Senior Advisor, Special Projects

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Position purpose

Supports the leadership team at the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic Affairs in developing and implementing various University-wide strategic projects and initiatives particularly in connection with Transformation 2030 Indigenous affairs academic freedom and other one-time projects as part of the provosts mandate. Provides advice high-quality guidance and support to partners across campus. Delivers leadership guidance follow-through and support on project developments processes regulations and best practices.

Working closely with the senior manager develops and implements action plans that align with strategic directions to help achieve project objectives and support service excellence.

Specific accountabilities

• Project management: Consistent with the offices priorities and projects analyzes needs establishes directions and develops action plans for short- medium- and long-term projects based on needs and overall objectives. Develops project proposals collects and analyzes data documents work and makes recommendations to the leadership team. Manages the offices special project portfolios to ensure events activities and initiatives are planned and carried out successfully. Anticipates issues and proposes innovative priority-focused solutions. Determines risks and applies contingency measures to ensure project continuity. Anticipates the main resources (human material financial and space-related) needed to meet project objectives.
• Implementation and monitoring: Ensures action plans are implemented effectively by engaging teams and liaising with key partners. Creates monitoring tools evaluates progress and adjusts plans as needed to achieve intended results. Supports various working groups in planning tracking deadlines and implementing action plans. Develops main indicators for performance evaluation based on project objectives and conducts timely followup.
• Continuous improvement: Monitors special project performance and results by assessing key indicators and documenting lessons learned. Formulates recommendations on how to improve project management processes tools and practices. Plays an active role in strategic planning and review exercises contributing perspectives and reflections from special projects. Identifies and proposes new initiatives in line with strategic directions to promote continuous improvement in special project planning and generate more value added for the provosts office and the University. Creates and maintains standardized operational documentation for office processes.
• Expert advice: Provides expert-level support consultations and instructions to University stakeholders. Serves as a subject matter expert to provide guidance on special projects.
• Communication: Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with various internal and external partners. Develops communications and consultation plans to ensure participation transparency and a high level of commitment to special projects under own responsibility and promotes understanding of the Universitys objectives and overall vision.
• Research analysis and document preparation: Conducts in-depth quantitative and qualitative research and analyses to produce reliable data and key indicators for University decision-making. Monitors trends and identifies best practices in areas related to strategic projects and priorities. Drafts discussion and advisory documents performance reports and University policies in consultation with all stakeholders to support decision-making and ensure that the University adapts to shifting needs and realities.

Knowledge experience and skills

University degree in administration or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience

At least five years of experience in major project management; excellent knowledge of planning concepts and experience in developing business plans; experience in developing organizational performance evaluation frameworks (establishing objectives targets strategies initiatives and performance indicators); knowledge of and experience in applying the principles of organizational change

Knowledge of University programs and regulations

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders on and off campus

Ability to adapt to changing requirements and processes challenge ideas and embrace new methods and procedures

Ability to be proactive and keep up to date on new and emerging processes

Proven ability to think strategically about complex issues producing well-considered recommendations and action plans

Proven foresight tact and diplomacy when interacting with University administrators and professors of all ranks

Strong skills in analyzing and processing statistical data and in clearly explaining the results to lay people

Excellent organizational skills ability to manage priorities tight deadlines and followup

Strong communication skills both oral and written

Bilingualism