. This position guides researchers through the process of drafting and editing proposals and applications. This position prepares a variety of communications including press releases, reports, briefing notes, presentations, success stories, and/or speaking notes. This position also acts as the administrative liaison for researchers with external funding agencies and research services.

Job Description

What you will do

• Provides expertise to identify appropriate funding opportunities, and develops proposals for a variety of application opportunities.


• Guides researchers through the process of drafting and editing proposals and applications.


• Maintains a database of grant information including successful applications, research strengths, and potential future candidates for funding.


• Prepares a variety of communications including press releases, reports, briefing notes, presentations, success stories, and/or speaking notes.


• Updates content on department website.


• Coordinates research promotion activities such as recognition events, writing retreats, public lectures, and outreach activities.


• Acts as the administrative liaison for researchers with external funding agencies and research services.


• Designs and implements strategies for external networking opportunities.


• Coordinates the nomination submissions for national and international research prizes and awards.


• Other duties as required in support of the department and/or unit.

• Four-Year Bachelor Degree or equivalent. In addition, requires trade certification, qualification, or on-going learning to remain ahead of changes in technology or emerging fields.

• More than 3 years and up to and including 5 years of experience.

• Knowledge of concepts and principles in a specialist field that is typically acquired through a combination of advanced professional or academic qualifications and/or substantial work experience.


• Provide effective consultation and advice on non-straightforward and/or complex issues.


• Interaction with others requires interpersonal skills and the ability to understand and influence.


• Adapt messages to meet the different needs of different audiences.


• Builds relationships, trust and credibility.
• Prioritize and distribute work to deliver objectives on time and to the highest standard.


• Identify in advance when the intended results may not be achieved and develops a plan to address the gaps.


• Actively participate in project team meetings and develop individual and unit project plans.


• Lead procedural or technological change within a unit.


• Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work processes.


• Seek information and input to fully understand the cause of problems.


• Appropriately assesses risks before making a decision.


• Contribute to the creation and evaluation of possible solutions.


• Take action to remove obstacles and address problems before they impact performance and results.


• Apply equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion and Indigenization considerations to decision making and planning.


• Promote a work environment that is free from sexual violence, harassment and discrimination, and the ability to show empathy for those who have experienced trauma.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at [email protected].