Research Grants Administrator

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University is seeking a Research Grants Administrator to manage research grants and contracts. The role involves financial administration, tracking budgets, and collaborating with researchers to ensure compliance with grant requirements. Candidates need a degree in Commerce or Business Administration and relevant experience.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Health and dental plans

Health spending account

Employee and family assistance program

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• 5 years related experience or equivalent training.
• Ability to apply accounting knowledge in financial reporting.
• Experience in financial administration of research grants preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer research grants and contracts effectively.
• Track revenues/expenses and resolve overspending.
• Prepare financial statements/invoices for research projects.

Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

Financial Oversight

Time Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Commerce or Business Administration

Tools

Spreadsheets

Word Processing Applications

Banner

Financial Self Service

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Research Grants Administrator

Department/Unit Financial Services

Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number S126-25

Employee Group DPMG

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable) 2 years

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0

Salary $59,555 - $79,673 per annum

Classification ADM-05

Provisional Statement

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Dalhousie Financial Services strives to provide the highest quality financial services and information to ensure the effective stewardship of University assets to the benefit of students and scholarly activities. Financial Services is a core service unit of the University, providing services in areas of financial accounting, budgeting, procurement, payroll, cash management, and financial systems and policies. Reporting to the Manager, Research Finance, the Research Grants Administrator is responsible for the general administration of a selection of the research grants and contracts at Dalhousie University. This position will be assigned a smaller number of very complex projects requiring detailed record keeping and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as resource person/advisor to faculties, researchers, departmental administrators, and other stakeholders relating to policies and procedures of the University and the funding agencies. Resolve financial administrative concerns when they arise.
• Keep track of revenues and expenses, ensuring funds are distributed in accordance with the objectives for which they are granted and ensure grants are not overspent.
• Contact account holders and take appropriate actions and/or negotiate the resolution of overspending and eligibility issues.
• Prepare financial statements/invoices for research grants/contracts to be forwarded to internal/external agencies and organizations as per their requirements – use forms provided by agency or develop one based on budget.
• Responsible for financial administration of particularly complex projects that can be national or international and are often complicated networking projects. Work closely with researchers and their teams, including specific project managers and administrative staff to ensure the projects run smoothly and funds are spent as intended, and in line with funding agencies unique requirements.
• Provide training to researchers, department administrators and support staff on appropriate, effective, and efficient use of their grant funds. Provide funders’ guidelines and restrictions on the use of funds, how to use the financial self-services system, and understand the data in this system.
  
  

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Commerce or Business Administration with five years’ related experience (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Proficiency with computer applications, including spreadsheets, word processing, etc.
• Expertise in project management, problem solving and risk assessment skills as well as in financial oversight and time management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Proven ability to effectively communicate and interact with different stakeholders. Ability to work both independently and as part of the team.
• Understanding accounting principles and an ability to apply accounting knowledge in financial reporting and financial analysis.
  
  

Assets

• Experience in financial administration of research grants and contracts.
• Experience with Dal systems such as Banner and Financial Self Service.
  
  

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service
  
  

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Open Date 06/20/2025

Close Date 07/07/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19141