Job Description

Academic Program and Planning Specialist

Primary Purpose: The Academic Program & Planning Specialist is responsible for driving multiple complex project-based initiatives across the university that may include resolution of business issues, strategic and academic planning and process development and/or improvement. This is achieved through coordination, analysis, assessment, and reporting. A large focus of this role is supporting academic program analysis as well as the USask\'s tuition and fee strategy including annual tuition consultation and rate setting process and the Fee Review Committee in alignment with the institution\'s strategic enrolment and growth plans.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Deputy Provost, with day-to-day direction provided by the Chief Resource Allocation & Planning Officer, the Academic Program and Planning Specialist must excel in all areas of strategy development, including project management, business analysis, problem solving, and change management. The position is driven by the university\'s planning cycles, and resultant annual processes, as well as projects. The category of projects encompassed often requires the Specialist to assess best practices and emerging trends performed at other institutions and develop options that are aligned with the university\'s strategic initiatives. The incumbent will coordinate between the university\'s decision-making and governing bodies, including committees, administrative offices, and academic units. The incumbent will draft, coordinate, conduct, monitor, and evaluate a wide variety of organizational, writing and analysis projects associated with annual and multi-year plans. The work is complex, requiring the Specialist to be knowledgeable of university operations, processes, timelines, culture and strategic priorities. The position requires the ability to conceptualize, analyze, and conduct research related to higher education in Saskatchewan, Canada, and particularly with the U15. This position requires an individual who is outcomes oriented and is able to compile, interpret and present large volumes of complex qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic decision making. The work is executed in a timely and efficient manner, working under pressure in a fast paced and changing environment, balancing priorities, and competing deadlines.

Confidentiality is a critical component of this position. In participating in large-scale projects for the university, the position will be required to work with, analyze and develop sensitive labour relations and financial information. This includes, but is not limited to, salaries and compensation data, employment status, succession plans, workforce planning information, organizational budgets.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Coordinates and improves processes and projects of varying size and scope as they relate to university\'s strategic and academic plans and planning, or aspects thereof.
• Conducts comparative and case study research, competitor analysis, institutional analysis, and outcomes-based assessments of plan implementation and planning processes in higher education.
• Builds relationships with key internal stakeholders, including working with university leadership and peers to coordinate planning activities, including plan development, resourcing, implementation, and monitoring.
• Supports the Chief Resource Allocation & Planning Officer on projects, project teams, task forces, working groups, committees, colleges, schools and administrative units.
• Prepares reports and other documentation for the Provost and Vice President Academic\'s Office, other university governing bodies, committees, and senior leaders to inform and support decision-making, coordination, and implementation of planning priorities and initiatives.
• Works with identified project teams and a variety of stakeholders across campus in preparing current and future state maps, drafting, developing and implementing project charters and proposals.
• Develops briefing notes, correspondence, communications and reports to senior leaders in a time-sensitive and confidential manner.
• Participates in the evaluation of institutional progress towards realization of the goals and commitments described in the university\'s institutional and academic plans.
• Completes concurrent projects in a timely manner, within agreed-upon deadlines, and in a format appropriate to the specific stakeholders.
• Contributes to a healthy, fun, respectful, collegial and productive work and learning environments within the Provost and Vice President Academic\'s Office and collaborative units.

Education: A university degree, preferably at the Masters level. A Master\'s in Business Administration would be considered an asset. Knowledge of university processes and governance is essential.

Experience: Five to ten years of directly related experience in strategic planning in higher education with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility; thorough understanding of planning strategies, process improvement principles and practices, with proven, successful experience in a large, complex organization; experience developing or implementing business plans which achieve expected outcomes; knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan\'s culture, goals and stakeholders; and an understanding and past experience in university-level decision-making processes, including committee participation or support.

Skills: Strong leadership and consensus building skills, self-starter, highly organized with polished presentation, written, and interpersonal skills; excellent organizational and analytical skills, as well as a strong ability to take initiative and be self-directed; ability to research and effectively present information; strong motivation to improve organizational processes; research and problem solving skills; proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; demonstrated ability to think and act strategically, exercise diplomacy, and creativity; a demonstrated proficiency with contemporary computer applications; and ability to handle highly confidential information.

Department: Provost and VP Academic
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $88,740.00 - 148,665.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 3
Posted Date: 1/17/2024
Closing Date: 2/6/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where \'Yes\' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver\'s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan\'s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the M\xc3\xa9tis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and M\xc3\xa9tis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan