Regional Manager (Europe/Middle East/Africa)

Competition 2042

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

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $68,101 to $113,509.

Location - Work primarily takes place 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 First Peoples 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 the Global Engagement Team

The Global Engagement team supports the university community in the development and delivery of impactful international partnerships and opportunities to advance international strategic objectives for the benefit of students, faculty and staff. The University of Alberta has earned the reputation of being one of the best universities in Canada based on our teaching, research and service, with an international reputation for excellence across health and life sciences, social sciences, agriculture, business and law, engineering, natural sciences, arts, and the humanities. We are home to more than 44,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs with over 13,000 faculty and staff. Our innovative and dynamic environment offers boundless opportunities for engaging work within diverse and multidisciplinary teams. A high level of collaboration within the university allows you to build professional networks with meaningful relationships, and cultivate new skill sets through our well-established learning and development programs. Our greatest asset is people who make up the U of A community. We are proud that our campuses, buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the traditional territory of Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, and Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe nations as part of Treaties 6, 7, and 8 and homeland, of the Métis.

An exciting opportunity exists for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team of professionals as a Regional Manager – Europe, Middle East, & Africa.

Position

Reporting to the Director, Global Engagement, the Regional Manager (Europe/Middle East/Africa) facilitates the development and implementation of regional strategies, work plans, and initiatives that support the international goals and objectives of the University of Alberta, in alignment with the University's strategic plans and priorities. As the lead relationship manager for the University in their region, the RM draws upon deep knowledge of their region to focus on building and managing institutional strategic partnerships including with governments, academia, and industry, developing and assessing potential opportunities, seeking and stewarding revenue-generating projects, facilitating international student recruitment through partnerships, finding international opportunities to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and building the international profile and reputation of the University of Alberta, as well as reporting on, and evaluation of regional activities.

In this role, the Regional Manager will primarily focus on the European portfolio, leading the development and execution of regional strategies that strengthen the University of Alberta’s engagement with key partners across government, academia, and industry in Europe. While Europe will be the primary area of responsibility, the Regional Manager will also contribute to initiatives in the Middle East and Africa, supporting broader institutional objectives in these regions. This includes collaborating on cross-regional partnerships, identifying strategic opportunities, and contributing to revenue-generating projects and student recruitment efforts.

Duties

Strategic Planning and Advising

• Facilitates the development of an institutional international regional strategy that advances UAlberta’s strategic objectives.
• Provides vision and direction for an institutional international regional strategy.
• Contributes professional and managerial expertise to the development of region-specific plans, objectives, solutions, policies and procedures.
• Actively seeks out information on trends and developments in higher education, research, innovation, industry, trade developments, and more broadly in political and economic terms, as regards their region, to inform strategic decision making within the University.
• Synthesizes information obtained from UAlberta stakeholders and uses external data and professional contacts to ensure a well-rounded analysis of strategic opportunities in their region. Completes environment scanning and assesses opportunities and risks. Tracks key analytics and develops reports for leadership, and UAlberta administrative and academic leaders to support decision-making.
• Recognizes and understands the diverse and sensitive geopolitical context in which UAlberta international activities and initiatives take place.

Relationship Management and Stewardship

• Proactively, and collaboratively with other UAlberta stakeholders including President, Provost, VPRI, VP ER, and other units, develops, manages, and stewards institutional relationships and partnerships in their region, and works with partners to define collaborative plans in support of institutional strategic objectives, including growth in revenue generation, student recruitment, research funding, and partnerships for sustainability.
• Regularly employs diplomacy, innovation, flexibility and resilience to cultivate linkages and partnerships between the University and institutions/organizations in their region that advance UAlberta's strategic interests.
• Develops and cultivates relations with various types of organizations and partner institutions, nationally and internationally, including in governments, industry, academia, foundations, and non-governmental organizations, to advance UAlberta's strategic objectives in the region.
• Negotiates international agreements with partners, in collaboration with UAlberta stakeholders and the International Agreements team within the Global Engagement unit.

Implementation of International Events, Missions, and Visits

• Leads and manages the development and implementation of institutional level international events, missions and visits, related to their region.
• Plans and implements key events, missions and visits connected to the region.
• Facilitates and supports central, college, and faculty leaders/representatives to undertake select overseas missions and/or to participate in international events, to advance international strategic objectives.
• Acts as advisor on all questions of protocol and intercultural communication for partners and visitors for the region.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensures country and relevant institution profiles are up to date and complete.
• Works closely with the Manager, International Relations Services, to ensure the international activities database is up-to-date regarding regional international activities, including international collaborations, visits, and missions.
• Maintains, through a database, contact information and records of activity for international partners, organizations, foundations, and government departments and agencies. Keeps UAlberta country contact lists up to date.
• Provides regular reporting on external meetings, missions, project outcomes, and other relations activities, etc.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in a related field required. A Master's degree preferred. Other combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant international experience, particularly in business development roles, preferably in a post-secondary education context.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, higher education in Canada and in the relevant region.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Comfortable with public speaking and delivering presentations.
• Superior intercultural skills, particularly as relevant to the region.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, including ability to draft professional, concise, strategic, and persuasive briefing documents for senior administrators.
• Project development and management skills.
• Experience in leading overseas missions and ability to handle complex logistical planning.
• Fluency in a language of the region is required.
• Highly-developed problem-solving, critical thinking, and crisis communication skills.
• Ability to manage time well, meet multiple deadlines, and prioritize projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in demanding, changing, and uncertain/ambiguous international environments.
• Work and/or study experience in the region would be an asset.
• Computer literacy in word processing, databases, and superior internet skills.