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Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Deputy and Director of the Goodman Cancer Institute, the Senior Advisor, Grants and Initiatives, leads the development and execution of strategic grant and research initiatives, guiding complex multi-investigator funding applications, supporting principal investigators, and enhancing the Institute’s research funding success and long-term sustainability. The role provides expert advice to senior leadership on strategic priorities, oversees major research projects, and contributes to scientific communications, reporting, fundraising, and institutional advancement activities. In collaboration with researchers, donors, and university partners, the Senior Advisor helps strengthen the Institute’s profile, expand its impact, and advance its research and fundraising objectives.

Primary

Responsibilities

Take a leading role in planning and directing the course of grant applications for the Cancer Institute in collaboration with PIs throughout each step of the process.

Develop grant proposals for large-scale, multi-investigator projects to bolster the award success rate and provide financial stability for the Cancer Institute and its initiatives.

Advise senior leadership on the development of strategic plans and initiatives for the Cancer Institute to support and expand its profile, reach and impact.

Manage large-scale, multi-investigator research projects such and contribute scientific expertise to data interpretation, guiding the scientific direction of the projects, planning experimental programs and new directions.

Assist individual PIs with writing and editing grants and manuscripts

Research and planning for prospective team grant applications

Report on Centre-level academic and research activities

Write and edit funding proposals for GCRC core facilities and platforms

Support the Director and senior leadership

Work with the Director of the GCRC as well as the Director of Fundraising, University Advancement personnel and external freelance writers to fundraising materials/cases for the GCRC.





Collaborate with the GCRC Director and PIs to define the strategy and priorities for the GCRC/MCI within McGill’s Capital Campaign.

Contribute to the overall plan, design and material content of the GCRC website to effectively communicate on scientific themes and programs.

Other Qualifying

Skills and/or Abilities

Diploma in Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, or a related discipline, with deep knowledge of cancer research and experience operating within complex, multidisciplinary research environments. Minimum of 10 years of experience in academic, healthcare, research institute, or university settings. Demonstrated ability to advise senior leadership on research strategy, scientific initiatives, and partnership development.

Proven experience in grant development, funding applications, and scientific writing, with a strong track record of securing competitive research funding. Project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities, supported by excellent research and evaluation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated expertise in developing high-quality grant proposals, strategic plans, reports, manuscripts, presentations, and executive briefing materials for diverse audiences. Proven ability to build and maintain effective collaborations with researchers, clinicians, senior executives, funding agencies, and external stakeholders to advance organizational and research priorities.

Comprehensive knowledge of Canadian and international research funding landscapes, including major funding agencies, grant programs, and complex co-funding models.

Experience supporting strategic planning, scientific program development, and the establishment of provincial, national, and international research collaborations. Demonstrated success in managing multi-institutional research funding portfolios, including budget oversight, financial reporting, compliance monitoring, and stewardship of research investments. Strong track record of developing, cultivating, and sustaining strategic partnerships with local, provincial, national,



and international organizations to enhance research capacity, visibility, and impact.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic workplace while exercising sound judgment, discretion, and a high level of professionalism. As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)

Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)

Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)

Competitive vacation policy

Two (2) personal days

Two (2) floating holidays

Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day

Paid time off over the December holiday period

Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents

Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4. For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary

(MPEX Grade 08) $103,210.00 - $129,010.00 - $154,810.00

Job Profile

MPEX-ADM3B - Research Administration - Senior Professional/Manager

Hours per Week

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor

Academic Associate

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply

2026-08-24

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].

📌 Senior Advisor Grants and Initiatives (Canada)
🏢 McGill University
📍 Canada