Posted: June 23, 2026
Communication & Grant Specialist, DEFENDS - U of A, Edmonton is listed at University of Alberta in Edmonton, AB. The Beaver Board aggregates this opening from the employer's career page — apply using the button below to reach the official application. Browse more jobs at University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, is seeking a Communication and Grant Specialist for its DEFENDS program. This hybrid role involves leading complex grant proposals and translating technical engineering advancements into clear reports. Key requirements include a university degree in a relevant field and at least five years of professional experience in grant or technical writing. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and is a three-year term.
The University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, presents a unique opportunity for a Communication and Grant Specialist to join its innovative Dual-Use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence, and Sovereignty (DEFENDS) program. This pivotal, high-impact role is at the intersection of cutting-edge defence innovation, academia, and national sovereignty, directly contributing to Canada’s defence priorities. As the primary conduit between complex academic research and federal/provincial funding bodies, you will position the university at the forefront of national security advancements. This three-year term position is hybrid, blending remote work with in-person collaboration primarily at the North Campus in Edmonton, fostering a strong sense of community within the team. Your expertise in technical communication will be crucial in translating highly specialized engineering advancements into compelling value propositions, securing vital grant funding and maintaining stakeholder confidence. The role offers an exceptional chance to drive the growth of a secure, multi-sector ecosystem and directly contribute to the advancement of national security technologies, making a tangible difference for the broader Canadian community. The Faculty of Engineering, a top North American engineering school, supports this initiative, known for its innovation and commitment to societal well-being.
As the Communication and Grant Specialist, you will lead the end-to-end development of complex, large-scale funding proposals, targeting provincial, federal, and international agencies such as Alberta Innovates, DND IDEaS, NATO DIANA, and NSERC. A significant part of this role involves collaborating closely with academic researchers and technical teams to translate highly specialized engineering data and research artifacts into accessible briefing notes, executive summaries, and formal progress reports. You will manage reporting and key performance indicators, drafting formal milestone reports that accurately map technical outputs against the program's economic KPIs, including job creation and Technology Readiness Level advancement. Ensuring security and compliance is paramount, as you will oversee the DEFENDS document management system, adhering strictly to national security guidelines, data classification models, and Controlled Goods protocols. Furthermore, you will drive funding strategy by monitoring global defence and technology trends to inform future grant applications, ensuring proposals remain highly competitive and aligned with national security priorities. Providing strategic communications counsel to the Director and Director of Operations is also a key duty, identifying crucial messaging and maintaining a unified DEFENDS brand. You will coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, acting as an internal liaison to gather technical specifications, track deliverables, and facilitate knowledge flow regarding grant deadlines and team alignment.
Candidates for this Communication and Grant Specialist role should possess a university degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, English, Science, or Engineering. A minimum of five years of professional work experience in preparing grants, scientific manuscripts, or technical reports is essential. The successful applicant will demonstrate exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a proven ability to translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, compelling, and accessible language for diverse audiences. Strong research and information-gathering skills are required to source and verify data from various subject matter experts within the university and broader community. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and/or Google Workspace is also expected. This position demands excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, along with the ability to manage multiple writing projects simultaneously, meet strict deadlines, and work independently with a high degree of initiative. Applicants must be willing and eligible to undergo security training and clearance processes as required by project-specific mandates. The University of Alberta offers a comprehensive benefits package, and priority consideration will be given to internal candidates and former employees.
