Director, Kinesiology Facilities and Operations

Description

The Facilities & Operations in the Faculty of Kinesiology  is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Director, Facilities & Operations.

The Faculty of Kinesiology is one of the world's leading sport science schools. It comprises over 1300 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs along with four business units: the Olympic Oval, Active Living, Dinos Athletics, and the Sport Medicine Centre. The Director, Kinesiology Facilities and Operations, is a new position intended to enable the faculty to deliver excellence in research, education, and community programs. The Director will ensure that Faculty facilities are maintained and operated to an elevated level of excellence, that special events are supported, and that opportunities to generate external revenue are maximized.

Reporting to the Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, the Director is responsible for the maintenance and operations of Kinesiology complex and oversight of certain major projects and events. The maintenance and improvement of infrastructure has been identified as the catalyst for growth in the faculty's strategic plan (Together, Stronger). As such, this position is expected to play a leading role in helping the faculty address this strategic priority, including the development and operation of new infrastructure projects. The position requires strategic planning, decision-making, and creation and implementation of policies and procedures aligned with the faculty strategic plan.

The Director will oversee and coordinate capital renewal and maintenance priorities, project management, special event management, facility booking management, risk management, and safety. Additionally, the Director will take a leading role in generating revenue through the acquisition of new business (e.g., external user group rentals and events). There is often a high volume of work with short timelines for completion. In addition to normal working hours Monday to Friday, the position will involve work in the evenings and on weekends and being on call.

The role requires a high capacity and competency to balance tasks with a proactive approach in a complex environment, necessitating considerable sensitivity with numerous stakeholders. A high degree of independent judgment and decision-making is essential, along with strong problem-solving abilities, conflict resolution skills, issue management, and the capability to maintain good judgment under pressure. The role involves meticulous attention to detail in document preparation, ensuring clear, concise, and systematically maintained. Strategic thinking and participation in the development and implementation of strategic plans are crucial, aligning individual tasks with broader organizational goals. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to build and maintain strong relationships, navigate conflicts, and ensure accurate and complete work outputs. The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional judgment, strategic insight, and the ability to handle a high workload with precision and professionalism.
 

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide leadership and direction for the Kinesiology Operations unit and support work of the Directors of the business units and academic programs
• Lead the creation and continuous improvement of strategic plans, ensuring alignment with the Faculty of Kinesiology's and the University overarching strategies
• Formulate yearly operating plans that support the strategic plans and the Faculty of Kinesiology's objectives, directing the execution for effectiveness
• Ensure effective internal and external communication and build strong relationships with key stakeholders within and outside the university
• Develop and maintain capital priority list and make recommendations to the Dean
• Develop and implement policies
• Manage minor and major renovation and capital projects
• Generate new business
• Create and oversee external agreements for the faculty
• Liaise with central university departments and units (e.g., Grounds, Facilities Development)
• Regular meetings with IT partners and scheduling to ensure Faculty IT needs are addressed in a timely manner
• Implement and monitor planned maintenance programs for buildings and equipment
• Lead the creation and continuous improvement of strategic plans, ensuring alignment with the Faculty of Kinesiology's and the University overarching strategies and operating plans
• Oversight of the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the day-to-day activities of Kinesiology Operations to achieve its goals and objectives. Overseeing all aspects of the business, from finance to communications
• Oversee the planning, development, and funding of capital projects, ensuring they align with strategic priorities and budget
• Work directly with the campus architecture, campus planning, project management office, and external contractors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to required standards
• Identify and triage issues that affect other departments within the faculty of Kinesiology and across the university or need a decision from the Dean for operational purposes
• Spearhead the planning, communication, and execution of change initiatives, that support efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring they are embraced and integrated into daily operations
• Draft, review, and finalize contracts, agreements, and Memorandums of Understanding to ensure they meet organizational standards and legal requirements
• Lead and direct a high-performance team of management and professional staff (MaPS) and unionized staff
• Coach and mentor management team in their roles and lines of business and provide sound advice on managing and leading a large MaPS and unionized workforce (includes full-time, part-time, Recurring Part Time, Student and Casual Hourly)
• Develop and implement short and long-range financial plans with a focus on revenue generation and financial sustainability
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets for approval by the Dean

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Post secondary education in a related field and 5 years of relevant senior leadership experience
• Extensive experience in project management, supervision, administration, and budget planning
• Experience developing capital priority lists
• Knowledge of sport and recreation industry and special events management experience
• Demonstrated success as a strategic negotiator who possess strong negotiation and problem-solving skills that are both diplomatic and effective while dealing with a variety of audiences
• Ability to tactfully diffuse and present solutions to senior leaders in a collaborative manner
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to handle a large and diverse workload and meet deadlines is essential
• Previous experience in coaching and professional development of staff, including mentoring and motivating staff and ability to manage staff issues
• Previous experience in policy, process, procedural development and implementation
• Project Management Certificate or degree in Project Management is an asset
• Knowledge of fire codes, safety codes, environmental regulations, Occupational Health and Safety standards

Application Deadline:  October 16, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Management & Professional Career Band, Level M3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. 

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.