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SDSN Canada Program Specialist, Office of Institutional Commitments

Job ID: 33874
Location: Main Campus
Updated February 08, 2025

This job posting is no longer active.

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We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta.
The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Description

The Office of Institutional Commitments is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term SDSN Canada Program Specialist for approximately 24 months.

Reporting to the Associate Director Institutional Commitments & Projects, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada Program Specialist is responsible for supporting the University of Calgary, as the host of SDSN Canada (80%) and supporting the work of the Office of Institutional Commitments (OIC)(20%). They will engage the University of Calgary campus community and other post-secondary campuses and knowledge institutions in sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through events and other initiatives. Located in the Office of Institutional Commitments the SDSN Canada Program Specialist will also contribute to priority projects within the office related to sustainability, mental health and well-being, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA).

The SDSN Canada Program Specialist is a highly specialized and strategic position that leads sustainability and SDG initiatives that connect with many units on campus, including the areas of EDIA, and campus mental health and well being. This position will also work closely with national and global collaborating institutions. The position requires exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to productively engage and inform a diverse range of major groups on implementation of the University's Institutional Sustainability Strategy (ISS), ISS Action Plan, and SDSN Canada Strategy and Workplan.

The SDSN Canada Program Specialist is a highly autonomous role that requires judgement and decision making. The work of this position is dynamic and may be complex. Stressors include the variation and volume of work, multiple priorities, and numerous, often simultaneous, deadlines. The position demands excellent organizational and communication skills to develop relationships and collaborate with students, staff, and faculty members at the University of Calgary and other post-secondary institutions and knowledge institutions. The position requires strong writing skills to support creation of funding applications for University of Calgary and SDSN Canada to deliver events and other initiatives.

This position normally works Monday to Friday, 35.0 hours per week. Evening and weekend shifts and/or overtime may be required on occasion.

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

  • Lead the planning and implementation of internal and external high-impact events and other sustainability initiatives, including a national conference for the SDGs and SDG Week Canada.
  • Write and prepare event plans with measurable objectives, established themes, and key messages which align with departmental, institutional, and/or SDSN Canada priorities.
  • Source and negotiate services with vendors (e.g., entertainment, AV, catering, etc.), ensuring quality and value while remaining within budget.
  • Coordinate staff and volunteer support for events as required.
  • Liaise with event venue staff from initial planning stages to event day set-up and take-down.
  • Develop invitation lists, draft formal letters and correspondence, and coordinate invitation/RSVP processes, following protocol(s) as required.
  • Provide detailed closing reports of events and conduct analyses which include evaluations, key learning points, and recommendations for future enhancements.
  • Ensure feedback processes (e.g., post-event surveys) are part of the evaluation plan and that survey results are considered for future planning.
  • Stimulate community discussion and action on sustainability and related topics (e.g., SDGs, mental health, EDIA) through the development of other thought-provoking University of
  • Calgary and SDSN Canada initiatives, such as skills and training workshops, communities of practice, etc.
  • Working closely with the Associate Director Institutional Commitments, Projects to enhance relationships with existing partners and develop new partnerships within academia, rightsholders, industry, government, non-government, and community groups on events and other initiatives.
  • Develop collegial, positive, and high trust working relationships with others, including Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders, colleagues, students, faculty, and staff across the institution and SDSN Canada.
  • Work effectively as part of the Office of Institutional Commitments Team, including Executive Director, Operations Director, Academic Directors, Data, Strategy, and Reporting Team, Communications, Partnerships and Events Team as required.
  • Working closely with staff from the Data, Strategy, and Reporting Team, Communications, Partnerships and Events Team, and other groups, oversee creation of relevant and engaging sustainability resources and materials for sustainability events, other sustainability initiatives, and relevant communications channels.
  • Draft content development to engage students, faculty, staff, and external groups in sustainability, build awareness of the University's and SDSN Canada's goals and progress, and strengthen sustainability literacy and behavioral change.
  • Research and identify external sustainability award and granting opportunities and to develop effective proposals, programs, and partnerships with government, donors, industry, researchers, etc. to grow sustainability programs and activities for the University of Calgary and SDSN Canada.
  • Collaborate with the Office of the Vice-President (Development and Alumni) where applicable.
  • Mentor, coach, and support the professional development of student interns in the Office of Institutional Commitments Team.

Qualifications / Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree required; preferably in a field relevant to sustainability, and/or, EDIA, and/or mental health and well-being.
  • A relevant graduate degree would be an asset.
  • 5+ years of event planning and project coordination experience with an interest in, and strong understanding of, sustainability, EDIA in event planning and management.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of both EDIA, and mental health and well being; including their connection to sustainability. 
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills required, and the ability to support multiple projects of diverse types at various stages with an emphasis on accuracy and meeting milestones and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated project planning skills and experience successfully running impactful, high quality, multi-group events and initiatives. 
  • Exceptional interpersonal and English communication (verbal and written) skills with the ability to nurture positive working relationships with various campus and external communities.
  • Strong French communication (verbal and written) skills would be an asset.    
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision, exercising tact, sound judgment, and exceptional decision-making skills.
  • Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite with an ability to develop high-quality documents and presentations. Must have an aptitude to quickly become proficient with new digital tools and software programs.
  • Experience in grant writing and social media an asset.
  • Knowledge and understanding of University plans and policies, as well as structure, governance, and decision-making processes is an asset.

Application Deadline:  February 7, 2025

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 part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

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 Institutional Commitments ([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.

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