Portfolio Initiatives Manager, EDI

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded) , this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package that can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range which will be commensurate with qualifications.

Location – Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Position 

Reporting to the Vice-Provost (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)), this position is a key senior position in the portfolio. The incumbent coordinates and operationalizes activities of strategic importance and other initiatives, including (given the units in the portfolio) those that touch on sensitive matters and confidential labour relations matters. The incumbent ensures the overall success of the EDI portfolio by planning, monitoring, and managing of initiatives and projects from initiation through completion. They also prioritize multiple, complex initiatives with varying completion dates, maintain a broad overview of portfolio activities, and advise as appropriate. Acts as the Vice-Provost’s delegate on key committees and initiatives external to the OVPEDI, as requested.

Duties 

Integrated EDI Action Plan

• Under the leadership of the Vice-Provost coordinates the consultation and activities of the Integrated EDI Action Plan
• Develops a comprehensive implementation plan for strategic initiatives along with measurement, benchmarking and communication
• Prepares reports for internal and external audiences and/or develops and maintains dashboard on progress towards achievement of the Plan’s goals.

Strategic Initiatives Management

• Manages a comprehensive workplan for the EDI portfolio, tracking goals, outcomes, deadlines, data, and milestones workplan in alignment with the Integrated EDI Action Plan, the University Strategic Plan, and other key strategic documents.
• Coordinates with the Indigenous Strategies Managers in the OVPIPR to ensure collaborative partnership with the efforts emerging from the Indigenous Strategic Plan.
• Manages EDI portfolio projects and initiatives as assigned by the Vice-Provost (EDI).
• Works with Performance, Analytics and Institutional Research (PAIR) to ensure activities are data informed.

Portfolio Coordination

• Provides advice to the Vice-Provost on day-to-day oversight of the portfolio’s administration, and supports processes related to human resources, budgeting, and other administrative areas, in consultation with other roles in the Office of the Provost, including the Chief of Staff, the Director of Academic Budget and Planning, and HR and Finance partners.
• Working with the Executive Coordinator, provides strategic advice to the Vice-Provost (EDI) on upcoming engagements, meetings, and requests for participation. Prepares briefing material in support of the Vice-Provost’s preparation.
• Manages workplans and preparation for key portfolio bodies, including the EDI Scoping Group, the EDI Leads Network, the Council on Systemic Ableism, and other bodies that may arise, as requested.
• Liaises between units within and beyond the portfolio to ensure awareness and participation in initiatives and priorities.

Issues Management

• Where issues arise that affect the work of the Vice-Provost, assesses impact and provides strategic advice on the impact of those issues, especially as they pertain to strategic initiatives in the portfolio.
• Conducts research and prepares briefing notes on issues as they evolve, including updates to the Vice-Provost and/or other senior leadership on the Vice-Provost’s behalf, as directed.

Confidential Labour Relations Matters

• On the direction of the Vice-Provost, coordinate and provide recommendations on existing and new policies and procedures relevant to the portfolio.
• Lead and/or support the Vice-Provost in the development and implementation of EDI frameworks in areas related to performance management across staff categories through consultation, data analysis, and recommendations.
• On the direction of the Vice-Provost, support and advise on matters of interpersonal and systemic harm and identify and address barriers across the institution, working in collaboration with the Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights and other university partners (HRHSE, Faculty Relations, Academic Deans).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is required, graduate degree (Master’s/PhD or equivalent) preferred
• Broad and substantive experience in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and ability to speak with authority and expertise on principles and practices related to EDI is required
• Understanding of Indigenous Initiatives principles is required
• High degree of familiarity with academic environments, including University governance and decision-making is required
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in project/initiative management is preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Possessing of or a capacity to develop data literacy
• Ability to work independently, and to lead teams (both internal and cross-portfolio)
• High degree of tact and diplomacy and a willingness to collaborate
• High degree of comfort with complexity and navigating difficult conversations
• Skill in translating vision and strategic objectives into effective project design

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.