Operations Coordinator

Research Nova Scotia; Nova Scotia; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Nova Scotia is seeking an Operations Coordinator to support research funding programs, applicants, and award holders. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Coordinator will provide support in three areas: program delivery, award administration, and organization operations.

The role emphasizes strong organizational skills, communication, and collaboration across teams, with duties spanning portal management and logistics for workshops and webinars.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in a relevant field (e.g., science, health, social science, business, public administration).
• 2–3 years of experience in research administration, grants management, program coordination, or similar role.
• Experience with online applications or grants management systems is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Program delivery and competition coordination; assist applicants and reviewers.
• Award administration and award holder support; ensure compliance and reporting.
• Operations support including website and social media postings, and supporting senior management.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Client service

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Operations Coordinator

October 2026

Operations Team

The Operations Team executes the programs and processes that deliver the RNS mandate. It is responsible for the effective, efficient, and accountable delivery of RNS' research investments and the management of its internal operations. The team manages the full lifecycle of RNS research funding, from selection through award administration, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, providing responsive service to researchers, research institutions, and funding partners. It manages all financial control aspects of the corporation and ensures that investments are managed with integrity and appropriate oversight. The team maintains the administrative, information management, and technology systems necessary for effective organizational performance. It supports the Board and senior leadership through reliable information, sound operational policies, and timely reporting. The team contributes to the design and continuous improvement of programs and services, ensuring they remain aligned with RNS's strategic priorities.

Position Overview

The Operations Coordinator provides operational and administrative support to Research Nova Scotia (RNS)'s research funding programs, applicants, and award holders. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Coordinator will provide support in three areas:

• Program delivery and competition coordination
• Award administration and award holder support
• Organization operations

Key Responsibilities

A. Program and competition coordination

• Support the delivery of funding competitions and programs, including communications and follow-up with applicants, institutions, and reviewers.
• Help applicants resolve submission and access issues.
• Prepare agendas, take minutes, and follow up on action items for review panels, committees, and working groups.
• Support reviewers' onboarding, including grant management system account setup and support during the review process.
• Coordinate logistics for workshops, information sessions, and webinars.
• Be competent in the programming and maintenance of the Corporation's online grants management portal and serve as backup to the primary administrator when required, providing coverage during absences and peak periods such as competition launches and deadlines.
• Assist with portal tasks, setting up and updating competition forms, and running reports and data exports.
• Help test changes and new releases before they go live, and report any issues found.

B. Post award support

• Support the preparation of agreements for new award holders.
• Ensure compliance with conditions of funding RNS policies and regulations for award holders.
• Oversee regular reporting from award holders and their host organizations.
• Keep the files of all current award holders up to date.
• Monitor RNS's phone line and email accounts, serving as the first point of contact for applicants, institutions, and award holders on questions related to programs, eligibility, and the online portal.

C. Operations support

• Support website and social media postings.
• Support the Accountant as required.
• Support the senior management team.

D. Other duties

• Perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in a relevant field (e.g., science, health, social science, business, public administration), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two to three years of experience in research administration, grants management, program coordination, or a similar role.
• Experience supporting or administering an online application or grants management system is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a research funder, university, not-for-profit, or government setting is an asset.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Comfort learning and working with database-driven platforms, including troubleshooting, testing, and documenting processes.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities, especially during peak periods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a service-oriented approach to client support.
• Familiarity with the research funding landscape in Nova Scotia and Canada.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong attention to detail and sound judgment in handling confidential information.

October 2026