This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has an end date of July 31, 2027.

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

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, University Services, Operations and Finance (USOF), the Strategic Initiatives Officer (SIO) is the nexus for a broad array of initiatives flowing to and through the Office of the Vice-President.

Working closely with senior leaders and individual contributors from across USOF, the SIO initiates, prepares, and coordinates materials (board packages, briefings, speaking notes, etc.) for multiple institutional meetings, including but not limited to the Board of Governors, the General Faculties’ Council, the President’s Executive Committee, and Deans’ Council. Additionally, the SIO is instrumental in steering all institution-wide USOF policy development and refinement.

The Office of the Vice-President, University Services, Operations and Finance provides the operational foundation that supports the University of Alberta’s academic and research mission. This role leads the delivery of integrated services that foster a thriving, high-performing university environment.

The Vice-President oversees the development and management of campus infrastructure, secure and sustainable IT systems, strategic human resources, financial stewardship and procurement services. The portfolio emphasizes service excellence, operational efficiency and continuous improvement to meet institutional goals.

Key departments reporting to this portfolio include Campus Services; Finance, Planning and Procurement; Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment; Information Services and Technology; Infrastructure Planning, Development and Partnerships; Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management; Shared Services; Strategic Transformation and Delivery; and Utilities and Operations.

• Serve as the primary contact in the Office of the Vice-President and, by default, the portfolio focal point for all USOF governance activities ranging from initiation to quality control to submission into the university’s bi-cameral governance bodies.

• Prepare materials for the vice president’s participation in the above and track actions arising therein.

• Exercises influence without authority in directing work across the portfolio, often working with individuals in more senior positions.

• Manage and track portfolio initiatives/project work plans, including prioritizing projects based on determined priorities and resource availability.

• Identify and implement service and process improvements with a view to streamlining operations and/or adding value to the work of the Office of the Vice-President.

• Generate original ideas, formulate strategies, propose projects and initiatives, and develop innovative solutions based on expertise. Conduct research leading to proposals, recommendations, reports, etc. for USOF executive leadership.

• Lead complex, specialized work on behalf of the USOF.

• Liaise effectively with peers from other portfolios to facilitate any changes, modifications, or resolutions of project problems.

• Participate in the USOF senior leadership team meetings as an individual contributor and to maintain line-of-sight to portfolio-wide initiatives.

• Develop tools, processes, methods, templates, content repositories, and approaches for adoption across initiatives.

• Monitor and communicate the status of all strategic initiatives to senior leadership and reporting bodies.

• Bachelor’s degree.

• 5 years of progressive experience in deploying strong analytical skills with an emphasis on managing deadlines related to several simultaneous projects/initiatives.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded)**, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.