Academic Department Manager

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities, before external applicants are considered.

This position has an initial appointment of 18 months. Secondment opportunities may be considered. 

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Faculty General Manager and providing operational support to 2 Department Chairs, the Academic Department Manager (ADM) is accountable for the design, implementation and management of efficient and effective administrative systems for two Academic Departments within the Alberta School of Business. The ADM will focus on strategic planning, financial management, human resources, teaching and research support while ensuring that all operating policies and procedures support the School’s pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and service. 

In all facets of this role, the ADM endeavours to integrate and advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

The Alberta School of Business is one of the world’s leading institutions in business education and research and is the first and longest continually accredited business school in Canada. We’re positioned to help shape the future of business with over 140 tenured, tenure-track faculty and full- and part-time academic teaching staff members who are at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovative teaching. With 3400 students in our undergraduate program and 950 students in our graduate programs (including 58 PhD students), we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. We equip our faculty and students with the latest insights and tools to ensure students receive a transformative learning experience that prepares them for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Since 1916, the innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership of the school’s more than 33,000 alumni have strengthened businesses and communities worldwide. We actively foster partnerships with local businesses, organizations and government agencies, allowing our students and faculty to address real-world challenges and contribute directly to the local and global economy. Our outreach programs extend beyond the classroom, empowering students to use their skills for the betterment of society. At the Alberta School of Business, you’ll be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking community that values collaboration, inclusivity and continuous growth, making it an exceptional place to contribute your talents and expertise. For more information about the school, please visit our website at: https://www.ualberta.ca/business.

• Works with the Academic Department Chairs and the Faculty General Manager to develop plans, objectives, solutions, policies and procedures, ensuring integration of plans with Faculty, College and/or University priorities
• Prepares and manages Department budgets with the Department Chairs and the Service Partner (Finance), develops and monitors financial systems according to the School’s policies for assigned Departments; ensures funds are available for special initiatives and tracks fund utilization to ensure compliance
• Acts as the key contact for Department HR issues; works with Service Partner (Human Resources) to develop solutions, provide advice and support to the Academic Department Chairs (e.g. recruitment, relocations, LMIAs, performance management, collective agreement interpretation)
• In conjunction with the Service Partners (Finance and Human Resources) and the Processing Hub, oversees the financial and human resource transactions 
• With the assistance of the Service Partner (Communications) and in conjunction with the Faculty and College offices, develops and executes communication to various stakeholders
• Works with the Department Chairs to create Departmental course schedules and establishes teaching assignments; ensures scheduling changes are incorporated into the timetable and communicated to staff and students
• Oversees administration of the Department website; responsible for records management and retention
• Works with the Chair to write policy/conduct policy reviews with respect to administration and advise faculty and staff on relevant policies
• Provides timely reports (financial and non-financial) to the Department Chair as required
• Provides information and materials for accreditation maintenance reporting
• Oversees the administrative portion of the evaluation process, including probation review process, promotion and increment eligibility
• Prepares FEC/ATSEC related materials and audits submissions for accuracy, e.g. annual reports, summary recommendations, tenure and promotion cases 
• Provides leadership and supervision to the support staff team; manages and ensures timely support staff performance appraisals; responsible for leave administration; tracks absences and authorizes vacation schedule and other leaves
• Provides direct supervision to 2 Academic Department Coordinators and indirect supervision of 2 Academic Department Coordinators for department-specific tasks

• Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce/Business Administration
• 5-7 years of experience in hiring, leading, supervising, conducting performance evaluations, mentoring staff and managing employee performance
• Experience working in a large unionized environment and knowledge of the various contracts, including the Faculty, APO, ATS, NASA and TRAS Agreements
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills
• Training/experience in strategic planning, project management and resource planning, business process review and change management
• Demonstrated experience in human resources, financial analysis and budgeting
• Demonstrated use of systems and tools such as Excel, database, budget tools (Uplan), PeopleSoft (Finance, HCM, Campus Solutions) and SupplyNet
• Proven computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications 
• Ability to work independently
• Strong communication (written, verbal, public presentation), organization and interpersonal skills to develop effective relationships with faculty and administrators as well as a broad network of contacts
• Excellent tact and professionalism to facilitate negotiation, conflict resolution, and handle highly confidential matters
• Knowledge of the University of Alberta’s governance, policies, and procedures, as well as a good understanding of the academic culture is required
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines

Application Instructions

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This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and an annual salary range of $74,012 to $123,271.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule G of the collective agreement between the University and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.