Program Manager, Mathison Centre

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary invites applications for a Program Manager, Mathison Centre in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. This full-time fixed-term position is for approximately 12 months, with a possible extension, to advance strategic initiatives and coordinate programs across Alberta and beyond.

The Program Lead will work with Centre leadership to drive priorities, manage budgets, coordinate events, and mentor staff or trainees in a collaborative academic health environment with occasional

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in project or program management.
• Experience in academic/health research environments preferred.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary initiatives in mental health, neuroscience, or health systems.
• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting and coordinating funding initiatives.
• Highly developed organizational and strategic planning abilities.
• Ability to work independently in collaborative environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital collaboration platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for Centre initiatives.
• Coordinate programs, projects, and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare materials and submissions for funding applications and partnerships.
• Monitor progress and evaluate outcomes against objectives.
• Coordinate meetings, working groups, and advisory committees.
• Lead contract negotiations and procurement activities.
• Manage program budgets and monitor expenditures.
• Plan events including workshops, seminars, and symposia.

Skills

Project management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

University degree or equivalent in neuroscience/psychology/public health/mental health/health policy or related field

Tools

MS Office

Digital collaboration tools

Job description

Description

The Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Program Manager, Mathison Centre. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education works with academic, clinical, community, and government partners to advance mental health research, education, and innovation. The Centre leads collaborative initiatives designed to improve mental health outcomes through interdisciplinary research, knowledge translation, education, and partnerships across Alberta and beyond.

The Program Lead supports the development, coordination, and implementation of strategic initiatives associated with the Mathison Centre, including the Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST) program, as well as other research, education, and knowledge translation activities. These initiatives involve collaboration with multiple stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, trainees, community partners, and provincial organizations.

The role requires oversight of multiple complex initiatives and operational priorities. Responsibilities include coordinating and facilitating collaborations, organizing and chairing meetings, drafting strategic materials, planning and executing initiatives, managing budgets, coordinating funding activities, and strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The Program Lead works closely with the Director of the Mathison Centre and Centre leadership to advance strategic priorities, oversee operational activities, and ensure effective implementation of programs, partnerships, and initiatives. The position provides operational leadership for Centre activities and may supervise, or mentor administrative staff, trainees, or project personnel involved in Centre initiatives.

This position requires the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and navigate complex academic and health system environments. Occasional provincial and national travel may be required.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Strategic Initiative Leadership

• Collaborate with Mathison Centre leadership in developing and implementing strategies for Centre initiatives, including programs such as MIST
• Lead coordination and implementation of programs, projects, and strategic initiatives associated with the Centre
• Support development of new initiatives that advance mental health research, education, and knowledge translation
• Foster collaboration among researchers, trainees, clinicians, and partners involved in Centre activities
• Coordinate meetings, working groups, and committees associated with Centre initiatives
• Prepare materials and submissions for funding applications, partnership opportunities, and strategic initiatives
• Monitor progress of initiatives and support evaluation of outcomes against strategic objectives
• Contribute to strengthening Alberta's mental health research and innovation ecosystem
• Ensures a high degree of confidentiality and demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and good judgment when dealing with sensitive matters
• Periodically provides backfill support for other Senior Managers, e.g. during absences and assists with projects undertaken by the MIST office staff
• Leads all MIST administrative support staff, directly training and ensuring new staff are properly onboarded while providing continuous mentorship support
• Direct management of all casual or temporary support staff including internships
• Full cycle managerial discretion for direct reports, including but not limited to recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and discipline up to and including termination

Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders across the University of Calgary and partner organizations
• Coordinate meetings, working groups, and advisory committees related to Centre initiatives
• Develop communication materials including reports, newsletters, briefing notes, meeting summaries, and program updates
• Prepare reporting materials for funding agencies, partners, and Centre leadership
• Support knowledge translation activities that disseminate research findings and program outcomes to diverse audiences

Program Management

• Plan and coordinate events including workshops, seminars, program launches, research symposia, and community engagement activities
• Lead contract negotiation and procurement activities pertaining to the program
• Manage program budgets and monitor project expenditures
• Support organization of regional and national meetings involving researchers, clinicians, trainees, and community stakeholders
• Support the delivery of training and educational programs associated with the Centre
• Work closely with the events coordinator to facilitate program events

Qualifications / Requirements

• University degree or equivalent required in a relevant discipline such as neuroscience, psychology, public health, mental health, health policy, or related health sciences field
• Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience in project or program management, preferably within an academic, health research, or healthcare environment
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary initiatives in mental health, neuroscience, or health systems is preferred
• Experience managing multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously
• Experience supporting committees, advisory groups, or collaborative networks
• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting and coordinating funding initiatives
• Highly developed organizational skills with the ability to anticipate needs, plan strategically, and work independently
• Ability to work effectively within collaborative and interdisciplinary environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex operational or strategic issues
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills
• Experience developing communication materials for diverse audiences including researchers, clinicians, community partners, and funders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of the academic research environment and health systems landscape
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and digital collaboration platforms
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff, students, or trainees is considered an asset

Application Deadline

October 2, 2026

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 ([e-mail]) 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.