Job Description

Who We Are
Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose - the essence of SFU - is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.
SFU's Institutional Strategic Awards (ISA) designs strategies and leads initiatives to grow research capacity, income, and visibility. We support faculty in pursuing major research grants, awards, and prizes by providing strategic consultations, stakeholder engagement, and expert guidance on proposal development. The Research Development team works closely with colleagues across the university to align projects with institutional priorities and funding opportunities. For the first year, this role will be embedded with the Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute (CANSSI), a national institute advancing statistical sciences through interdisciplinary collaboration. ISA's team culture is collaborative, responsive, and committed to supporting faculty success.
About the Role
This position will play a pivotal role in supporting the Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute (CANSSI) as it prepares for its next major NSERC funding renewal in This position will play a pivotal role in supporting the Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute (CANSSI) as it prepares for its next major NSERC funding renewal in 2026. The advisor will work closely with CANSSI's leadership and communications officer to develop a compelling application that speaks both to disciplinary experts and to broader decision-makers who set budgets and priorities. Beyond the application itself, the role will contribute to a suite of public-facing articles and materials that highlight CANSSI's national impact, explain the importance of statistics in research and society, and strengthen the case for increased federal investment.
The ideal candidate brings scientific literacy, exceptional writing and editing skills, and experience translating complex research into accessible narratives. The position is housed within SFU's Institutional Strategic Awards (ISA) team and will focus primarily on supporting CANSSI in its first year, with the potential to contribute to other large-scale institutional initiatives in the future.
The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and editor who can translate complex research into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse audiences, from academic peers to policymakers. They bring experience developing large-scale funding proposals or equivalent projects that require strategic framing and attention to detail. Strong analytical skills, scientific literacy, and the ability to quickly grasp new concepts are essential. The candidate thrives in collaborative settings, balancing input from multiple stakeholders while maintaining clarity and coherence. Adaptability, initiative, and a solutions-oriented mindset will be key to success in this fast-paced role with high institutional visibility.
Qualifications
Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Policy or a relevant discipline and five years of directly related experience, including the development, writing, editing, and review of successful grant proposals and public communications; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Outstanding writing and editing skills, with a track record of producing clear, engaging content for public and policy audiences.
• Ability to translate complex scientific and technical material into accessible, compelling narratives.
• Strong skills in strategic communication, including articles, reports, and storytelling that highlight institutional impact.
• Collaborative approach with experience working across diverse teams and managing multiple inputs and deadlines.
• Familiarity with large-scale research funding proposals and the ability to adapt writing to both technical and non-technical readers.

What We Offer
At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• An additional 7% pay in lieu of benefits & 8% vacation pay
• Employer paid extended health & dental plans
• Professional development funds (minimum contract period of 1 year)
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information
The assignment end date is December 2026.
Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.
SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.
We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.

Skills Required