Assistant to the Associate Vice-President Research

The Vice President Research and Innovation (VPRI) portfolio includes the Office of the Vice-President Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Research Services, Animal Care Services, Strategic Research Initiatives, and the Innovation and Partnerships Office, and is responsible for UVic research centres, platforms, and research entities. The OVPRI provides guidance for UVic’s research agenda at the institutional level, including setting strategic research priorities and developing initiatives to support research to ensure that UVic research continues to grow and prosper.

The OVPRI executive office includes the VPRI, two Associate Vice-Presidents Research, the Director Strategy and Operations, and the Administrative support team. Reporting jointly to the AVPR and the VPRI Executive Assistant, this position provides administrative support to one of the AVPRs and is one of the first points of contact for the public on all aspects of research at UVic. The Assistant to the AVPR must maintain a keen awareness of ongoing issues and concerns; demonstrate at all times discerning and independent judgement of the highest professional standards, create a positive impression, and provide confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy in a busy, high-pressure environment.

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to at least 3 years of office experience working within a complex organization and with senior leader(s).

Key Responsibilities:

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Proficiency in using office software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), OneNote, and an appetite and aptitude for learning new software and systems.
• Ability to refine and improve office processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective communication with various stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Strong time-management skills and an ability to manage calendars, schedule appointments, coordinate meetings, and keep track of various tasks.
• Attention to detail for accurate documentation, record-keeping, and maintaining the integrity of communications and information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, interacting with a diverse population of staff, faculty, external partners, and visitors.
• Flexible team player, willing to adapt to changes and challenges.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information related to the organization and its employees.