Manager, Administration and Community Relations

University of British Columbia; Calgary; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Calgary seeks a Manager of Administration and Community Relations. This role involves managing a substantial budget, overseeing HR functions, and serving as a liaison with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. The ideal candidate has an undergraduate degree and experience in administrative management, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential. This position offers an opportunity to drive community engagement and facilitate meaningful partnerships.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of related experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience in accounting and administrative management is preferred.
• Knowledge of Indigenous education and Indigenous knowledge traditions is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage a $11 M budget and oversee financial reporting.
• Handle recruitment, performance management, and employee training.
• Develop policies ensuring compliance with university requirements.
• Act as the primary advisor between Indigenous communities and UBC.
• Represent MKRF on advisory boards and committees.
• Plan and execute community-facing events.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem resolution skills

Knowledge of financial policies

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Job Summary

The Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) generates significant annual revenue through business partnerships, logging, and forest management operations. A small team manages these activities while advancing the forests educational and commercial priorities. The Manager of Administration and Community Relations provides leadership in finance, HR, facilities operations, and serves as a key liaison with Indigenous communities, partners, and stakeholders. The role ensures compliance with university policies, oversees contracts valued at $12 M, and builds trust‑based relationships that support reconciliation and align with UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan and UNDRIP.

Responsibilities

• Management: Manage a $11 M budget, oversee revenues and expenses, develop forecasts, provide financial analysis and reporting, and maintain contractual agreements with vendors and license holders.
• Human Resources: Handle job design, recruitment, hiring, attendance tracking, performance management, leaves, and terminations; develop orientation and professional development initiatives.
• Administrative Leadership: Develop and implement policies, procedures, and administrative systems and ensure compliance with UBC policies. Collaborate with facilities operations to coordinate emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Liaison & Coordination: Act as the primary advisor between Indigenous communities, UBC Faculty of Forestry, and external stakeholders; lead resolution of complex Indigenous partnership issues; oversee committee and working groups.
• Community Engagement: Represent MKRF on advisory boards, committees, and working groups; advise leadership on community engagement progress and legislative developments; build long‑term relationships with governmental bodies, NGOs, and industry partners.
• Events & Operations: Plan, organize, and execute community‑facing events, meetings, and cultural activities; supervise staff to provide necessary training and support.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline; minimum three years of related experience or equivalent education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in accounting and administrative management; knowledge of Indigenous education and Indigenous knowledge traditions is an asset.

Knowledge of University policies and procedures with particular emphasis on financial policies and procedures; working knowledge of the forest industry preferred.

Strong communication, interpersonal, customer service, problem resolution, and organizational skills. Ability to work under pressure, multitask, exercise patience, tact, and discretion. Strong organizational planning, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills. Class IV driver’s license. Level I first aid certificate. S100 fire suppression certificate.