Academic Department Manager

Competition 867

While this position welcomes applications from the public, please note that preference will be given to current employees at the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer agreement, this full time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and an annual salary range of $76,395 to $127,323.

This competition will be used to recruit 2 positions; for the Humanities division and the Social Sciences division.

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

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

Reporting to the Faculty General Manager, the Academic Department Managers oversees the administrative operations of various Academic Departments. These positions manage the administration of Department Programs and daily Department operations. This includes support for faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, and numerous programs.

The Humanities Academic Department Manager supports the Departments of East Asian Studies, English and Film Studies, History, Classics and Religion, Media and Technology Studies, Modern Languages and Cultural Studies, and Philosophy. This position has direct oversight of nine positions including an Assistant Department Manager, Executive and Administrative support, Research Coordinator, unit communications, web and recruitment functions and indirect oversight for seven Student Advisors and a Service Teaching Assistant.

The Social Sciences  Academic Department Manager supports the Departments of Anthropology, Economics, Linguistics, Political Science, Sociology, and Women’s & Gender Studies. This position has direct oversight of eleven positions including an Assistant Department Manager, Executive and Administrative support, Research Coordinators, Technologist, unit communications, web and recruitment functions and indirect oversight for nine Student Advisors and a Placement Coordinator.

In all facets of this role, the Academic Department Manager endeavors to integrate and advance the University’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusivity and creates an environment where diverse ideas, perspectives, and achievements are recognized, rewarded and celebrated. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Direct and indirect oversight of several positions
• Monitor, analyze, forecast, and report on the academic department’s financial position; recommend strategies and proposals regarding budget allocations
• Oversee financial transactions across all sources including special grants, contracts and the purchase of services, equipment, and supplies
• Provide advice, support and oversight on human resource issues such as hiring, performance management, employee relations/labour relations, and financials
• Develop and execute communication to various stakeholders; may oversee department events aimed at networking, information sharing, and fund development
• Create an environment where diverse ideas, perspectives, and achievements are recognized, rewarded, and celebrated
• Coordinate course and calendar information according to Department/ Faculty/College protocols; make necessary changes to course offerings supported by analytics
• Negotiate financial and other agreements for service teaching and special projects
• Contribute professional and administrative expertise to the development of plans, objectives, solutions, policies, and procedures for the Academic Department(s)
• Track key analytics and develop reports to support decision making, responding to requests for financial and statistical information to support decision making
• Maintain an intimate understanding of client area(s) in the interest of building productive and effective ongoing relationships and developing a network at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrate inclusivity in work processes and work teams, actively seeking out and inviting alternative viewpoints in planning, discussions, and decision making
• Recognize and mediate or remove barriers to inclusive engagement and take steps to address issues by mediating with involved parties
• Recognize and take steps to address discrimination, and other barriers to cooperation, collaboration, and positive communication
• Facilitates skill development by providing clear, detailed performance feedback in a manner that builds confidence and maintains self-esteem

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree is required
• Minimum 5 years of senior level management experience in leading and supervising staff
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Planning, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with team members from different areas of expertise, and with senior administrators in an organization

Preferences:

• Training/experience in project management, business process review, and change management
• Extensive knowledge of University of Alberta policies, procedures, and operating requirements is an asset
• Familiarity with university governance systems is an asset
• Demonstrated use of systems and tools such as Excel, database query tools (Tableau), budget tools (UPlan), and PeopleSoft (Finance, HCM, Campus Solutions) is an asset