Job Description

Description

The

Office of the Provost and Vice President (Academic)

is currently seeking a Full-time Regular

Executive Director

.


As a key member of the Provost Team, the Executive Director provides high-level strategic advice and institutional insight to the Provost, contributing to decision-making on academic policies, administrative management, and institutional initiatives. The role is also accountable for the design, implementation, and oversight of efficient and effective administrative systems and structures within the Office of the Provost, ensuring consistency and continuity across the portfolio and institutionally.


In consultation and collaboration with the Provost, this position will resolve issues and lead initiatives with positive impact and minimal institutional disruption/delay as well as work closely with the Deputy Provost, Vice-Provosts, Deans, Directors and senior administrators across campus. Specific accountabilities include providing strategic counsel, critical analysis, and alternative approaches and recommendations on a wide range of issues as well as developing, interpreting and updating related policies and procedures.


The Executive Director is expected to exercise professional judgment and consult with or brief the Provost when necessary to ensure effective and coordinated efforts in the portfolio. Guided by extensive knowledge and understanding of the Office of the Provost, its mission and strategic goals, and its varied portfolios and culture, as well as the University, its strategic objectives and complex and decentralized operations, the Executive Director is expected to alert the Provost to both possible opportunities and potential threats by using this knowledge and understanding to help guide senior decision-making. The Executive Director is a key member of the organization and therefore each and every decision made by this position has a significant impact on the overall business of the University.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Accountable for all aspects of workforce planning with a focus on supporting the short and long-term business objectives of the Office of the Provost Oversight of search and review processes (for Deans, Vice-Provosts, etc.) conducted by the Office of the Provost Ensure the Provost is prepared for meetings, events and other engagements by means of briefing notes, background dossiers, briefing binders, speaking notes and consultation on strategic approaches to issues Gather information through environmental scanning of major initiatives and developments both on campus and externally which may potentially impact the mandate of the portfolio and/or the University Manage the service delivery of seven staff ensuring the appropriate allocation of personnel to projects, and providing staff with direction on administrative policies, procedures and collective agreements, technical requirements, priorities and service expectations Select, train, manage, support, and evaluate staff; provide feedback and development opportunities, training and compensation; coach the performance of individuals for continuous improvement; able to stimulate and support creativity and innovation in others Identify the large variety and volume of sensitive and time critical issues that affect or need a response from the Provost, portfolio, or University Develop strategy and approach and ensure due diligence on issues brought to committees Work with the Provost and senior administration to identify and manage issues in and across portfolios Work with units to resolve workflow and work process issues and provide assistance to the Provost and management in the reorganization and redeployment of resources Provide communications support through the development of portfolio wide announcements In conjunction with the Provost and executive leadership, develop, monitor and meet Office of the Provost business objectives, translate and interpret the University's strategic plans in order to develop business unit objectives, critical success factors and to implement appropriate performance measurements Provide support to the Provost and executive leadership to effectively allocate and utilize resources to achieve strategic goals and objectives Assesses operational and administrative systems and controls for continuous improvement opportunities; demonstrate an awareness of key drivers for decision-making in the institution and attain buy-in of key stakeholders to change initiatives Overall accountability of annual operating budget for the Office of the Provost and responsible for overseeing annual budget development. Accountability for the annual budget of all units reporting to the Provost Communications are timely, informative and appropriately represent the Office of the Provost and the University

Qualifications / Requirements:

Master's degree in Business Administration or similar discipline 10+ years of work experience in a senior-level management role in a large academic institution Robust understanding of the University's mission, strategic plans, and organizational and governance structures Extensive knowledge of the various areas within the University community and its policies, procedures and operating requirements Demonstrated success as a strategic collaborator, facilitator, negotiator and mediator, and proven ability to work diplomatically with others Ability to formulate and interpret policies and provide information and advice to all levels within the University, and to internal and external contacts of the University Well developed and demonstrated skills in analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking Ability to communicate and summarize complex issues and results effectively to all levels of management Ability to lead, coach and mentor Ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of independence, initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues Proven ability to work within a team as a contributing member Excellent oral and written communication skills High energy, organized, ability to meet high demands/expectations, proactive, focused, and positive outlook

Application Deadline:

September 15, 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

Management 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 (

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

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.