Project Coordinator, Applied Research

Red-Deer-Polytechnic-1; Red Deer; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Deer Polytechnic is seeking a Project Coordinator to support research projects and student engagement within the Division of Applied Research. Reporting to the Manager, Research Partnerships and Student Engagement, you will coordinate timelines, communications and reporting with internal teams and external partners to enable smooth execution and stakeholder engagement.

You will lead student onboarding, training and engagement initiatives, oversee FARSLM modules to ensure high-quality and

Qualifications

• 2-year diploma in Project Management, Business Administration, Communications/Public Relations.
• 2-3 years of direct project management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to champion and lead change; proactive, collaborative, results-oriented.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines.
• Ability to effectively use AI tools to automate workflow processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate timelines, communications and reporting for research projects.
• Lead student onboarding, training, and engagement initiatives.
• Oversee FARSLM training to ensure high-quality RA experiences.
• Provide project and marketing support to the CARIN network.
• Collaborate with faculty and internal teams to promote research opportunities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Leadership

Time management

Organizational skills

Communication

AI tools

Team collaboration

Education

Diploma in Project Management

Business Administration

Communications/Public Relations

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is conditionally funded and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Summary

Are you passionate about driving innovation and empowering student success? Red Deer Polytechnic is seeking a Project Coordinator to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research projects and student engagement within the Division of Applied Research.

Reporting to the Manager, Research Partnerships and Student Engagement, this highly collaborative role is perfect for a strategic thinker and proactive doer who thrives in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment. You’ll work closely with internal teams and external partners to support diverse research projects—coordinating timelines, communications, and reporting to ensure seamless execution and stakeholder engagement.

The Project Coordinator leads student onboarding, training and engagement initiatives, and oversees the Foundations in Applied Research Learning Modules ( FARSLM ) to ensure high-quality, consistent, and inclusive research assistant (RA) experiences.

This role also provides project and marketing support to the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network ( CARIN ).

Position Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for:

Student Engagement, Training & Support

• Support the student onboarding process from recruitment, hiring, and training through to exit surveys and capturing student outcomes and successes post-hire.
• Ensure all student research assistants (RA) complete FARSLM training and implement periodic revisions to the program to ensure relevancy
• Meet with each new RA to create individualized training plans and goals, facilitate mandatory training (e.g., AR policies, EDI ), discuss accommodations, review the team code of conduct, and set up payroll.
• Enhance student training to include presentation skills, resume development, interview skills, technical knowledge and Applied Research topics
• Implement and maintain an electronic badging system to help students showcase their experience and credentials on social media and professional platforms
• Support students in developing posters and presentations to participate in Research Showcases and Symposiums. Communicate student impacts through success stories and blogs on social media and other marketing platforms.
• Work closely with student project supervisors to ensure students adhere to Applied Research policies, complete all mandatory training and achieve desired learning objectives
• Provide guidance and support to student supervisors as needed

Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network ( CARIN ) Administration

• Metrics reporting including uploading to Central Information System or other reporting platforms
• Coordinate student internships and recruit employers for the Rural Student Spotlight program
• Coordinate social media posts and campaigns to communicate CARIN events/programs, success stories, and support provincial Regional Innovation Network ( RIN ) joint initiatives
• Create and post ecosystem events on the CARIN Website; general website updates and maintenance.
• CARIN meeting support: attend member meetings, room bookings, minute-taking, and other admin support.
• Support event and program planning: room bookings, invites, logistics, advertising and promotion, regional stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with faculty and Applied Research staff, engage with Indigenous Student Services, the International Student Centre, Career Education & Experience Development ( CEED ) and student clubs to promote research opportunities and increase student engagement
• Partner with external organizations to align student training with industry and community needs.
• Encourage and enable student participation in ecosystem programs and training events to increase connections with industry partners and future employers
• Collaborate with the Manager, Research Partnerships and Student Engagement to engage new clients and expand RDP’s connections to entrepreneurs and SMEs through the Regional Innovation Network.
• Stays current on trends in applied research and shares knowledge with colleagues

Required Qualifications

• 2-year diploma in Project Management, Business Administration, Communications/Public Relations
• 2-3 years of direct project management experience
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to champion and lead change; a proactive, collaborative, results-oriented style
• Ability to work in a dynamic, ever-changing, fast-paced environment with multiple demands, competing priorities and numerous deadlines
• Ability to effectively use AI tools to automate work flow processes for increased efficiency
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and apply creative solutions to issues presented
• Strong leadership and teambuilding skills to lead student initiatives
• Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion, and maintain confidentiality
• Effective organizational, time management, and planning skills
• Excellent oral, written, and technical skills
• Proven ability to determine priorities, be self-directed, and work with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and awareness of the operation of a post-secondary institution is preferred

Salary or Hourly?

Salary $68,804 - $77,395 annually

Benefits and Compensation Information

An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic ( RDP ) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community.

Competition Number

Competition Number 2026-A-126

Employment Type

Employment Type Term-Certain Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 09/15/2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)

Position End Date (if term-certain) 06/29/2029

FTE

FTE 1

Hours of Work

Hours of Work 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday, 35 hrs per week.

Open Date

Open Date 08/06/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

At RDP , we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is conditionally funded and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

Cover Letter

Resume

Optional Documents