Date:	April, 2015
Reports to (Job Title):	Associate Director, Research Operations and Communications
Jobs Reporting (Job Titles):	Research Information Technologies Specialist Computer Systems Specialist
Department:	Office of Research
Location:	Main Campus
Grade:	USG 11 35 hr/wk

Primary Purpose

The Office of Research (OR) Information Systems Team is responsible for providing a broad range of day-to-day computing support to ensure effective operation of the OR information systems and business processes. Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Operations and Communications, the Manager, Research Information Systems is responsible for systems-administration and the provision of management oversight , ensuring effective operation of the OR information systems. This includes supporting the realization of institutional goals by configuring, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing the operation of the information systems for administration of sponsored research, research ethics compliance review and certification, and the processes related to the protection and commercialization of intellectual property.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Manages the planning and execution of OR systems- projects and business analysis of processes that support system enhancement or new initiatives

Understands priorities, impact, and resource requirements and makes recommendations for the development and maintenance of research information systems to the Research Systems Steering Committee (RSSC)
Assumes project management responsibilities, including resources and time, ensuring timely completion in alignment with agreed-upon objectives.
Conducts thorough business analysis of requests for systems development through discussion with stakeholders, obtaining clarification and ensuring accurate understanding of the requirements as well as the life-cycle.
Proactively monitors the effectiveness of OR information systems and business practices; researches and analyzes tools, techniques, and initiatives for their optimization, keeping management informed of significant issues and making recommendations, as appropriate.
Oversees the regular Information Systems Team review of operational and functional requirements and practices in order to identify issues and opportunities pertaining to the use of research information systems; reports on consultations within the OR, with faculty, staff, and students who conduct research, and with research sponsors.
Works with IST’s Project Management Office to develop business cases for systems related projects.
Allocates resources and delegates appropriately to distribute work to ensure timely, cost-effective completion of projects within agreed-upon objectives.

2. Provides leadership in advancing functional and technical improvements in OR research administration systems and business processes

Provides functional leadership for the duration of research system projects.
Communicates implementation and upgrade strategies to all relevant stakeholders throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition to any new/upgraded version.
Provides leadership to functional subject - matter experts and other stakeholders with respect to the implementation and testing of new systems or the adoption of new system functionality or processes.
With the goal of providing positive system - experiences, ensures that user requirements are well understood and reflected in the delivery of new systems and enhancements through collaboration with software providers, functional and technical staff, and the university community.
Ensures that testing occurs within established timelines, is documented in accordance with established standards, and that issues and risks are documented and resolved appropriately.

3. Responsible for the configuration, implementation, and maintenance of OR information systems that support institutional and departmental strategic goals

Leads the Information Systems Team to ensure efficient and effective development and operation of the research information systems, to provide statistical data required, and to implement system upgrades as required.
Performs systems administration duties in conjunction with the information systems team.
Identifies test scenarios, develops testing plans, and ensures that functional and quality assurance testing is conducted and documented in accordance with best practices and established standards.
Conducts testing so that it occurs within established timelines and is documented so that issues and risks are assessed appropriately.
Ensures the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of secure, authorized access that complies with internal and external data security guidelines and policies.
Accurately implements, maintains and documents system specifications, configurations and requirements.
Provides computer systems support to facilitate the accurate and efficient completion of any special OR projects, as required.
Develops training materials and leads training for relevant stakeholders.

Participates in ongoing cross-training within the Information Systems Team.

4. Collaborates, advises, and consults

Collaborates with and advises the Associate Director, Research Operations and Communications, with respect to systems and business analysis matters.
Leads and advises the Information Systems Team with respect to computer systems issues.
Represents the OR on the Research Systems Steering Committee (RSSC) and other departmental or university-wide committees as appropriate.
Develops productive, collegial working relationships with the OR, IST and other on-campus partners, embracing and consistently applying the Basic Principles of the Waterloo workplace.

5. Maintains an appropriate level of institutional knowledge, job-related expertise, and awareness of industry standards

Understands responsibilities related to human resources, health and safety, and professional development for the Information Systems Team to provide an optimal working environment for staff
Keeps fully informed and knowledgeable about any applicable aspects of Waterloo research policies and processes, project management disciplines and applicable computer information systems.
Proactively practices a continuous improvement approach by maintaining awareness of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan and the Office of Research Strategic Plan.
Investigates and suggests appropriate continuing education opportunities that will benefit OR by expanding job-related expertise.
Keeps abreast of trends, developments, and best practices in technology and computer systems; researches and recommends new tools, systems, techniques, and approaches that could enhance the achievement of university and departmental goals.

6. Manages, motivates, and mentors staff of the Information Systems Team

Hires, trains, supervises, coaches, and evaluates staff.
Provides leadership, ensuring that skills are effectively utilized and responsibilities are optimally shared.
Motivates and engages staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that fosters, recognizes, and rewards consistent application of the Basic Principles of the UWaterloo workplace.

Position Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in project management, business analysis and process management

Experience:

Information systems and business analysis experience, preferably related to a research environment.
High level of expertise in process improvement and Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
Solid understanding of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) as well as leading-edge tools, technologies, and methodologies related to business and systems analysis.
Extensive experience leading systems projects, applying continuous improvement methodologies, managing change, and developing and presenting business cases.
Experience in hiring, supervising, coaching, and evaluating employees
Demonstrated success in developing and delivering effective training modules.
Proven problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to analyze and understand complex situations.
Demonstrated level of competence, discretion, and professionalism appropriate for interacting articulately and persuasively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks and excel in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, including demonstrated proficiency in report-writing, troubleshooting, and procedure documentation.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in and contribute to a collaborative team environment and to apply a positive team approach to working with colleagues.

Technical:

MS Word	Excel	PowerPoint	Other
Advanced	Advanced	powerpoint	Report-writing tools (Advanced) MS Project (Advanced) Visio (Intermediate) SharePoint (Intermediate) InfoEd, Inteum, Kuali (would be an asset)

Nature and Scope

Interpersonal Skills:

Communicates with a wide range of campus departments and external vendors to effectively implement and maintain OR research information systems.

Level of Responsibility:

Serves as lead on the OR Information Systems Team, as departmental business analyst, and as a significant and influential contributor to the application of appropriate technology to OR systems and business processes; manages OR systems administration to ensure effective information systems and business analysis support for the achievement of the research-related goals set out in the University Strategic Plan; conducts research and makes recommendations to contribute to and inform senior management decision making and strategic planning.

Decision-Making Authority:

Routinely makes decisions regarding the most effective means of managing OR information systems, resources, and business process initiatives, including allocation of staff and resources, collaboration, consultation, and other key accountabilities; investigates and makes decisions with respect to managing change, determining optimal choices for the continual improvement of OR systems, and establishing and implementing the best methods of meeting the needs of internal and external stakeholders.

Physical and Sensory Demands:

Minimal demands typical of a position operating within an office environment; strain resulting from extended periods of sitting, concentrated use of visual senses, repetitive motion, and prolonged close attention to detail. Some physical activity may be required to move or setup equipment. Ideally able to lift 30 lbs.

Working Environment:

Exposure to conditions typical of a position exposed to stress and pressure associated with management-level responsibilities and with short deadlines, changing priorities, and frequent interruptions and distractions; intermittent work outside the normal operating hours of the institution and occasional travel.