Strategic Initiatives Officer

Competition 1199

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and an annual salary range of $67,159 to $111,927.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for Information Services & Technology

Information Services & Technology (IST) is the central support group for the university's technological landscape. IST plays a pivotal role in ensuring the evolution and smooth operation of technology for teaching, learning, research and working at the University of Alberta. Beyond having expansive technical expertise, IST fosters a supportive environment where our staff values include compassion, connection, collaboration, creativity and courage. If you are passionate about leveraging technology to empower education, research and to drive institutional excellence, join us and be part of shaping the future of the University of Alberta through innovative IT solutions.

Position 

Reporting to the CIO and AVP of Information Services & Technology (IST), the Strategic Initiatives Officer is a key member of the AVP’s leadership team who will support the unit’s goals and priorities by leading projects and managing emerging issues. The Strategic Initiatives Officer will be key in ensuring that the initiatives and projects undertaken by IST are in alignment with Technology with Purpose and ultimately with the University of Alberta’s strategic plan, Shape.

Duties 

Project/Initiative Management:

• Establishes strategic priorities with the IST Leadership Team and IT Governance committees to define initiatives/projects that align with the University’s strategic plan, Shape and Technology with Purpose
• Creates frameworks and terms of reference for the development of initiatives and projects
• Completes environmental scans, summaries of external policies and procedures, and identifies and assesses gaps and opportunities for improvement in IST services

Advisor/Influencer:

• Provides clear and understandable advice and recommendations based on experience and knowledge to support informed decision making by leaders
• Uses compelling and well researched arguments to convey recommendations, possible solutions, and new ideas
• Listens when ideas are challenged, seeks to clarify and understand the nature of the challenge and forms a response based on experience and expertise

Strategic Thinker/Organizationally Aware:

• Demonstrates awareness of the context in which the university operates
• Regularly reviews own work assignments and actions against broader area objectives and makes adjustments as needed
• Responds to changes in university strategic direction. Understands connections and can realign own work
• Incorporates a longer-term perspective into project/program development and problem-solving

Issue Resolver/Analytical Thinker:

• Considers problems from all perspectives; defines and confirms the true nature or causality of the problem before proceeding; seeks out a wide range of sources of information; expands on the thinking of others
• Analyzes complex issues or data sets. Identifies and analyzes multi-causal relationships. Weighs alternatives and highlights the best solution
• Identifies and resolves issues of missing, incomplete, contradictory or vague information. Extrapolates or makes educated assumptions based on knowledge or experience
• Synthesizes complex ideas for all levels of users. Provides briefings, presentations or reports on findings, including interpretations

Creative/Flexible Thinker

• Remains open-minded to new ideas and encourages others to bring forward new or different perspectives
• Develops creative solutions to systemic or consistent issues
• Meets obstacles with perseverance; finds flexible solutions to situations while still adhering to University policy
• Prepares for changing situations by expanding knowledge and developing new work methods; sees change as an opportunity for improvement
• Shows resilience when responding to changing priorities or situations that present uncertainty/ambiguity

Relationship/Linkage Maker

• Maintains productive relationships with colleagues and other team members
• Actively and continuously expands their own network and partnerships at all levels of the university
• Uses networks and partnerships to promote and create new initiatives, forward goals, identify opportunities, gather information and seek input
• Identifies and develops external contacts that may be helpful in achieving goals. Builds effective relationships with counterparts at other universities

Communicator:

• Leads the overall communication strategy for IST
• Identifies key stakeholders and audiences and shapes communications for those audiences
• Presents information effectively in front of a variety of audiences; recognizes non-verbal cues and uses them to anticipate questions or concerns
• Facilitates discussions and negotiations to foster successful implementation of portfolio initiatives
• Anticipates adverse reactions to messages and chooses communication style and deliver methods accordingly

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with progressive experience in a large complex organization
• Exceptional business writing, editing and research skills
• Superior analytical reasoning and organization skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, be flexible and to multitask
• Demonstrated experience with change management with a forward thinking approach and an attitude of service excellence