Manager, Digital Futures Institute

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary invites applications for the Manager, Digital Futures Institute, a full-time fixed-term role for about 24 months. Reporting to the Academic Co-Leads, the Manager will oversee strategy, funding, reporting, and day-to-day institute operations to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations on campus and with external partners.

The role emphasizes project leadership, budget management, and strong communication skills in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree that incorporates digital and societal challenges in its areas of study or research.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field.
• Experience in managing high-profile projects.
• Demonstrated experience in a post-secondary environment, preferably a major university or college, and in administrative procedures.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: ability to quickly build positive relationships with various stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication, writing, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and budgets.
• Ability to interact with senior leadership and senior administrative staff.
• Results-driven individual with a history of delivering high-quality work.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking consistently and effectively; sound decision-making and communication skills in a high-volume, fast-paced environment is required.
• Ability to organize and facilitate large events.
• Ability to utilize leading-edge AI tools effectively and responsibly (ChatGPT Work, Claude Cowork, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Power BI, and PowerPoint)as well as comfort with common web, social media, and desktop software tools is required.
• Demonstrated familiarity with important national and global conversations around digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
• Managerial experience is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Supports strategic planning and translates vision into a measurable strategy with clear outcomes.
• Manages communications and reporting to stakeholders and partners.
• Administers funding and reporting in line with university policies and procedures.
• Maintains networks of internal and external partners and supports collaboration across the university.
• Acts as the primary point of contact for the Digital Futures Institute.
• Leads coordination of events, workshops, and transdisciplinary collaborations on campus.
• Develops and maintains communication strategies to engage partners and build membership.
• Ensures alignment with UCalgary priorities and liaises with various campus units and partners.
• Oversees administrative duties, budgets, and policy adherence for the institute.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Facilitation

Project management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Graduate degree in digital studies

Tools

Microsoft 365 tools

Power BI

SharePoint

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Description

The Digital Futures Institute in the Office of VP Research invites applications for a Manager. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The University of Calgary is a comprehensive academic and research institution, with a mission to discover new knowledge and translate our discoveries into applications that provide benefits to our local, national and international communities. UCalgary is pursuing the Ahead of Tomorrow Strategic Plan. To achieve this goal, the University designed a Strategic Research Plan that identifies six research themes that will leverage our distinct capabilities while addressing the unmet needs and challenges of our society.

One of these societal challenges is the rapid development of our digital environment from foundational questions on digital problems and data to applied AI, responsible use and the ability to translate digital research into societal, policy and economic impact, is going to be of great importance. To address these challenges and to set our society up to meet the challenges of the future, the University of Calgary is developing the Digital Futures Institute. This Institute will tackle these challenges through disciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches. Working with our community partners (community, academia, government, and industry) and bringing in diverse perspectives and academic disciplines lies at the heart of the Institute.

This position reports to one of three Academic Co-Leads leading the development of the Digital Futures Institute. The Manager, Digital Futures Institute, plays a critical role in managing funds, data requests, and reporting, as well as the day-to-day management of the Digital Futures Institute.

This position also provides key operational program support to ensure the success of collaborative research initiatives. The work involves a high degree of complexity and requires attention to detail while maintaining a strategic vision, the ability to meet constant deadlines, and the flexibility to work with multiple partners and deal with shifting demands while ensuring satisfactory outcomes for all. Tasks to be performed are highly varied and range from report writing and consultation to matters requiring complex problem solving and creative solutions. The volume of work is high, and overtime work may be required during peak periods.

The Manager, Digital Futures Institute, will work with a wide range of partner and strongly contributes to the success of the Digital Futures Institute and outcomes of the projects within. This position will support and foster collaborations across the University of Calgary and beyond. Additionally, this position will be the point of contact for community partners, including academia, government, industry, and community representatives.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Strategic Planning

• Supports the Academic Co-Leads in developing the vision and mission for the Digital Futures Institute, and translates them into a strategy with clear metrics and expected outcomes.
• Prepares and presents status reports, correspondence, and other documentation.
• Provides timely and accurate information and updates and communicates progress to appropriate parties.
• Has the ability to anticipate potential objections and barriers, effectively communicate those potential challenges with the Academic Co-Leads, and present solutions and appropriate responses to those challenges.
• Establishes processes and procedures to ensure operational success of the Digital Futures Institute over the long term.

Relationship Building/Outreach

• Leads the coordination of events, workshops, and activities and establishes (transdisciplinary) collaborations on campus.
• Co-develops and maintains communication strategies and information programs to bring awareness to the Digital Futures Institute, engage diverse partners, and build membership.
• Works closely with the Academic Co-Leads for the Digital Futures Institute as well as other key partners on campus (Office of the Vice President Research, Faculties, other Institutes on campus, as well as Centres and other relevant units) to ensure that the Digital Futures Institute represents the UCalgary priorities and strengths.
• Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with partners. Partners will primarily be internal and may include external partners as well.
  Supervision of staff

Administration / Policy

• Supports the Academic Co-Leads in managing the Digital Futures Institute funding in accordance with University Policies and Procedures and provides financial reporting upon request.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current University regulations and procedures.
• Collaborates with the Academic Co-Leads to maintain a strong network and database of internal and external partners, and other databases as required to report on progress on metrics and outcomes.
• Key point of contact for the Digital Futures Institute.
• Prepares drafts for presentations, reports, and other documents related to the Digital Futures Institute.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Graduate degree that incorporates digital and societal challenges in its areas of study or research.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field.
• Experience in managing high-profile projects.
• Demonstrated experience in a post-secondary environment, preferably a major university or college, and in administrative procedures.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: ability to quickly build positive relationships with various stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication, writing, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and budgets.
• Ability to interact with senior leadership and senior administrative staff.
• Results-driven individual with a history of delivering high-quality work.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking consistently and effectively; sound decision-making and communication skills in a high-volume, fast-paced environment is required.
• Ability to organize and facilitate large events.
• Ability to utilize leading-edge AI tools effectively and responsibly (ChatGPT Work, Claude Cowork, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Power BI, and PowerPoint)as well as comfort with common web, social media, and desktop software tools is required.
• Demonstrated familiarity with important national and global conversations around digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
• Managerial experience is considered an asset.

Application Deadline: November 9, 2026

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.

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

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands‑on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start‑ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p 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's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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 academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.