Manager, Academic Innovation Technology

The University of Saskatchewan has some of the most innovative people doing groundbreaking research and pedagogy. Information and Communications Technology (ICT), as strategic partners, enable courageous curiosity by empowering students, staff and faculty to do more than thought possible with technology that boosts productivity, strengthens security, enhances research outcomes, amplifies connectivity and supports increased pedagogical capability.

The university offers flexible work arrangements; access to the university’s recreation services; ongoing professional development and mentorship and a comprehensive benefits and pension program.

Primary Purpose:

Reporting to the Director, Enterprise Solutions and as part of the Enterprise Solutions management team, the Manager, Academic Innovation Technology will manage a dynamic team responsible for academic technology, including the Teaching and Learning Ecosystem of tools, the Learning Management systems, Student Assessment systems and immersive and pedagogically innovative technology tools. This position plays a key role in the development and delivery of these and similar services, identify and establish processes and technology for effective service delivery and support, with an emphasis on customer service and user experience.

Nature of Work:

The Manager, Academic Technology will leverage a strong background in Business Analysis, Project Management and Communication to effectively manage the team and deliver services. In this role, needs of colleges will be identified and investigated, and effective systems and solutions will be developed to address these university needs, with preference to utilizing central IT services and to providing university-wide services. Work is done in the context of enterprise architecture and executed utilizing a DevOps methodology. This position is responsible for identifying talent needs, providing development opportunities and ensuring effective allocation of the resources available.

Accountabilities:

Decision Making

• Responsible for budget, people resources, and strategic decisions in line with operational and strategic plans for their area.
• Directs and implements policies, processes and procedures for their area, and related technical decisions and recommendations.

Stakeholder Service Delivery

• Manages collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Manages strong external relationships with external stakeholders to identify organizational opportunities.

Problem Solving

• Proactively oversees and executes collaborative and cross-functional solutions to issues identified for their area with medium risk and medium potential organization wide impact.
• Uses critical management analysis skills to identify issues and collaborative opportunities to enable the unit and the university to meet its goals.
• Makes critical recommendations on new ideas and approaches to issues and opportunities in area of responsibility.

Leadership & Development

• Provides all aspects of leadership to the Academic Innovation team.
• Contributes and leads development of body of knowledge in area of responsibility.
• Identifies key opportunities to develop individuals that will enhance and align their skills and abilities to meet the organizational goals.

Key Activities 

• Provides daily technical guidance and support, acting as escalation instance and options development support.
• Ensures service delivery is consistent and integrated across the portfolio.
• Defines monthly/weekly/daily goals and targets for teams ensuring alignment to university and Vice President, Finance & Resources and goals.
• Develops and recommends changes to policy and procedures to streamline resource utilization and improve quality (and time) of the delivery.
• Identifies key talent, creating an environment where talent can develop and deliver high value add services to clients.
• Supports Directors and Associate Vice-Presidents in defining functional focus and goals.

Education:

• A university degree in a relevant field (such as Computer Science, Business, or Information Technology etc.)
• Management and leadership experience within a large organization.
• Experience with and technical knowledge of technologies currently used in service delivery, including Learning Management Systems or Student Assessment Systems is an asset.
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment with the ability to work effectively in informal and formal teams with people from diverse communities, cultures, and perspectives.
• A strong background in Business Analysis, Project Management and Communication.
• A deep understanding of the University and/or higher education.

We appreciate that non-traditional career paths may have developed a candidate’s competency, and alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered. 

Skills:Strong relationship-building, leadership skills, and business analysis skills, with the ability to think strategically, assess and communicate risks and apply sound judgment in decision making.  Excellent communication and facilitation skills with the ability to develop strong relationships and build consensus.  Strong proficiency in planning and a commitment to excellence in customer service. Strong listening, creativity, and negotiation skills. Solid understanding of IT and data assets and capabilities; able to identify process improvement opportunities.

Department: ICT Enterprise Solutions

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.00

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $81,037.00 – 134,978.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Information Technology

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3

Posted Date: 10/21/2022

Closing Date: 10/27/2022

Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask’s Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan’s health and safety requirements for faculty, staff andstudents in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.