Research Partnership Officer

SAIT’s **Applied Research and Innovation Services** department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. ARIS is on the leading edge of novel technology development. As one of Canada’s top applied-research colleges, SAIT has 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and full-time research staff who are solely dedicated to providing the services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.

**The Opportunity**

The Research Partnerships Officer (RPO) will report to the Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS). This role is dedicated to advancing SAIT’s research initiatives by identifying and fostering collaborative opportunities.

The RPO will build and nurture relationships with industry partners, educational institutions, communities, and funding agencies to address real-world challenges through research and innovation.

**The Role**:
- ** Market Analysis, Proposal Development and Contract Management**:

- Conduct market analysis to identify emerging research opportunities and areas of collaboration
- Engage with industry, community partners, and research networks to identify emerging trends and needs within the applied research ecosystem
- Identify relevant funding programs that align with institutional research priorities
- Collaborate with internal research teams to develop tailored proposals that address partner needs, including scope of work, methodology, and resource requirements
- Ensure proposals reflect SAIT’s commitment to applied research excellence and innovation
- Act as a contract reviewer to assess research agreements, funding contracts, and partnership documents, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and strategic goals. Collaborate with the legal team for complex or high-risk agreements
- ** Partner Relationship Management**:

- Identify collaborative opportunities with industry, educational institutions, communities, and other research organizations
- Build, nurture, and maintain strong, long-term relationships with research partners and clients
- Understand partner goals and challenges to identify opportunities for impactful research collaborations
- Support ongoing engagement and communication with partners to ensure alignment, resolve challenges, and enhance satisfaction
- Oversee the day-to-day management of partner portfolios, including proactive relationship development and facilitation of research opportunities
- Proactively identify and cultivate meaningful collaborations by engaging with potential partners through networking, relationship building conversations, and active participation in industry, government, and funding agency conferences and events
- ** Strategic Collaboration, Development and coordination**:

- Develop and implement strategic approaches to strengthen partnerships and expand applied research initiatives
- Provide feedback on processes and workflows to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of research collaboration efforts
- Proactively monitor research activities at other institutions to identify and facilitate collaborative opportunities
- Establish and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, including research administrators and operational teams, to ensure alignment and support for research initiatives
- Support project planning and identifying opportunities for effective resource allocation
- Regularly report on partnership and collaboration activities, progress, and key metrics to senior leadership
- Support the continuous improvement of partnership processes and documentation
- Manage CRM or other systems to track and report on partnership activities

**Qualifications**:
- A post-secondary diploma or degree combined with at least 3 years of experience in research partnership development, stakeholder engagement, research development, or client relationship management.
- Proven experience in identifying and supporting collaborative research opportunities and facilitating partnership initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to engage in consultative discussions, proposal development, and alignment of research goals with partner needs.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
- Proficiency with CRM systems.
- Experience working in a post-secondary or research-intensive environment is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with grant funding processes and agencies (e.g., NSERC, CFI, NRCAN, Mitacs/CICAN) is preferred.
- Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM platforms is considered an asset.
- A post-secondary degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, business, or a related discipline is preferred.
- Professional certification in partnership development, project management, or a related area is an asset.
- 5 years of experience in research partnership development, stakeholder engagement, or client relationship management is preferred.

**Skills Required**:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clea