Project Director Full-time

Project Director

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta is one of Canada's leading academic health centers for pediatric specialty and subspecialty education and research. Working closely with the Stollery Children's Hospital and community pediatrics in Northern Alberta, we are committed to meeting the unique needs of our community and providing exceptional care for infants, children, youth, and families. Our core values of compassion, growth and health equity are at the heart of everything we do. Our department members are engaged in exciting research endeavors, contributing to excellence in pediatric care. Additionally, we offer a diverse array of accredited residency training programs, graduate programs, and unique training experiences, all under the guidance of our dedicated teaching staff.

The Project Director plays a key role in managing the design, coordination, and execution of various projects related to Indigenous Health Equity and Inclusion and the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program (CDTRP) Indigenous Platform. These include network-led projects and external research projects. This position involves working closely with researchers, CDTRP team members and external collaborators such as Indigenous community partners, representatives from partner institutions and Indigenous patient, family, and donor partners. The Project Director is responsible for managing project timelines and deliverables, facilitating clear and adaptive communication across diverse teams and partners, supporting Research Ethics Board (REB) submissions, and integrating network-wide efforts into project activities. They will also contribute to administrative and logistical coordination, including scheduling, documentation, and ensuring smooth project operations. The Project Director will also support grant submissions and industry sponsorship related to PI-led research or CDTRP network initiatives.

The role requires flexibility, a solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to navigate complex communication needs between Indigenous community partners, the CDTRP management team, and research team members. The Project Director will be expected to liaise with Indigenous community partners, members of the International Indigenous Organ Donation and Transplantation Consortium, professional organizations such as the International Transplantation Society, International Society of Nephrology, Kidney Foundation of Canada, Canadian Blood Services and federal, provincial and territorial departments and institutions, supporting the successful execution of funded research projects. An important part of this role includes supporting the meaningful engagement of patients, families, and donors involved in the network and other grants—ensuring that lived experience perspectives are integrated into project planning, execution, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the planning, execution, and evaluation of projects
• Serve as a primary point of contact for Indigenous project teams, including CDTRP staff, principal investigators, partner institutions, and other involved individuals or organizations.
• Independently manage budgets within approved tolerances and lead development of new funding resources to achieve strategic goals
• Lead and facilitate research ethics board (REB) submissions and amendments, in collaboration with project teams and institutional partners.
• Support the engagement and integration of Indigenous patient, family, and donor partners in project activities, ensuring their perspectives inform decision-making.
• Support grant and sponsorship application processes and reporting requirements for funded projects, including coordination with PIs and funding agencies.
• Track project progress and risks using internal tools, proactively identifying and resolving issues in collaboration project teams.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and impact-focused project culture both internally and with external collaborators.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in a life science or other relevant discipline required
• Experience working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in community-based research is required, including project management across multiple Indigenous groups.
• Training in project management is required

Preferred:

• Research-based graduate degree is an asset
• Working toward or holding a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is considered a strong asset.
• Training and experience in patient engagement are considered strong assets.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $80,772 to $111,086.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.