Job Description

Research Business Manager

Summary

The Research Business Manager plays a key leadership role in the management of the financial and business operations of MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions. Reporting to the Manager, Research Programs and Partnerships, the Business Manager oversees the business, financial, contractual, and selected operational aspects of the Centre's research activities and strategic initiatives.


This individual ensures efficient and accurate financial forecasting, reporting, compliance, and contractual operations across multiple streams of MAP's work. The role involves proactive financial planning, project oversight, supporting grant development and donor initiatives, liaising with internal teams (Finance, Office of Research Administration, Foundation), and enabling smooth research operations by managing key systems and processes.

Duties/Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

Forecasts and monitors the Centre's financial and operational needs; develops tools and processes for budget planning and financial forecasting.


Prepares, analyzes, and presents monthly and quarterly budget-to-actual reports for internal leadership and funders.


Maintains accurate, up-to-date financial records, including expenses, payroll, and invoice tracking.


Generates financial status reports for Centre-wide initiatives, including Anti-Racism Equity Advisory, MAP Summer Student Program, Community Scholar Program, and others.


Reviews and manages invoicing and payment requisitions across all Centre initiatives.


Tracks donor-funded project expenses and prepares related financial reports in collaboration with Foundation staff.


Supports reporting needs for grant-funded and donor-funded projects (e.g. budget narratives, forecasts, expenditure reports).


Provides pre-award budget support to MAP Teams


Identifies opportunities for cost savings, enhanced revenue/recovery, and financial workflow improvements.

Contracts and Compliance

Prepares and submits contracts related to Centre-wide initiatives (e.g., grant agreements, service provider agreements).


Works closely with Unity Health's Office of Research Administration to ensure appropriate fund setup, compliance, and financial reporting.


Tracks and manages contract deliverables, deadlines, and payments.


Support any financial audits that are requested by the funding agencies


Responsible for understanding and communicating any finance or compliance changes from major funding agencies

Donor and Foundation Liaison

Collaborates with the St. Michael's Foundation to track donor funds, report on impact, and ensure financial transparency.


Assists with donor reports for both individual scientist-led and Centre-wide donor-funded initiatives.

Project and Operational Support

Supports scientist's teams in setting up donor-funded projects (e.g., completion of Donor Confirmation Letters and Research Project Request Forms).


Assists scientists with project-specific budgeting, grant budget development, and expense claims as requested.


Provides training to new staff, Scientists, Investigators and Managers on business operations and financial procedures.


Supports payroll entry and reviews as needed.


Assists the Centre Director and Manager, Research Programs and Partnerships with selected operational responsibilities, such as coordination of reports and internal documents.


Works effectively with MAP's Core Team and other departments to optimize productivity and streamline operations.


Support Core Team members as required

Administrative and Strategic Support

Responds to queries from scientists and research staff related to business and financial operations.


Participates in Centre planning meetings and strategy development regarding operational and financial sustainability.


Identifies and leads updates to MAP Centre's financial protocols, policies, and operational procedures.


Supports creation of SOP's to continuously improve MAP Business Operations


Performs other duties, as assigned or required.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

Education & Experience

:


Undergraduate degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Health Administration, or a related field required.


Minimum 5 years of experience in financial management and/or research administration in a health or academic research setting.


Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and contract administration required.


Experience supporting grant-funded and donor-funded research projects is an asset.

Certifications

:


Completion of TCPS CORE 2 and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) within first 2 weeks of hire is preferred.


Additional certifications in financial systems or project management are an asset.

Skills

:


[Advanced] Financial analysis and budgeting


[Advanced] Communication (verbal/written) and interpersonal skills


[Advanced] Problem solving and strategic thinking


[Intermediate] Contract negotiation and grant administration


[Intermediate] Computer skills, including Excel, financial systems (e.g. Oracle, PeopleSoft), and data visualization tools


[Intermediate] Organizational skills and attention to detail


[Basic] Understanding of research operations and funding environments (hospital, academic, or non-profit)





Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.