Program Manager, Centre for Energy and Mineral Processing

Role Overview

• Provides strategic advice to the centre director to establish CEMP as the leader in public engagement in clean energy, net-zero transition, etc., by organizing visiting speakers, hosting industrial leaders and other centre events.
• Collaborates with Dean, Faculty of Engineering, VPR and VPIE to promote and facilitate clean energy and related research within the University.
• Provides strategic advice to the centre director, Dean, OVPR and OVPIE on research projects and initiatives related to clean energy and mineral processing topics.
• Works with the university researchers and principal investigators to identify industrial sources of funding and research collaborations.
• Provides leadership for large strategic multi-disciplinary, cross-university and cross-institution collaborations for funding proposals to provincial and federal agencies.
• Leads the liaison with existing industry partners and attracts and cultivates new partners to secure large projects and endowments to grow the centre, provincially, nationally and internationally and across a variety of sectors, community groups, government, etc.
• Evaluates scenarios to position the centre to benefit from emerging opportunities.
• Builds and maintains relationships with external and internal networks and partners, including collaborators, funding agencies, suppliers, etc.
• Develops strategic plans and operational procedures for the centre.
• Coordinates and manages the operations of the Centre, ensuring alignment with the Centre Director’s strategic direction and effective implementation of programs, administrative processes, and financial activities.
• Creates policies, processes, procedures and tools to support the achievement of the Centre's goals.
• Designs and implements solutions to operational challenges. Makes continuous improvements to services, programs, or operations to increase performance and deliver results
• Evaluates, develops, and, where necessary, transforms business processes to ensure operational and financial efficiencies.
• Leads the administration of research projects funded by the Centre.
• Oversees project evaluation and closure activities.
• Ensures the proper application of University of Alberta Policy and Procedures within the areas (e.g. research administration, risk management, etc.)
• Oversees the financial management of the centre, working collaboratively with finance partners, including managing spending allocations from endowments.
• Provides financial oversight and control of research program funds to ensure optimum use of financial resources.
• Leads the administration of large grants, e.g., Mitacs Umbrella or ERA’s Lab Services Incentive Program, in collaboration with the OVPR, e.g. coordinates scientific peer-review and project stewardship.
• Works collaboratively with the principal investigators to develop short-term and long-term plans.
• Works with the principal investigators to determine resources (fiscal and human) required for various research projects and makes recommendations regarding resource allocation.
• Works with the Finance Partner assigned to the area to monitor, analyze, forecast and report on financial position.
• Explores possible funding/grant opportunities. Identifies fundraising opportunities. Prepares and submits funding/grant applications.
• Contributes to the compilation of grant applications, scientific and financial reports and ensures timelines/deliverables are met.
• Prepares Centre and program reports, briefing materials, and documentation, and works collaboratively with the Marketing and Communications team to disseminate them to appropriate audiences.
• Acts as communications liaison in conjunction with a Communications partner or the Faculty/VP offices into which they report, for internal and external communications, including updating research proposals, communicating with external stakeholders.
• Oversees hiring, performance reviews, and other key aspects of team management.
• Provides direction and guidance to research associates working at the centre, as needed.
• Establishes clear performance expectations, regularly evaluates progress, and recognizes achievements. Takes proactive steps to address performance challenges.
• Fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives and contributions are valued and celebrated. Removes barriers to success and motivates the team to achieve their goals.

Requirements

• Master’s or doctoral degree in engineering, natural sciences, applied sciences, or a related field relevant to energy or resource systems.
• 5-10 years of leadership experience in engineering, technology development, technology administration, translational research, and research funding bodies.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, intuitive and empathetic listening skills and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience interacting with industry partners or senior external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in working in/with provincial and federal government funding agencies and programs is preferred.
• Experience in leading large research and innovation proposals is preferred.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package