Vice-President(Research & International)
Date posted: June 19, 2026
Advertised until: July 10, 2026
Work schedule:
[1006] Academic - Derived Schedule
Expected Start Date
July 27, 2026
For more information please contact: Allison Stephen, Director, Office of the Vice-President (Research and International) - [email protected]
The Major Projects Office (MPO) invites applications for a full-time Project Development Lead, commencing July 27, 2026, or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Reporting to the Director, Major Projects Office within the portfolio of the Vice-President (Research and International) (VPRI), the Project Development Lead is responsible for the ideation, facilitation, and preparation of major project proposals, which are the largest and most complex funding proposals that the institution undertakes. (e.g., Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs, CFREF, NFRF, Transformation and international, and Horizon Europe applications). The Project Development Lead will collaborate with diverse teams of faculty members from within the university, other academic institutions, and external public and private sector partners in the preparation of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary funding proposals that foster strategic partnerships and have a large institutional and global impact.
Responsibilities include:
- Working with professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences; leverages their knowledge and experience, and brings together the full range (i.e., ideation to completion) of research facilitation activities in the preparation of major project funding proposals.
- Plans and implements the development of large-scale collaborative research applications involving researchers across the university, granting agencies, and departments within the Office of the Vice-President (Research and International) (VPRIO).
- Where applicable, contributes to project concept development, strengthens project positioning, identifies research synergies and potential external partnerships; builds strategic teams of researchers.
- Coordinates the planning, preparation, and execution of the proposals in consultation with the Project team (Directors in the Office of Research Services and Knowledge Mobilization, and Research EDIA Advisor) to ensure completeness and cohesiveness of the funding proposals.
- Provides grant development, writing, and editing support to maximize university participation and success in major research funding programs.
- Ensures a timely, high quality, and complete submission of qualified proposals, in coordination of the Project team.
- Stays current on relevant funding opportunities and eligibility requirements in coordination with the project team.
- Contributes towards the promotion and enhancement of the University’s leadership profile in research, knowledge mobilization, and innovation.
- Plans and facilitates the delivery of programs (e.g., developing trans-, and interdisciplinary projects, information sessions) regarding large, high-value funding projects.
The successful candidate will have a PhD in natural sciences (natural resources, environment, chemistry), and at least 7 years of related experience in research development and/or administration at a Canadian university, funding agency, or research-intensive, non-academic/industry association, or agency. The successful candidate will also have experience in developing bold visions, new research concepts, overseeing and guiding the development of interdisciplinary research, institutional research grants, proposal writing, and research facilitation services.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Superior verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent strategic and project management skills.
- Demonstrated experience writing/editing and proofreading technical materials.
- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with groups and individuals such as senior-level academics, researchers, administrators, and external partners.
- A team player.
- High degree of tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to think critically and troubleshoot complex problems.
- Strong time management skills, organizational skills, and flexibility to effectively prioritize and ensure completion of assigned work and change priorities as the need arises.
- Ability to give both academic-focused and external-focused presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Sound knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, internet applications, and database of complex information systems.
We particularly invite application from those who can support and enhance our diversity, including Indigenous peoples, women, racially marginalized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of marginalized sexualities and genders, and those committed to a diverse environment.
The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.
Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.
Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. This is an in-person position located at the Fort Garry campus.
The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.
Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.
The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.
