Data Services Manager (Internal Posting)

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) is an aquatic research organization headquartered at Dalhousie University, and one of six Major Research Facilities funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)—and the only CFI national research infrastructure based in Atlantic Canada. Reporting to the Director of Data Management, this position oversees OTN’s Data Services Team. The Data Services Manager is responsible for resource planning, developing and executing operational projects, and scheduling of personnel time.

• Lead and manage the Data Services team, including data acquisition, software development, and stewardship personnel, providing direction, mentorship, and support for professional growth and development.
• Develop and oversee annual work plans, priorities, and resource requirements for Data Services, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic goals and effective service delivery.
• Oversee OTN’s regional node model, supporting independently managed networks in aligning with established data management practices and identifying opportunities for strategic network growth.
• Coordinate the development and delivery of training, workshops, and accessible learning resources for diverse audiences, ensuring content reflects recognized best practices and supports network interoperability.
• Promote collaboration and interoperability across regional nodes and external networks, and represent OTN through meetings, conferences, presentations, and public engagement activities.
• Oversee data aggregation, reporting milestones, and key performance indicator reporting, working with senior staff, Data Services personnel, and external partners to ensure timely and accurate information on the Network’s scope and activities.

Applications for this position are restricted to current employees of Dalhousie University as described in the Internal Posting Guidelines.

The successful candidate will be expected to travel locally and internationally, three to four times per year.

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

• Master’s degree in biology, computer science, environmental studies, or related field, with five years’ experience working in progressively senior roles (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Strong understanding of acoustic receiver technology and animal tracking data.
• Excellent communication skills. Able to communicate effectively in various forms (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) and to various audiences, including internally (team, colleagues, management) and externally (scientists, general public).
• Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision skills. Able to effectively build and maintain trust with team members.
• Excellent time management skills. Able to effectively prioritize and manage competing interests, identify and follow processes that support good time management, and delegate work appropriately.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities. Able to think critically and identify and implement effective solutions.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
- Service

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Applications for this position are restricted to current employees of Dalhousie University as described in the Internal Posting Guidelines.

Full-time students currently enrolled at an educational institution are not eligible for regular Grant-Paid positions.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.