Reporting to the Director, Research Services, the Research Grants Development Officer (RGDO) facilitates, guides and supports the development of competitive, high quality research proposals at both the divisional and institutional level. The RGDO is responsible for identifying, promoting and managing high value/impact research opportunities to TRU faculty members, assisting them with grant development. The Officer is responsible for increasing the number and dollar value of successful funding opportunities year over year and for providing expert advice and guidance to faculty in the completion of research applications. This role involves networking and liaison with external research funders including federal and provincial granting agencies, research foundations, and private organizations, as well as with current and potential research partners. Working in a multi-tasking, team environment, the RGDO is responsible for research prospecting; funder cultivation, engagement and solicitation; pre- and post- award support; liaison with researchers and department staff in identification and communication of new funding opportunities; proposal and report editing; grant stewardship; liaison with TRU Finance division with respect to research grants administration; maintaining the grant reporting calendar for Office of Research Services; working with, and generating reports from the Research Project Management database; and assistance in the production of research reports, results letters and other documentation as required.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Pre-Award
- Identify, analyze and assess funding opportunities for revenue and success potential. Promote and advertise best value opportunities to faculty in all research disciplines.
- Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of funding opportunities and requirements, and be able to match opportunities to faculty members' strengths and areas of expertise.
- Assist and advise researchers and/or research teams in the preparation and submission of research proposals.
- Assist and advise researchers and/or research teams in navigating internal application processes and policies.
- Identify and contact potential international partners, initiate and set up meetings among faculty and with potential partners to develop joint grant applications and research partnerships.
- Review and interpret feedback regarding unsuccessful grants with researchers to assist in strengthening future funding applications.
- Report to Director, Research Services and Vice President Research on competition results and success rates.
- Assist Director, Research Services in the development and administration of large institutional applications when required (CFI, CRC, etc).
- Prepare communications on funding decisions for researchers, deans, finance, Communications Officer, and other appropriate departments.
- Monitor and report on faculty research developments with a view to leveraging key areas of activity into research proposals and revenue growth.
- Maintain appropriate grants data and records in paper form and in grants management database.
Post- Award
- Review research expense claims for completion and appropriate signatures and follow up with researcher to clarify when required.
- Review each expense claim to ensure eligibility according to the terms of the relevant funding agreement and budgets, before recommending document for signature.
- Notify finance office when all the Office the Vice-President, Research requirements are met for the release of funds.
- Responds to faculty queries regarding research related policies and procedures.
- Communicates interesting research-related stories to Research Communications Officer for development and dissemination.
- Collaborates with members of The Office of the Vice-President, Research team, as assigned, to advance the priorities of research at TRU.
REPORTS TO
Director, Research Services
