Staff Wellness and Ability Programs Manager, People and Culture

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Staff Wellness and Ability Programs Manager to lead their ability management program. This role requires a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on support, focusing on sick leave, accommodation, and return-to-work practices. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in disability management and a collaborative approach to enhance employee well-being.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in ability or disability management.
• Deep knowledge of accommodation law and return-to-work best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of the University's ability management program.
• Support HR partners through complex, high-risk cases.
• Collaborate with People and Culture to enhance employee experience.

Skills

Empathy

Critical Thinking

Client-Centered Service

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or related field

CDMP/CRTWC Certification

Job description

Description

Be part of a team that puts people first - building a healthier, more inclusive workplace.

Are you a seasoned ability management expert ready to lead meaningful change in a large, dynamic organization? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategic program leadership and complex case consulting? If so, we want to hear from you.

The University of Calgary seeks a Regular Full-time Staff Wellness and Ability Programs Manager -a collaborative and compassionate leader who will guide the University's approach to sick leave, accommodation, and return-to-work practices. This is not a typical management role: you'll lead institutional programs while rolling up your sleeves as a subject matter expert, partnering closely with People and Culture, leaders, and third-party vendors to deliver high-impact services to faculty and staff.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the University's ability management program.
• Partner with a third-party adjudication vendor to ensure consistent, compliant, and timely sick leave and accommodation processes.
• Support HR partners, leaders, and employees through complex, high-risk cases requiring expert guidance and balanced decision-making.
• Strengthen institutional tools, processes, and policies to align with best practices, human rights legislation, and collective agreements.
• Collaborate across People and Culture to identify systemic trends, enhance the employee experience, and uphold our shared values.

What You Bring

• A passion for supporting people through challenging health transitions with empathy, expertise, and accountability.
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., HR, Occupational Health, Disability Management); CDMP/CRTWC certification is an asset.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in ability or disability management¿ideally within unionized, complex settings.
• A proven ability to function as both a program lead and hands-on expert, balancing strategic oversight with direct support.
• Deep knowledge of accommodation law, return-to-work best practices, and complex case navigation.
• Experience working with third-party vendors, legal teams, and multiple stakeholder groups.
• A collaborative, professional approach grounded in integrity, critical thinking, and client-centered service.

Application Deadline: June 8, 2025

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 4 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 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.

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 Human Resources ([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.