Academic Department Manager

Competition 2345

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 $65,148 to $108,588.

Location -  This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton, and University Terrace.

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.

Position Summary

The Academic Department Manager (ADM) is a critical leadership role within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. Reporting to the Faculty General Manager, the ADM oversees administrative operations supporting the Department’s teaching, research, and clinical innovation missions.

The ADM manages people, resources, and processes to ensure operational excellence, strategic growth, and financial sustainability in a complex environment involving the University, Alberta Health, and Alberta Health Services (AHS), including Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL). The complexity of the departments and the ADM position is evidenced by the multiple numbers of contractual reporting stakeholders such as the University, Alberta Health and AHS/APL.

Working closely with the Department Chair and Faculty leadership, the ADM leads initiatives related to strategic planning, financial and human resources management, academic programming, compliance reporting, and communications, while integrating principles of equity, diversity, and inclusivity into all departmental activities.

Duties 

• Oversee departmental administration, including strategic planning, human resources, financial management, and compliance reporting.
• Manage the employee lifecycle for academic and clinical academic staff, in coordination with HR and Medical Affairs.
• Lead operational planning, governance processes, and departmental communications.
• Administer academic program operations, overseeing learner administration services and supporting education program delivery.
• Monitor and manage departmental finances (~$5.08M budget, ~$24M in research funding) in partnership with Finance Service Partners.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, budgets, forecasts, and internal controls.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with University offices, Alberta Health Services, and external partners.
• Support faculty in research, financial administration, grant compliance, and reporting.
• Lead and mentor administrative staff, promoting professional growth, continuous learning, and inclusive engagement.
• Participate in Faculty and Department committees, contributing to governance and strategic planning.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; graduate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Note that a combination of experience and post-secondary work may be considered.
• Education and a combination of at least 7 years of leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Significant experience in strategic planning, human resource management, and financial analysis, preferably in a University environment
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, human resources, and organizational administration.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and audit processes.
• Experience working in healthcare delivery, education, or research-intensive settings.
• Knowledge of operations in large unionized organizations.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and support a diverse team

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with University of Alberta policies, AHS systems, and provincial healthcare structures.
• Experience supporting strategic growth initiatives and large-scale operational change.
• Proven ability to manage competing demands and support equity, diversity, and inclusion priorities.
• High level of professionalism and ability to handle sensitive matters confidentially and tactfully.