Strategic Operations Manager

**Schedule**
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Flexibility including occasional evening and weekends is required to meet operational needs

**Education Level**
Master of Science in Infection and Immunity or related field

**Career Level**
5-6 years experience in an academic research intensive or Government agency environment

Job Title: Strategic Operations Manager, CIHR III
Reports to: Dr. Charu Kaushic, Scientific Director

The Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) supports research and helps to build research capacity in the areas of infectious disease and the body's immune system. Through the Institute's programs, researchers address a wide range of health concerns related to infection and immunity including disease mechanisms, disease prevention and treatment, and health promotion through public policy.

Reporting to the Scientific Director of the Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) and the ASD, the Strategic Operations Manager will be required to support the Institute in achieving its mandate by leading the Institute’s operational activities and providing support to the Scientific Director in fulfilling the Institute’s mission to provide national leadership and promote infection and immunity research. The Strategic Operations Manager is an active member of the senior management team consisting of the Scientific Director (SD), the Assistant Scientific Director (ASD), Project Manager(s) and Office and Finance Manager. The Strategic Operations Manager will work collaboratively with the SD, the ASD, Ottawa‐based staff at CIHR, staff from other CIHR institutes, and Institute committees to provide strategic leadership and manage the Institute’s operational affairs.

The Strategic Operations Manager will act as a representative of the Institute by liaising with researchers, other CIHR institutes, staff at the CIHR central office in Ottawa as well as government, industry and other non‐governmental organizations external partners and stakeholders both nationally and internationally.

The incumbent will be required to work independently, exhibit excellent judgment, and work under very challenging time constraints in order to manage priorities, issues and the daily administration of the Institute.

The work of the Strategic Operations Manager must be completed at a high level of confidentiality, accuracy and efficiency. The Strategic Operations Manager will represent III in an official capacity, for example when interacting with leading researchers or high-profile decision-makers. As such, the Strategic Operations Manager is expected to show sound judgment in all activities on behalf of III. Errors could seriously jeopardize the public and government credibility of III, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Government of Canada. The position is key to the success of the III and assumes important roles in ensuring III fulfills its mandate.

Qualifications:
Education
- MSc in Infection and Immunity or related area(s)
- Experience in a related field;
- Project management training would be an asset.

Experience
- Previous working experience in an academic environment and the research process including research program design, development, funding and related policies.
- Experience engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- 5-6 years’ experience in an academic research intensive or Government agency environment

Knowledge/Skills
- Knowledge of Canada’s health research and health systems environment and policy/decision making context.
- Knowledge of relevant stakeholders in Canada and internationally.
- Comprehensive understanding of CIHR structure, operations, policies and processes.
- Knowledge of the Request for Applications development process and relevant rules and requirements.
- Knowledge of administrative and project management concepts and tools.
- Tact, diplomacy, good judgement and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of III and its interests.
- Ability to work independently and with limited direction.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with researchers, administrators, trainees, staff from other institutes and external partners.
- Detail oriented with the ability to work under pressure and within tight timelines in a fast-paced environment
- Superior presentation skills.
- Ability to function effectively in a complex, team environment
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong analytical skills

At McMaster we believe in the ongoing cultivation of human potential, leveraging the diverse talents of our employees and recognizing that everyone has the opportunity to be a leader in their own role. McMaster’s core leadership capabilities are designed to nurture employee engagement through best people practices. All leaders will demonstrate these leadership capabilities: Take a Strategic Approach, Communicates and Collaborates, Drives Results, Champions Change and Innovation, Develops People, and Inv