Strategic Initiatives Analyst

McGill University · James Admin. Bldg. · $73,470–$91,840 (stated in the posting)

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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 dynamic 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 required for the Research Support Fund (RSF) program, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Liaise with faculties and affiliated hospitals to collect, verify, reconcile, and maintain data supporting RSF reporting.
• Maintain and update institutional researcher and faculty affiliations within bibliometric platforms to support accurate analysis and reporting.
• Produce bibliometric analyses, reports, dashboards, and customized data extracts to support strategic planning, institutional benchmarking, performance assessment, and decision-making.
• Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on the interpretation and appropriate use of bibliometric indicators, methodologies, and research performance metrics.
• Develop and deliver training sessions, user documentation, and other support materials to support the effective use of bibliometric platforms and research analytics tools.
• Respond to requests from senior administration, faculties, and other stakeholders for bibliometric data, analyses, and research performance information.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve data collection, reporting processes, analytics workflows, and research information management practices to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in a field emphasizing analytical and quantitative skills (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, accounting, or educational research); a graduate degree is preferred.
• Two to four years of experience in research administration within a Canadian university environment, with strong knowledge of the research ecosystem and funding landscape.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and visualization, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, Power Query) and experience with Power BI or Tableau (including DAX or equivalent tools) to create dashboards and analytical reports.
• Experience managing and querying data from relational databases (e.g., Oracle) and working with Microsoft Office 365 tools such as SharePoint and Microsoft Lists.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret both quantitative and qualitative data, synthesize insights, and communicate findings clearly through data storytelling, written reports, and presentations.
• Experience with qualitative data analysis methods and tools to complement quantitative research and reporting.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to adapt analytical approaches to meet diverse stakeholder needs.
• Comprehensive understanding of the research funding landscape in Canada and Quebec, including major federal and provincial programs.
• Bilingual in both written and spoken English and French.

• Excellent writer with ability to prepare reports and presentations targeted to multiple audiences. Service-oriented approach to people and a proven ability to solve problems. Self-motivated, with well-developed organizational skills, able to prioritize a wide range of responsibilities, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and work well under pressure.

• Must be able to meet tight deadlines and demonstrate a high level of professionalism in working with a team of people to achieve specific outcomes.
  
  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.

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