Term: 18 Months

The Operations and Relations Manager at the Network for Aging Research (NAR) is accountable to the Director of the Network for Aging Research for the financial management, relations management, events management, communications and other administrative functions as required in supporting the research and outreach mission of the Network. The Operations Manager will work on the advancement of aging research at the University of Waterloo and external partners in the region. The NAR acts as a networking tool for aging-focused researchers and fosters collaborative aging research across the university.

Management of the Administrative Functions of the Network for Aging Research (NAR)

• Provides oversight and direction of all operational activities that support the advancement of knowledge in the fields of aging research
• Provides advice, counsel, management and support for day-to-day responsibilities and challenges at the NAR, in collaboration with the Director
• Manages support staff and develops problem-solving strategies for human resource issues
• Provides information for decision-making and strategic planning so that the Director may concentrate on the research and strategic elements of the NAR’s mission

Ensuring Effective Stakeholder Communication

• Coordinates and assists in implementing communication activities of the NAR
• Works closely with the Director and University and Faculty Communications to ensure the timely and audience-targeted communication of NAR activities, events, collaboration opportunities and relevant research results
• Proactively monitors, improves and drives communication activities of the NAR, from the collection of relevant events to the dissemination via selected communication channels, such as the web, email, printed material, press releases and social media
• Coordinates with external partners on shared publications and news pieces highlighting the work of NAR researchers and aging research success stories at the University of Waterloo

Support Proposal Preparation and Writing

• Assists with the writing of research proposals, including background preparation, fact-checking, and translation of technical research information into accurate text that is understandable, readable, and appropriate to the audience and medium.
• Assists in reviewing and editing research proposals to correct for structure, grammar, style, and persuasiveness, along with providing feedback on adherence to university requirements and agency guidelines.
• Coordinates proposal preparation for both small, individual applications and large, multi-author applications, including progress monitoring, integration of text, and review and editing through all stages of proposal preparation

Financial Management of the Network’s Budget

• Bears responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the NAR’s budget, research activities and financial transactions, including financial information gathering, analysis and reporting in collaboration with the officials responsible for financial matters in the Faculty of Health and the Office of Research and Finance
• Develops the annual operating budget for NAR, including analysis and control
• Oversees the financial management of the NAR and its operational funding
• Provides guidance and direction to the Project Coordinator
• Provides direction to others in the NAR with regards to financial management for operating, trust and endowment and research funds
• Offers direction, support and guidance for research funds activity in all areas of the NAR, and works with the officials responsible for financial matters in the Faculties, Office of Research, Finance, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and the Graduate Studies Office in the coordination of financial information gathering, analysis and reporting
• Provides management and financial expertise that will ensure the day-to-day operation of the Network for Aging Research is efficient, cost effective and supportive of the research and teaching activities

Establishing and Maintaining Organizational Relationships Internally

• Establishes and maintains strong and collaborative relationships across the university community, specifically with the Executive Officers and Deans of the main Faculties

Organization of Events and Management of Seed Grants

• Prepares and organizes events with external guests, ensuring the coordination of internal resources and a wide participation of key stakeholders
• Works closely with the NAR Director, the Office of Research, University and Faculty Communications to coordinate all processes, activities and local resources required for the events
• Ensures wide participation of important stakeholder groups to enhance the Network’s reputation and increase external visibility
• Coordinates and manages the NAR Seed Grants and other awards provided to researchers and students by the NAR

• Bachelor’s degree required in a discipline related to Business Administration, Finance, Health, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Master’s degree in Education, Business/Finance, or Health is preferred
• Completion of additional courses in Health, Public Health, or Gerontology preferred
  5 years of experience in a similar administrative support role, including demonstrated experience with financial management
• Experience in successfully managing events for a wide audience
• Previous work experience in a university research centre or institute, or business with similar activity
  Familiarity with a University environment, including administration and proposal preparation
• Proven ability to manage a large volume of work, conflicting priorities and deadlines
• Independent judgment in areas of time management, task prioritization and decision-making
• Knowledge of University, Faculty, and department policies and procedures
• Excellent human relations skills, especially the ability to guide and develop staff and foster constructive team relationships
• Solid computer competency including word processing, spreadsheet, database, web applications, and applications specific to UW
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulatory information specific to UW
• Knowledge of records management, privacy requirements and best practices
• Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including maturity, tact and discretion with a wide range of contacts
• Ability to work effectively in an environment with sensitive and confidential information and situations
• Skilled at working independently in a supportive and collaborative manner
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, organizational, and prioritizing skills to meet deadlines for budget submissions, grant proposals, financial reporting, etc

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. 

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.