Director of Funding Programs and Services

ethree Consulting is proud to partner with the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction & Response Network (MEOPAR) in their search for a Director of Funding Programs & Services.

Who We AreMEOPAR is a not-for-profit network funded by the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) that is focused on supporting leading-edge research and connecting top researchers across Canada with highly qualified personnel, partners, and communities. Together, our mission is to address the problems and opportunities of the changing marine environment. MEOPAR funds leading-edge research, overcomes barriers to collaborative research, and helps to train the next generation of marine professionals.

What You'll DoReporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Funding Programs and Services plays a pivotal role in overseeing MEOPAR's research funding programs and services. You will oversee and lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of research funding programs and services, ensuring they align with MEOPAR's strategic direction and goals. This role involves close collaboration with researchers, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring that MEOPAR's programs are impactful and contribute to the advancement of marine research. The position demands a deep understanding of research processes, funding and development, excellent relationship management skills, and a strong commitment to program excellence through effective implementation and evaluation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Program Leadership and Development:

• Design, implement, and evaluate MEOPAR's research funding programs, ensuring they address strategic goals and stakeholder needs.
• Develop program implementation plans, timelines, and budgets, and provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to ensure cohesive program delivery.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for all funding program-related inquiries and initiatives.
• Represent MEOPAR in various forums, including meetings, conferences and events.

Program Evaluation and Improvement:

• Monitor real and perceived conflicts of interest and protect the organization's reputation in the redistribution of government funds.
• Develop and implement evaluation frameworks and tools to assess funding program outcomes and impact.
• Use data and feedback to continuously improve program effectiveness and alignment with MEOPAR's strategic direction.
• Translate evaluation findings into program improvement and redesign to maximize outcomes.

Funding Management and Reporting:

• Design and manage calls for proposals, including application guidelines, review and adjudication processes.
• Oversee funding applications, reporting, and compliance to ensure transparent and equitable processes are adhered to.
• Working with the Executive Director, and Director of Finance and Administration, ensure all programs are adequately funded and managed to meet the expectations of funders and stakeholders.

Team Management and Development:

• Lead and mentor a team of multidisciplinary program managers and coordinators, while ensuring a culture of continuous learning, development and innovation.

Strategic Alignment and Execution:

• Work with the executive leadership team to ensure programs align with MEOPAR's overall strategy and contribute to organizational growth and success.
• Lead equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous reconciliation initiatives and approaches within the MEOPAR funding processes.
• Participate in strategic planning sessions and contribute to the development of new initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments to ensure cohesive program delivery and success.

Other:

• Provide coverage, as required, for other members of the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Advanced degree in public administration, marine sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience managing research funding programs, with a focus on program design, delivery and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of research funding process and grant/funding management.
• Experience in a leadership role.
• Experience in marine or environmental research or academic setting is a strong asset.
• Preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

You will work virtually and generally maintain regular business hours, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week, including a one-hour daily lunch break. Additional hours outside of normal working hours may be required from time to time. Some travel will be required for program-related meetings and evaluations.

What We Offer

• Work with a passionate team dedicated to advancing marine research
• Contribute to having a positive impact on Canada's marine environment
• Be part of a collaborative and inclusive work culture
• Grow and develop professionally
• Vacation and leave allowances
• Group health and dental plans
• Save for your future through contribution to matched RRSP program
• Be compensated fairly and competitively - MEOPAR pays in line with the Canadian government's salary scales and offers a comprehensive benefits plan and generous leave allowance
• MEOPAR is a Canada-wide employer - this position is open to candidates across Canada on a remote work basis.

How to ApplyPlease include the following in your application:

• Your CV.
• A brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and availability.

MEOPAR is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity and diversity within its community and promotes a work environment of mutual respect and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Applicants with atypical backgrounds are encouraged to include details of their learning experiences in the cover letter accompanying their CV. In accordance with Canada's immigration requirements, priority will be given to qualified candidates with Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.

If you require reasonable accommodation to take part in the employment process, please call or send an email to and let us know the nature of your request.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position: Full-Time, PermanentLocation: Canada (Remote)Application Close Date: November 7, :59 PM Atlantic Time.