Director, Business Operations, School of Public Policy

Position Overview

The School of Public Policy is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Director, Business Operations.

Reporting to the Academic Director, School of Public Policy (SPP), the Director, Business Operations is accountable for the design, implementation and direction of efficient and effective operational and business structures within the School of Public Policy. As a key member of the SPP's Executive Group, the successful incumbent builds consistency and continuity within a portfolio, between portfolios institutionally, and provides background and strategic support to the Academic Director on business management, policies, and institutional focuses. The Director, Business Operations, plays a pivotal leadership role focused on strategy, with emphasis on building operational excellence across the support areas.

In consultation and collaboration with the Director, SPP, this position will resolve issues and lead initiatives with positive impact and minimal institutional disruption/delay as well as work closely with the Director, SPP, Research Director, Scientific Directors, Program Directors and senior administrators across campus. The role has a very high work volume and stress level, including complex and varied accountabilities, leadership and decision-making requirements, all within an interdisciplinary environment of rapid growth while working with internal and external stakeholders. The position requires the incumbent to act decisively, to exercise a high degree of initiative and discretionary judgment on a wide range of issues, which impacts the School's operations and services.

Position Description

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

• Provides leadership in the development, planning, evolution, streamlining and implementation of administrative policies such as guidelines for: sponsored research fellowships; research contracts; space allocation; IT infrastructure; travel, research assistance and other research related expenses; research allowances and honoraria for faculty and instructors in the unit, and other process and policy needs that may emerge over time. Designs, develops and implements effective procedures and systems that ensure best practices are followed.
• Ensures the allocation of time, flow of information, and priorities are efficiently balanced for self and staff.
• Accountable for all aspects of workforce planning of the administrative team, with a focus on supporting the short and long-term business objectives of the School.
• In liaison with other internal units, ensures that processes developed in the School are in compliance with the University of Calgary's formal processes and policies.
• Provides expert advice to the Director, Academic Director and Research Director in the drafting, development and evolution of governance documents which define the operating structure.
• Full managerial discretion for a team of approximately five staff members (full cycle recruitment, performance management, disciplinary action up to and including termination).
• Selects, trains, manages, supports and evaluates direct reports, providing feedback, development opportunities and coaching for continuous improvement.
• Manages the flow of information to and from SPP. Filters information to other members of the executive team, committees, or senior administration.
• Works with the Director, SPP Academic Director and Research Director and senior administration to identify and manage issues in and across portfolios, developing and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Member of the School of Public Policy's Budget Committee; accountable for the review of submissions and reports related to the financial, audit, risk management, and investment climate of the unit.
• Works with senior administration in annual budget preparations. Ensures expert budget planning and management of financial activities including the review of operating, special purpose and endowment accounts for consistency with university standards and policies and to ensure effective and efficient stewardship and utilization of resources.
• Serves as a member of various department, portfolio and university committees in representing the unit.
• Contributes information and expertise, and keeps up to date on relevant current trends and developments with colleagues at other Canadian universities, professional organizations and government department and agencies.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree, Preference would be for a Master's level degree in one of the following: Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Management.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of related, progressively responsible, management/leadership experience, demonstrating achievement in a senior administrative position, preferably within a public sector environment. Experience within a post-secondary environment is preferred.
• Ability to think conceptually & directionally, a visionary thinker.
• Strong organizational, analytical, time management and problem-solving skills in order to deal effectively with complex tasks and issues coupled with the ability to direct team participation in the planning process.
• Experience in strategic planning or business planning regarding operational aspects of information flow and its dissemination is required.
• Ability to act decisively, to exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues, and to build productive and supportive working relationships internal and external to the school.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and communication/conflict management skills in a rapidly growing and changing work environment.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, judgment, and discretion in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential materials.
• Experience in overseeing budgets and the budget development process.
• Experience in leading, coaching and mentoring staff is essential. Experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with PeopleSoft business administration modules.
• Experience in acquiring resources and research funding/knowledge for research funding applications is an asset.

Application Deadline: December 9, 2021

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.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.