Chief Administrator

Job Overview:

Neurodegenerative diseases of aging are among the least understood and most undertreated diseases today. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and frontotemporaral dementia are placing a large and increasing burden on society. If ignored, the costs to manage these diseases will rise ten-fold within a generation.

Meeting this challenge requires pioneering approaches to accelerating treatments. The Weston Brain Institute was established to accelerate the development of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases of aging, using a fast, flexible and interactive funding process to provide support to researchers.

To achieve this, the Institute addresses gaps and inefficiencies in scientific research by supporting high-risk, high-reward projects while leveraging world-class business and scientific expertise. It also drives innovation in funding processes.

The Institute currently supports work in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. This ongoing expansion has resulted in this new position. The Chief Administrator is responsible for in non-granting program areas and will play a central role in the Institute’s activities.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent collaborator and problem solver who can use data, business judgment and common sense to drive the business forward across different functions. They will be energized by a fast-paced work environment with high expectations. They will work well in a collaborative environment with an open and friendly team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Plans and directs/completes most administrative, financial, legal and non-granting program operational activities for the ED.
  • Accounting, financial and business/management reporting, planning and forecasting
  • Public relations, including creating press releases and social media plans; may involve working with a PR firm
  • Tracking of and reporting on outcomes
  • Developing/negotiating contracts and legal solutions to Institute and grantee issues (e.g., grantees transferring institutions)
  • Creating and maintaining templates of legal documents
  • Ensuring quality of website functionality and content
  • Handle ad hoc requests
  • Event planning, e.g., networking events for grantees
• Organize and prioritize critical issues and required information for the ED to facilitate efficient decision making.
• Draft senior communications for a range of stakeholders, from weekly updates to Board reports
• Drive efficiency and innovation in non-granting program operations
• Lead special projects, e.g.,
  • Development and implementation of a new enterprise resource management software system
  • Development and implementation of a new website
  • Growth
• Maintain Institute knowledge base on key topics, e.g., other funding programs in our area
• Assisting with granting projects, e.g., identifying best practices in grant making

Qualifications:

• Ability to think broadly, connect-the-dots and provide insight when addressing complex issues and meeting objectives

• Relevant undergraduate degree;
• At least 5 to 7 years of significant business experience, including significant exposure to
• Accounting, financial analysis and business reporting.
• Contract review
• Operations
• Senior communications
• 1-2 other relevant functions (e.g., public relations, process improvement)
• Excellent program management skills, including ability to set and meet aggressive deadlines and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including proven ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with a wide range of personalities and seniority levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage people an asset.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, including using quantitative analysis to inform decisions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent decision-making, judgment and common sense.
• Ability to think and work both strategically and tactically.
• Entrepreneurial approach; proactive and action-oriented personality; strong sense of pace and urgency.
• Straightforward and trustworthy.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies or telephone calls please.