Senior Project Officer

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, Institutional Programs, the Senior Project Officer provides strategic project management, financial planning, and advisory services in support of major research infrastructure initiatives at the University of Victoria.

The position manages projects involving researchers, university departments, funding agencies (Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF), PacifiCan etc.), and external collaborators to support the successful planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of complex infrastructure projects. As a trusted advisor, the Senior Project Officer helps researchers navigate funding requirements, institutional processes, financial planning, procurement, and operational considerations associated with major research investments. The position plays a key role in identifying barriers, coordinating solutions, and aligning institutional resources to support successful research outcomes.

Managing a portfolio of complex and high-value projects, the Senior Project Officer exercises considerable judgment, initiative, and independence to balance the interests of researchers, funding agencies, and the university while ensuring projects are delivered successfully and in compliance with applicable requirements.

Objectives:

• Coordinates the successful development and implementation of major research infrastructure projects (0.25M to 65M) that advance the university's research priorities.
• Provide expert project management and financial stewardship throughout the lifecycle of complex infrastructure initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with funding agency requirements, university policies, and project management best practices.
• Build trusted partnerships with researchers and stakeholders by facilitating solutions that enable successful research infrastructure outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate projects, financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Strengthen institutional capacity through effective processes, tools, and practices for managing research infrastructure projects.
  

Job Requirements

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to undergraduate degree plus 5 years of relevant experience in project management, financial administration, research administration, research infrastructure planning, or a related field.

Formal project management training or certification, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant financial resources.
• Experience developing and monitoring budgets, financial forecasts, and project reporting
• Demonstrated ability to understand the research environment and build effective partnerships with researchers and faculty members by understanding their objectives, anticipating challenges, navigating institutional processes, and facilitating solutions that support research success.
• Knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, funding agreements, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional relationship-building, facilitation, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and initiative while working independently in a complex environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working in a post-secondary, research-intensive, public sector, including research infrastructure planning or similarly complex environment is preferred.