Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category M&P - AAPS
Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Administration, Level B
Job Title Manager, Administration and Community Relations
Department Malcolm Knapp Research Forests
Compensation Range $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date October 13, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date Ongoing
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) generates significant annual revenue through its business partnerships, including Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Gallant Enterprises Ltd., and Wild & Immersive, alongside ongoing logging and forest management operations. A small team manages these activities while advancing the forest's educational, research, and commercial priorities.
The Manager, Administration and Community Relations provides leadership in finance, HR, and facilities operations, while also serving as a key liaison with Indigenous communities, partners, and stakeholders. The role ensures compliance with university policies and financial regulations, oversees contracts valued at $1-2M, and builds long-term, trust-based relationships that support reconciliation, partnership-building, and alignment with UBC's Indigenous Strategic Plan and UNDRIP.
In addition, the position develops administrative systems, supports organizational growth, and leads community-facing programs and events. It also supports emergency response efforts, participates in the 24/7 call-out list, and provides coverage for the Business Improvement Coordinator as needed.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Director of the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
Work Performed
1. Financial Management
Manage unit $11m budget, overseeing revenues, expenses, year-end procedures, financial transactions and account reconciliation
Develop the MKRF budget(s) in collaboration with management team and prepares forecasts for future expenses
Provides financial analysis and reporting for senior leadership and Forestry finance
Establishes systems to support the management and oversight of revenue and expenses for major projects, special purpose accounts, and sponsored research accounts
Manages licenses, caretaker agreements, and vendor contracts, including development, selection, and termination. Ensures agreements and service provides meet operational, safety, and legislative standards
2. Human Resources:
Manage all human resources activities, including job design, recruiting, hiring, attendance tracking, performance management, leaves, and terminating personnel
Leads the development and delivery of orientation, onboarding, and professional development initiatives to support employees
Provide guidance and advice to managers in the interpretation of collective agreements, conflict and performance management practices and ensuring compliance with Collective Agreements provisions
3. Administration
Provides operational leadership and collaborates with the Director on development and implementation of strategic plans.
Lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures, and administrative systems; interpret UBC policies and procedures and communicate to staff
Collaborate with the Manager, Infrastructure and Facilities Operations to develop and coordinate emergency preparedness and response plans, including fire, seismic, and medical emergencies, in line with provincial and municipal requirements.
Responds to call outs in the event of emergencies and utility outages at the Research Forest on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week basis.
4. Community Liaison & Coordination:
Act as the primary liaison and advisor between Indigenous communities, external stakeholders, Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, and UBC Faculty of Forestry, fostering culturally respectful communication and collaborative decision-making
Lead the resolution of complex and sensitive issues related to Indigenous and external partnerships, exercising sound judgment and cultural competence
Provide consultation and oversight on mutually developed protocols, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are respected and intergraded into MKRF and UBC research activities
Oversee and chair MKRF and Forestry related committees, councils and working/planning groups for ensuring that they fulfill their mandates in the most efficient and timely manner.
Advise UBC leadership on a regular basis on the progress of community engagement initiatives and make strategic recommendations to improve policies, frameworks, and relationship-building practices.
5. Representation on Advisory Boards and Committees:
Represent UBC MKRF on various advisory boards, committees, and working groups, providing input on the development of programs, policies, and research activities.
Advise Leadership on community engagement progress, emerging trends, and legislative or policy developments affecting Indigenous relations and land management
Build and sustain long-term trusting relationships with Indigenous communities and external stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and industry partners.
Develop policies frameworks and relationship-building practices
6. Project Management, Events & Operations:
Manage the planning, organization, and execution of events, initiatives and operational programs related to MKRF and other UBC units.
Supervise staff, ensuring they have the necessary training, resources, and support to effectively organize and run community-facing events, meetings, and cultural activities.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position is a financially important and complex one which is relied upon for accuracy; the Director relies upon decisions and judgment generated by position. The impact of error in transaction documentation could result in additional work and/or substantial monetary loss to the department. Frequent interaction with other departments and outside organizations requires excellent communication skills and tact to avoid negative impact on the Department and University image. Also, future funding can be dependent on the administration of the contract/grant accounts.
This position manages all financial statements; failure to execute financial statements and payments in a timely way threatens the financial viability of the unit. Application of inappropriate statements and financial reports presents the University with legal and financial liabilities. Safety and security of all financial and personnel records is a primary responsibility of this position.
The position also supervises the health/safety/environment portfolio which has substantial impact on the overall performance and operating cost of the unit.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Director of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, also participates in planning meetings with other management positions. Matters involving policy or liability are referred to the Director with suggested courses of action.
Supervision Given
Supervises 1 full time staff position responsible for clerical support and health/safety/environment coordination, and up to 8 temporary staff and part-time employees, as well as contract employees. Supervises all aspects of the financial work of this position including training, work direction, prioritization and performance, discipline and termination.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in accounting and administrative management.
Experience in or knowledge of Indigenous education and Indigenous knowledge traditions is an asset.
Knowledge of University policies and procedures, with particular emphasis on financial policies and procedures.
Working knowledge of the forest industry preferred.
A detailed knowledge of the operation of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is required.
Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, customer service, problem resolution and organizational skills.
Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to effectively multi-task
Ability to exercise patience, tact and discretion.
Strong organizational, planning, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to oversee and coordinate work processes (goals, deliverable, timelines, and milestones)
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills for a team environment
Class IV Drivers License.
Level I First Aid Certificate.
S100 Fire Suppression Certificate.

Skills Required