Special Projects Manager, RAIMS Program

Department: Research Operations
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 02/02/2026 to 07/30/2027 

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The Research Services Office (RSO), in partnership with Computing and Communications Services (CCS) Enterprise Applications, is leading a multi-year initiative to digitize research administration through the implementation of integrated modules within a Research Administration and Information Management System (RAIMS). These modules support key processes including Human Ethics, Animal Care, Biosafety, and Pre/Post-Award research administration for faculty, students, and staff. The current focus of the RAIMS program is the vendor selection and project delivery of the Animal Care Module (AUP).

Using formal project management principles and practices, the Special Projects Manager supports leadership from concept through implementation, often including co-leading changes to policy and business processes as well as governance structures. The role works in collaboration with multiple stakeholders to plan, execute, and control all project related activities from initial project planning through project execution including managing project scope, cost, timelines and risks, reporting throughout the project lifecycle, evaluating project outcomes, and ensuring a successful transition to ongoing operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, RSO Business Process Optimization and supporting the Technical Product Manager, this role provides project management leadership and oversight of the AUP module within the RAIMS program. Key responsibilities include:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead the on-going RFP process for vendor selection.
• Manage the full project lifecycle using industry-standard methodologies and applying agile, waterfall, or hybrid approaches as appropriate including:
  • Developing and managing project plans
  • Coordinating people resources
  • Communicating status updates
  • Monitoring risks and changes
  • Managing scope, timelines, and budgets
• Define project goals, objectives, deliverables, scope, resource needs, and timelines.
• Implement and maintain the project plan and risk log.
• Coordinate and participate in project steering committees to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment and engagement throughout the project.
• Support training initiatives, testing cycles, and oversee successful go-live execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts across internal departments, campus partners, and external vendors.
• Develop onboarding strategies for new team members, ensure successful knowledge transfer.
• Track project progress to ensure timely delivery of milestones and outcomes.
• Communicate regular updates to leadership and take ownership of project results.
• Identifies any changes required during the project and leads the Project Change Review working group
• Audit and validate vendor invoices against project plans and activities to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Documents lessons learned both during and after the project.
• Evaluates the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase.

Business Analysis

• Develop a thorough understanding of the client’s mandate, priorities, business processes, metrics and challenges.
• Collaborate with RSO, clients and CCS staff to develop detailed solutions.
• Work with RSO and CCS to develop effective testing plans, including data related migration and testing
• Work with RSO and CCS to develop effective documentation to assist in testing and training 

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients and external vendors, including stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
• Serve as a key liaison between RSO and delivery teams.
• Communicate effectively with RSO and Enterprise Applications throughout the project lifecycle to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Effectively communicate insights and project expectations to cross-functional team members and management.

Client Relationship & Change Management

• Manage client expectations by:
• Understanding business needs, priorities, and budget constraints
• Identifying opportunities to enhance RSO business processes
• Ensuring clients are informed about vendor capabilities and service offerings
• Support project leadership with reviewing and validating contracts, SLAs, and SOPs with RSO
• Support successful solution deployment by mitigating issues during development and go-live phases.
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve client satisfaction and strengthen long-term partnerships.
• Working with a dedicated Change Manager, navigate sensitive change management scenarios with empathy and professionalism.

Requirements

The University acknowledges that candidates may bring varying strengths to this role. The following qualifications will guide the assessment process:

• Education & Experience
  • Undergraduate degree in one of the following fields:
    • Business Administration
    • Information Technology
    • Software Engineering, Systems Engineering
    • Information Systems
    • Management Information Systems (MIS), Project Management
  • Master’s degree in any of the above fields is considered an asset.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is required.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience demonstrating proficiency in project management, business analysis,  communications and change management with broad stakeholder groups
  • Certifications in Business Analysis (CCBA or CBAP), Change Management (e.g., Prosci), ITIL, or cloud-related certifications (e.g., Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) are considered assets.
• Technical Expertise
  • Strong technical background with experience in enterprise application implementation, infrastructure, and security.
  • Hands-on experience with system architecture concepts, data migration strategies, and API integration.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure/AWS) and security/compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR).
  • Experience working with QA/testing teams, including knowledge of test planning and validation methodologies.
• Project Management Skills
  • Proven ability to manage complex technology projects using industry-standard methodologies (e.g., PMI) across agile, waterfall, or hybrid frameworks.
  • Expertise in project planning and execution, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.
  • Skilled in technical risk assessment, particularly related to cybersecurity and data integrity.
  • Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure integrated service delivery.
• Tools & Platforms
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
  • Experience using Microsoft Azure DevOps for project tracking and traceability.
• Vendor & Compliance Management
  • Ability to evaluate technical vendor proposals and ensure compliance with institutional IT policies.
  • Experience reviewing and validating contracts, SLAs, and SOPs for technology solutions.
• Soft Skills
  • Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and facilitation abilities for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong client focus with proven ability to identify client needs, consult with stakeholders, and develop client-centered solutions.
  • Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across diverse teams.
  • High adaptability and initiative in dynamic project environments.
    
    
    Please include a cover letter along with your resume in your application.   
    

Employee Type: Temporary 
Position Number: 10924675 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 06    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:  12/19/2025  
Closing Date:  01/09/2026