Academic Operations Specialist

NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology); Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 78,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Hybrid work arrangements

Paid time off between Christmas and NY

Job summary

NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) is seeking an Academic Operations Specialist to enable data-informed decision making and drive operational excellence across Schools. You will report to the Academic Strategy and Operations Manager and partner with leadership to align enrolment, staffing, space, and capital planning with strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include analyzing data, advising on portfolio operations, coordinating with Finance and Facilities teams, and supporting

Qualifications

• Related post-secondary degree or diploma in business, operations, project management, public administration, education, data analysis, or a related discipline.
• Minimum three years of related progressive experience.
• Project management, business analysis, operations management, change management, or related training or certification is an asset.
• Experience in a post-secondary or similarly complex organization is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing and synthesizing information from various sources to generate actionable recommendations.
• Advising on strategy development related to portfolio operations.
• Collaborating to implement consistent principles and processes across units.
• Supporting planning of strategic enrolment initiatives and capital resourcing.
• Coordinating with Finance, Space Planning, Facilities Management, and other teams on operational and capital needs.
• Developing and maintaining smooth operational workflows with Program Chairs and staff.
• Monitoring progress and adjusting operational plans as needed.
• Providing operational reporting and forecasting to inform decisions.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Ready to start your next chapter with NAIT?

At NAIT, we’re passionate about building a team of talented, dedicated professionals who share our commitment to excellence and innovation. Your skills and experience can shape the future of education and make a real impact in our community.

If this opportunity feels like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating a brighter future – together.

Important Application Deadline Notice

Please note that Workday closes job postings at 11:59pm MST on the day before the posting end date listed above.

To ensure your application is received, submit no later than 11:59pm MST the day prior to the posting end date.

Internal NAIT Employees

Current NAIT employees are welcome to apply for this opportunity. To be considered, please submit your application through the NAIT Jobs Hub rather than the external career site.

As a key member of our high-performing Academic Operations team, the Academic Operations Specialist plays a strategic and collaborative role in shaping and supporting the future of academic delivery. This position is central to enabling data-informed decision making and driving operational excellence across Schools.

Reporting to the Academic Strategy and Operations Manager, and working closely with school/department leadership, this position acts as a nexus between its assigned portfolio, Academic Quality & Operational Excellence's (AQOE) Academic Operations team, and centralized units such as Finance, Scheduling, Space Planning, and Facilities Management and Development. The Academic Operations Specialist helps assigned portfolios make effective academic operations decisions related to strategic enrolment planning, resource planning, staff planning, space planning, capital resourcing, tuition setting, budget creation, and operational reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzing and synthesizing information from a variety of disparate sources to generate sustainable and actionable recommendations.
• Advising and consulting on strategy development related to portfolio operations.
• Collaborating within the work unit to implement principles and strategies for consistency and accountability.
• Collaborating with academic program leaders on operational strategies and processes.
• Assisting with planning and implementing strategic enrolment initiatives.
• Collaborating with Finance, Facilities Management and Development, Capital Projects, and Space Planning teams to align operational and capital resourcing.
• Coordinating with Program Chairs, staff, and administrative functions to create smooth operational workflows.
• Monitoring progress and adjusting operational plans.
• Supporting operational reporting, forecasting, and decision-making through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of information from multiple sources.
• Supporting the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of approved operational recommendations and initiatives.
• Supporting the administrative and resourcing components of program development.
• Acting as a subject matter expert, supporting the development and launch of new academic programs, including market research, feasibility studies, and curriculum planning, and assisting in the preparation of program proposals and capital resourcing requirements to support documentation creation and approval processes.
• Support the planning, coordination, and monitoring of capital projects related to School operations.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of methods, techniques, and practices related to the development of academic operational and business strategies and processes.
• Knowledge of related departmental processes, standards, and operational requirements.
• Knowledge of data analysis methods, techniques, and practices, with related skills using tools and software such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and other reporting and analysis tools.
• Knowledge of operational and/or project management methods, techniques, and practices.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources, apply systems thinking, and develop practical recommendations that support academic operations and institutional objectives.
• Good understanding of general office administration processes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain professional relationships.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and work effectively within complex or ambiguous circumstances.
• Ability to work collaboratively with varied stakeholders and influence outcomes without formal authority.

Core Competencies

• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunties and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• Related post-secondary degree or diploma in business, operations, project management, public administration, education, data analysis, or a related discipline.
• Minimum three years of related progressive experience.
• Project management, business analysis, operations management, change management, or related training or certification is considered an asset.
• Experience in a post-secondary or similarly complex organization is considered an asset.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Why Join AQOE?

• People-first culture: In AQOE, we believe in putting our people first, supporting professional growth, and fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Collaborative and innovative environment: Be part of a forward-thinking portfolio that values new ideas and continuous improvement.
• Impactful work: Play a crucial role in shaping the student experience and academic operations at NAIT.

If you are an exceptional communicator, a collaborative influencer, and a people-centric professional with a passion for operational excellence, analysis, improvement, and solution generation, we want to hear from you!

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services (WES), International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or the Comparative Education Services (CES).

Classification – Advisor/Specialist II

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Remuneration

Refer to salary range noted on this posting, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Note: Remuneration for part-time positions will be pro-rated based on FTE (full-time equivalent).

The compensation range for this job posting is : $77,690.92 - $104,216.78

NAIT is committed to a transparent, fair, and human-centered hiring experience. All candidates are assessed directly by our recruitment and hiring teams.

About NAIT

We are known as one of Alberta’s top employers. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. For eligible positions, we offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, eligible employees receive paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering a safe environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Centre for Community and Belonging (CCB) and our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted.