Management | ACET Innovation and Contracts Officer - FT
Are you passionate about making a difference in the clean energy transition? Do you want to be part of an innovative and dynamic team helping drive change from the community level? Join us to be a part of a transformative journey towards a sustainable future.
About us: Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner research initiative led by the University of Victoria, integrating breakthrough renewable energy technologies and systemic solutions to help Canada reach its net-zero emissions target through supporting bottom-up actions by communities.
From harnessing offshore wind, tidal, and solar energy to developing innovative low-carbon financing and governance models, we are dedicated to making a tangible impact on our environment and society. Be at the forefront of the global shift to clean energy and contribute to a sustainable future for all. ACET involves integral collaboration with more than 40 partners, including four partner universities (University of British Columbia, Royal Roads University, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Yukon University), Indigenous communities, and 30+ industry innovators and community-based organizations. Funded through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), ACET is founded on the principles of community-engaged research and the values of equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure its work is relevant and impactful to the diverse Canadian population.
We are shaping the future of clean energy, one community at a time.
Reporting to the Associate Director - Research Partnerships (ADRP) at RPKM and the ACET Director of Operations, the ACET Innovation and Contracts Officer (ICO) plays a critical role in facilitating university research partnerships with industry, community, and government organizations by providing contract and technology transfer services for faculty and stakeholders. The ICO also maintains strategic partnerships within their communities and facilitates the identification of innovations and technologies arising from ACET research at UVic. The ICO is expected to work closely and collaboratively with the ACET Industry Engagement Officer, the ACET Indigenous Engagement Officer, the CAS Engagement Manager, RPKM Innovation Managers and Research Agreement Facilitators and other ACET teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- support for the liaison between ACET faculty and potential research partners during contract negotiations (e.g. NDAs, MOUs, Research Agreements) to facilitate the building of partnerships.
- assistance with the ongoing maintenance of partnership and research contracts
- assistance with technology transfer and intellectual property services
- representation of RPKM in relevant ACET settings
- capacity building through the organization of skill development and knowledge sharing opportunities amongst university faculty, staff and students, as well as ACET partners.
- liaison with university departments and relevant organizations, and Officers and other staff in VPRI, to enhance ACET research partnership services.
- ensuring education and support for ACET members for emerging project and partner security review requirements
The ICO works in partnership with researchers, managers and staff in departments throughout the University, including the ACET administration team, OVPRI units, Purchasing Services, Research Accounting, Risk Management, General Counsel, Faculties and Departments, and the Coast Capital Innovation Centre. In addition, the position works with collaborating institutions and external research funding agencies.
The ICO may periodically be required to work outside of regular office hours to support ACET events and to meet project reporting deadlines.
An undergraduate or graduate degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in contracts review and drafting, or technology transfer, or an equivalent combination of training, education and/or experience may be considered. A degree in a related field (engineering, science, business, law, policy), a paralegal certificate, or Certificate in Research Administration from Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA) or equivalent would be an asset.
Experience must include:
- Experience and/or education related to contracts, IP protect strategies and copyright legislation;
- Experience working in or engaging with industry and diverse audiences and in building partnerships with such organizations;
- Project management, communication planning and project reporting;
- Stakeholder engagement including developing and delivering initiatives that involve diverse stakeholders with competing needs;
- Gathering, synthesizing, evaluating and interpreting information from diverse sources;
- Preparing clear and concise written material including reports, briefing materials.
Skills and competencies must include:
- Demonstrated, strong interpersonal skills in a collegial environment;
- Demonstrated experience with engagement processes that exhibit the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion;
- Ability to navigate conflict and engage in problem solving;
- High level of confidentiality and professionalism, and ability to deal with sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy;
- Self-motivated and self-directed with a willingness to take on new responsibilities and adapt, manage and facilitate change;
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance and manage multiple priorities;
- Ability to work well under pressure and be adaptable to emerging and changing priorities;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Skilled at building equitable relationships;
- Ability to work effectively in a team setting and collaborating and negotiating with a broad range of people to achieve goals and objectives;
- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory skills and the ability to inspire a team;
- Advanced computer skills including - Microsoft Office suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project management software;
- Working knowledge of or willingness to learn more about local Indigenous protocols and cultural practices.
The following are considered to be assets:
- Experience in either a post-secondary, research or government environment;
- developing credibility and building effective, sustainable and strategic relationships with faculty, staff and other relevant stakeholders;
- Expert knowledge of research management and/or administration in the post-secondary education sector;
- Experience in partnership facilitation, community education and communications;
- Background in research skills, methodologies, program evaluation and academic disciplines.
