Research Advisor, Inclusion and Community Engagement

A Brief Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Inclusive Research in the Vice-Principal Research Portfolio and receiving strategic support from the Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity and Inclusion), the Research Advisor, Inclusion and Community Engagement plays an integral role in supporting inclusive and community-based research; and is responsible for contributing to the University's overall Indigenization-Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) objectives. This position provides expert advice and education to address I-EDIAA requirements in provincial, national and international funding competitions, and serves as a primary contact and strategic resource for researchers to integrate I-EDIAA into research practice and research design. The Research Advisor, Inclusion and Community Engagement leads training, education and professional development activities to support the implementation of I-EDIAA initiatives within the Queen's research community. Dedicated activities include formulating expert advice, creating educational tools, resources, knowledge mobilization products, and delivery of presentations, workshops and training on I-EDIAA in research and research co-creation that addresses and responds to community-identified challenges.

The successful candidate is an experienced professional with a strong understanding of the academic research environment and demonstrated experience effectively communicating knowledge, principles, regulatory and funding agency policy requirements and best practices as they relate to I-EDIAA in research. This position also guides faculty members in building meaningful and equitable research partnerships with diverse communities and in conducting research that contributes to positive social change and bridges the gap between academia and community-driven solutions. The Research Advisor, Inclusion and Community Engagement is a key participant in guiding the University's I-EDIAA plans and priorities as they relate to supporting the research community and community-engaged research opportunities. This position requires a sound knowledge of community-based research frameworks and experience with applying principles, approaches and methodologies that emphasize positive social change and transformation, e.g., research co-creation and co-ownership, participatory action research, Indigenous research, intersectionality, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in research, decolonial, anti-ableist, anti-racist, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches.

This position provides expert advice to members of the university regarding applications for research funding. This position works with new research groups, identifies funding opportunities, assists with applications, and acts as an advocate or liaison with a variety of individuals and institutions to increase participation and success rates for funded projects.

What you will do

• Provides expert advice and resources to faculty members, faculty offices and non-academic partners to aid in the submission of successful applications for research funding.
• Develops and implements strategies to increase participation and success rates for funding competitions.
• Identifies and monitors funding opportunities appropriate for researchers and research groups.
• Encourages and facilitates the formation of new research teams or groups around identified funding opportunities.
• Serves as an advocate on behalf of faculty with agency/institutional staff, funding bodies, sponsors, governments, organizations, other universities, and/or community partners.
• Liaises with representatives of other institutions and funding agency staff, regarding interpretation of guidelines and policies.
• Plans and organizes a variety of workshops, training sessions, information events and programs aimed at increasing the success rate of applications and funded projects.
• Prepares and delivers reports, individual funding plans, and/or data analysis for strategic planning initiatives.
• Develops resources, including instructional materials.
• Provides editing feedback regarding quality, content, and style on grant applications.
• Supports Indigenous-related research applications and funding opportunities.
• Maintains current knowledge of policies, procedures and regulatory structures.
• Ensures compliance with funding policies and processes (internal and external), apprising management of compliance issues and/or risks.
• Other duties as required in support of the department and/or unit.

Required Education

• Master's Degree or equivalent. In addition, requires a professional designation, certification, or other qualification, or on-going learning to remain ahead of changes in technology or emerging fields.

Required Experience

• More than 3 years and up to and including 5 years of experience.

Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Knowledge and Requirements

• Knowledge of concepts and principles in a specialist field that is typically acquired through a combination of advanced professional or academic qualifications and/or significant work experience.
• Provide expert advice, guidance and consultation on highly complex issues and/or where the outcome may be contentious.
• Interaction with others requires highly developed interpersonal skills to effectively persuade, negotiate, counsel, and/or consult.
  
• Adapt messages to meet the different needs of different audiences.
• Prioritize and distribute work to deliver objectives on time and to the highest standard.
• Identify in advance when the intended results may not be achieved and develops a plan to address the gaps.
• Lead team and project meetings and develop team/unit and departmental project plans.
• Lead procedural or technological change within a unit or across broader university functions.
• Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work processes.
• Anticipate complex challenges to ensure activities are completed on time.
• Effectively leverage relevant data as input to making decisions.
• Appropriately assess risks before making a decision.
• Comprehensive understanding of what sexual violence, harassment and discrimination are, and their varying effects on diverse members of the community.
• Question and take appropriate steps to address attitudes, macroaggressions and other behaviours which are discriminatory. Acknowledges and respects diverse cultural traditions, abilities and beliefs.