Awards Specialist, Faculty of Science

Description

The Faculty of Science is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Awards Specialist for approximately 19 months.

Reporting an Associate Dean in the Faculty of Science, the Awards Specialist provides strategic direction and advice to faculty members, associate deans, department heads, directors, senior faculty administrators and staff regarding the award process. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the process from identifying award candidates using data driven methods to writing, editing and submitting award nominations. They will create program materials for award opportunities, and direct the process for faculty members, associate deans, department heads, directors, senior faculty administrators and staff. Through their work, they will support the development of a growing culture of celebration of accomplishments, achievements, and outstanding teaching, research, innovation, and leadership within the Faculty of Science. The Award Specialist will coordinate, manage and create communication materials, such as news stories, presentation materials, and committee reports for award opportunities as they support and lead diverse committees, focus groups, workshops, task forces, and serve as a faculty leader and resource regarding awards. They work closely with the Research and Administrative Services team to develop and oversee, processes, procedures, and policies for awards and grants. The incumbent will review draft applications for strategic content and editorial revisions, accuracy/compliance of budgetary information and required internal approvals and provide guidance, advice and information to faculty members, associate deans, directors, senior faculty administrators and staff regarding the application and award process.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide strategic direction and advice to faculty members, associate deans, department heads, directors, and senior faculty administrators and staff regarding the award process.
• Design and support Faculty of Science Awards through the clear, transparent and data-driven search, planning and execution of awards in a timely and efficient manner.
• Develop and support a consistent process of accountability of award nominations.
• Increase the pool of nominations to align with the University's Strategic Plans and goals and Increase the number of both nominated and received internal and external awards in the Faculty.
• Coordinate internal (faculty and institutional) as well as national and international awards.
• Work with departmental award and other committees to identify candidates and support them throughout the awards process.
• Meet regularly with faculty and stakeholders to develop broad working knowledge of faculty members activities and achievements.
• Provide writing and editing expertise for awards, letters of support and other documents.
• Guide all manner of support to the faculty in the development of award proposals for submission to ongoing and annual competitions.
• Review draft applications for strategic content and editorial revisions, accuracy/compliance of budgetary information, and required internal approvals.
• Liaise with Research Services Office on award development and reporting.
• Keep abreast of new award opportunities from the University of Calgary, government, private and not-for-profit foundations and industry relevant for members of the faculty.
• Develop processes, procedures, and policies for awards in conjunction with the Research and Administrative Services team (in particular the Research Facilitator, Strategic Partnership Specialist and International Coordinator).
• Deal effectively with complex issues using judgement and initiating solutions,

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years related experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline is required. A combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
• A familiarity with how research excellence and impact can be discussed and measured, and the ability to read, understand, and comment on the presentation of scientific studies and outcomes will be required.
• Demonstrated ability in professional writing and preparing reports for award submissions and annual reports.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies to provide value-added service to the campus community.
• Proven organizational skills, multitasking and high attention to detail required.
• Advanced computer skills including MS Office Suite (including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Ability to manage multiple changing priorities with ease is required.
• Demonstrated awareness and understanding of systemic, unconscious and conscious bias and their impacts on BIPOC and other underrepresented groups in the context of the awards, nominations, and recognition.
• Must demonstrate strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex problems.
• Ability to plan and direct award activities within a team environment.
• Ability to provide support to other members of the team, and related units.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills to draft clear, concise correspondence, as well as respond to enquiries with tact, confidentiality and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently with limited supervision.
• Provide expert and authoritative advice and information to academic staff and senior faculty leadership regarding international proposal development.
• Highly developed organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Participate in the enactment of a long-range strategic plan for supporting and developing a culture of celebration of accomplishments, achievements, and outstanding teaching, research, innovation, and leadership within the Faculty of Science.
• Knowledge of the Science award ecosystem is an asset.
• Open to learning and development and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments.
• Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable.
• Knowledge of data reporting is an asset.
• Ability to build relationships to accomplish goals with diverse groups within and outside of the Faculty of Science is essential.
• EDI training is an asset.

Application Deadline: May 5, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.