Position Summary

The Strategic Initiatives Analyst provides a high level of support on strategic dossiers in the portfolio of the Vice‑President (Research and Innovation) (VPRI). The role of the incumbent is primarily data analysis, reporting and support on strategic files. Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Systems and Planning, the Analyst is a member of the Research Systems and Planning team and collaborates closely with Associate Directors and Senior Advisors. Due to the complexity of the various portfolios that fall within the unit’s mandate, the incumbent must function with an exceptional level of accuracy, sound judgment and efficiency.

Primary Responsibilities

The Analyst provides technical, analytic, and management support for activities related to research administration, strategic planning, and reporting, including data collection, analysis, and presentation. The Analyst will participate in all aspects of data collection and analysis related to research funding and impact metrics (e.g., bibliometrics, research grants and contracts, chairs, prizes and awards, and innovation‑related metrics). The output is applied in a wide range of materials and presentations, often related to mission critical decisions related to research investments. The Analyst will apply their analytical and problem‑solving skills to initiatives and projects related to research and reporting to derive meaningful insights. In this role, the Analyst is mainly responsible for: 1) Data quality and governance; 2) Data Analysis to inform decision making and support key stakeholders and 3) Research data management and administration.

The Analyst works with other units within the RI sector, and liaises with other sectors, for example Analysis, Planning and Budget (APB),



Research Financial Management Services, staff in the offices of the Provost and Faculty Deans as well as with McGill’s affiliated research institutes. Track and analyze metrics, compile reports, and communicate progress.

Description of specific responsibilities

1. Data quality and governance

Collaborate with data owners, technical teams, and business units to investigate and resolve data quality issues, ensuring that all data is complete, accurate, and delivered in a timely manner. Develop and maintain comprehensive business glossaries and data dictionaries to support a shared understanding of key terms, definitions, and metrics across all units within the VPRI portfolio. Standardize data methodologies, definitions, and sources to ensure consistent reporting of strategic metrics across all units within the Research and Innovation sector. Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of data governance frameworks, policies, and procedures, supporting the creation and maintenance of high‑quality, trusted data assets. Promote best practices in data stewardship and quality assurance through staff training, documentation, and collaborative initiatives, ensuring institutional data integrity through continuous validation, reconciliation, and standardization of reporting practices.

2. Data Analysis to inform decision making and support key stakeholders

Collect, integrate,



and analyze data from a variety of internal and external agencies, such as McGill’s internal grants management system, the Tri‑Agencies, Canada Research Chair Program, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Participate in all aspects of data collection and analysis related to research funding and impact metrics, e.g. bibliometrics, research grants and contracts, chairs, prizes and awards, and innovation‑related metrics. Design, develop, and maintain energetic PowerBI dashboards tailored to the evolving needs of senior leadership, faculty, and research units. Respond to data and ad hoc information request from the McGill research community including the VPRI, Faculty Associate Deans of Research, and research groups often requiring a needs assessment to interpret information requirements. Collect, analyze, and report competition statistics related to research funding programs, including application volumes, success rates, and comparative performance across units and institutions. Design and maintain surveys and manage resulting data sets. Assume other responsibilities or tasks related to the support of research data and other strategic initiatives for the University as assigned. Provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis to support strategic objectives. Undertake special projects and develop data sets to support analysis. Continuously identify opportunities to enhance data analysis methodologies, improve reporting frameworks, and strengthen engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Stay informed about developments and emerging trends in the Canadian higher education and research funding landscape.

3. Research data management and administration

Support the annual validation of data r

📌 Strategic Initiatives Analyst (Montreal)
🏢 McGill University
📍 Montreal