Academic Department Manager

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 74,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The Academic Department Manager (ADM) at the University of Alberta oversees budget, HR, and administrative systems for two departments within the Alberta School of Business. The role emphasizes strategic planning, financial stewardship, and service-minded leadership to support teaching, research, and community partnerships.

Hybrid work arrangement with responsibilities spanning policy development, reporting, accreditation, and staff supervision.

Qualifications

• 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 in a large unionized environment and knowledge of contracts (Faculty, APO, ATS, NASA, TRAS).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
• Training/experience in strategic planning, project management and resource planning, business process review and change management.
• Experience in human resources, financial analysis and budgeting.
• Proficiency with Excel, database, budget tools (Uplan), PeopleSoft (Finance, HCM, Campus Solutions) and SupplyNet.
• MS Office Suite and Google Applications; ability to work independently.
• Strong communication, organization and interpersonal skills; handle confidential matters.

Responsibilities

• Develop plans, objectives, policies and procedures aligned with University priorities.
• Prepare and manage Department budgets with Chairs and Finance partner.
• Advise on HR issues and support related to recruitment, relocations and performance management.
• Oversee financial and HR transactions with Service Partners and Processing Hub.
• Collaborate with Communications to deliver stakeholder updates and reports.
• Create departmental course schedules and manage timetable changes.
• Oversee Department website and records management and retention.
• Write policy conduct reviews and advise on relevant policies.
• Provide timely financial and non-financial reports to the Department Chair.
• Support accreditation maintenance reporting and annual evaluations.
• Supervise support staff and manage leave administration and performance appraisals.
• Directly supervise 2 Academic Department Coordinators.

Skills

Budgeting

HR management

Strategic planning

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Independent work

Time management

Governance knowledge

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce/Business Administration

Tools

Excel

PeopleSoft

Uplan

SupplyNet

Budget tools

Google Applications

Job description

Job Description

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.

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.

Location

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

Responsibilities

• 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 authorises 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

Qualifications

• 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

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.

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 prioritises 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 endeavouring 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.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

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.

About The Team

The Alberta School of Business is one of the world’s leading institutions for business education and research. As the first and longest continually accredited business school in Canada, it is also one of the country’s largest, with 70 faculty members, 2,100 undergraduate students, and 950 graduate students. Since its inception in 1916, the school’s innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership have shaped communities and businesses around the world. With a vision to develop and inspire entrepreneurial leaders from Alberta for the world, the School excels in research, teaching, and external engagement.