Research Data Manager

The Academic Systems Office champions process consistency and continuous improvement across SAIT’s schools. Join a team that prides itself on responsive communication and respectful collaboration in pursuit of operational excellence. The OpportunityJob classification: M1100 - ManagerSalary range: $101,000 - $115,000. Placement within the range is typically based upon a review of skills, experience, and internal equity. Hours per week: Paid leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per yearDeadline to apply: 4:00PM, March 6th 2026The Research Data Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining SAIT’s institutional framework for research data management (RDM). The role provides professional leadership in establishing policies, systems, processes, and guidance that support the responsible, secure, and compliant management of research data across its full lifecycle. The position ensures alignment with Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy, privacy and security legislation, ethical requirements, and institutional data governance standards. Working collaboratively with IT Services, Privacy, Legal, Research Ethics, the Library, Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS), academic schools, and research units, it enables consistent adoption of RDM practices across the institution.Reporting initially to the Director, Academic Systems and transitioning to the Research Services Office once established, the role supports researchers in meeting compliance obligations, develops institutional tools and processes for research data oversight, and contributes to risk mitigation, research integrity, and continuous improvement of research practices at SAIT.

How you'll contribute

• Research Data Framework Development & Implementation
• Develop, implement, and maintain institutional research data management policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines
• Ensure alignment with Tri-Agency RDM Policy, privacy and access legislation, cybersecurity requirements, ethics frameworks, and SAIT data governance practices
• Translate policy requirements into operational practices that are practical, scalable, and fit for diverse research contexts
• Provide institutional guidance to support unbiased, ethical, and responsible research data practices
• Systems, Tracking, and Process Design
• Design and coordinate institutional systems, workflows, and tools to manage and track research data across the research lifecycle
• Collaborate with IT Services and other stakeholders to recommend appropriate solutions for data storage, access control, retention, archiving, and disposal
• Support implementation of systems that balance compliance, usability, security, and research needs
• Training, Education, and Researcher Support
• Develop and deliver training, guidance, and resources for faculty, staff, and students on research data management requirements and best practices
• Create documentation, templates, and toolkits to support consistent adoption of institutional RDM practices
• Provide consultative support to research teams on RDM planning, compliance, and implementation
• Institutional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as a central point of coordination for research data management across Research Services, IT, Privacy, Legal, Ethics, the Library, academic schools, and research units Consider removing this line to reduce redundancy if it stays in the Opportunity summary
• Facilitate alignment between research data practices and broader institutional governance, compliance, and risk management processes
• Exercise indirect leadership by influencing, advising, and guiding stakeholders to achieve shared institutional outcomes
• Continuous Improvement & Change Enablement
• Monitor emerging trends, standards, and regulatory changes related to research data management
• Identify opportunities to enhance institutional practices, tools, and processes
• Support change adoption by promoting awareness, understanding, and integration of responsible data stewardship practices across the institution

What you bring

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Information Science, Data Management, Research Administration, Library/Information Studies, Information Systems, or a related field
• Master's degree in a related discipline would be considered an asset
• 5-7 years progressive experience in research data management, data governance, research administration, or a related field is required
• Must have 3-5 years experience developing and implementing institutional policies, systems, or training programs
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) is preferred
• Research Data Management (RDM) certificates (, Portage Network, CARL, or equivalent) is preferred
• Privacy certifications (, CIPP/C, CIPP/E, or Canadian privacy equivalents) would be considered an asset
• Information security or data protection certifications (foundational level) is preferred
• Research Administration/Compliance Training or certification related to Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy is preferred
• Research ethics or compliance training (, TCPS 2 familiarity) would be considered an asset

Skills & Knowledge

• Demonstrated expertise in research data management frameworks, data governance, and regulatory compliance
• Strong understanding of research data lifecycle management
• In-depth knowledge of privacy, ethics, and research compliance requirements
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly
• Strong analytical, organizational, and coordination skills
• Proven ability to influence without formal authority and support organizational change

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team! We know being ghosted is the worst, so be assured – you’ll hear from us either way. We take time to review each submission carefully and promise not to vanish. Together, we build bold futuresAt SAIT, we equip you with the resources you need to shape bold futures for yourself and our communities. We offer a comprehensive package including: - Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence - Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing - SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported - Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account - Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate - Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses - Excellent dining options on campus - Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes About SAIT At SAIT, we’re building bold futures. We’re a community of tenacious problem-solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we’re driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you’ve found it here. We’re committed to community and belonging Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.