Special Projects Officer

Date Posted: 07/27/2026
Req ID:49607
Faculty/Division: VP - Research
Department: Research Services Office
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About us:

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possible so that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best — advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

Your opportunity:

Reporting to the Director, Institutional Initiatives (D-II), the Special Projects Officer, Researcher Services Strategist (SPO-RSS) is responsible for operational execution of strategic priorities and objectives of the Research Services Office (RSO), Division of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) in relation to prestigious research recruitment programs.  Working closely with the D-II, the Assistant Vice-President, Research Services and other senior administrators of the Research and Innovation portfolio, the incumbent provides a high level of confidential support and creative project management on a wide variety of issues and topics that relate to support of individuals recruited into prestigious research chair positions.  

The responsibilities of the SPO-RSS will continue to evolve, and the individual must be flexible and willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Essential Qualifications:
(MINIMUM)

EDUCATION:

Post Graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) or equivalent in education and experience. 

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum six (6) years relevant experience in university research administration. Knowledge of university policies and procedures, and an understanding of the university’s organizational structure, including its governance. Knowledge about media, protocol, diplomacy and an excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community. Extensive knowledge of and experience in a research-intensive university environment. Experience coordinating the development of large, complex research funding proposals. Comprehensive knowledge of current best practices for promoting EDI and anti-racism in academic research settings. Proven experience as a project leader within a complex organization. Experience with complex report writing at a senior level. Clear evidence of direct or indirect people leadership and a record of working collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies with diplomacy, empathy, and tact.

SKILLS:

Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; high degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to engage senior University Officers, faculty and external stakeholders in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; comfort, facility and effectiveness with information technologies (e.g. advanced skills in Microsoft Office, Internet and scheduling software); considerable interpersonal sensitivity and diplomacy required.

OTHER:

Must have ability to establish credibility with senior university administrators and their direct reports; A high level of professionalism, independence of action, discretion, tact, judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively is essential.

Closing Date: 08/10/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Term This is a two (2) year Term role.
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $93,592 - $109,190 -- Broadband Salary Range: $93,592 - $155,985
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial