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.