Project Manager & Writer, Strategic Planning

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Department

Compensation Range

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Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

This is a part-time (0.5 FTE) position, with a term of 18 months.

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 Description Summary

The Project Manager & Writer is responsible for managing the Faculty of Education's Strategic Planning project from start to finish. This includes the design, development, execution, and evaluation of the 2024-25 Strategic Plan for the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC). High-level strategic direction for this project is provided by a Core Team consisting of two Associate Deans (tenure-stream faculty members), an Assistant Dean, and a Director of Communications, all of whom have full-time commitments to their respective portfolios.

The Project Manager & Writer serves as the key administrative and project lead, responsible for driving the process. Based on the Core Team's decisions regarding necessary sub-projects and initiatives, the Project Manager & Writer will take the lead in managing and overseeing the full cycle of these sub-projects and initiatives. This role also includes writing the final comprehensive Strategic Plan document, along with interim reports, summaries, and communication materials. Additional responsibilities include planning and coordinating consultation activities (such as developing and conducting surveys), facilitating working group or focus group discussions, compiling reports, conducting research, analyzing data, and providing project updates during various meetings. Strong professional writing skills are essential. This is a part-time (0.5 FTE) position, with a term of 18 months.

Organizational Status

The Project Manager & Writer will hold a dual report to the Associate Dean, Strategic Programs and Planning, and the Assistant Dean, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, who co-lead the 2024-25 Strategic Planning Core Team. The Project Manager & Writer will work closely with the Core Team, as well as the Dean and members of the Dean's Advisory Council.

The Faculty of Education is comprised of four academic Departments and two Schools, a large teacher education program, and a variety of centers and service units. There are over 2000 post-baccalaureate and graduate students, plus over 200 full-time faculty and about 160 staff.

Work Performed

• Project management of the Faculty of Education's strategic planning process, ensuring all phases from inception to completion are effectively managed, including the planning, organizing, and facilitation of meetings and activities. Track decisions, ensure timely follow-up on action items, and maintain clear documentation of progress, while communicating outcomes and adjusting project timelines as necessary.
• Lead the execution of various sub-projects and initiatives determined by the Core Team, such as consultation sessions, focus groups, and roadmap development. Ensure each initiative is effectively scoped, resourced, and aligned with the overall strategic goals.
• Conduct research and perform data analysis to inform decision-making and support the development of strategic planning documentation, including producing high-quality reports, plans, briefing notes, schedules, and presentations tailored to the needs of different stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary writer and editor for the strategic plan and its associated documents, developing interim reports, summaries, and comprehensive final deliverables, prepare and present PowerPoint presentations and other communication materials that clearly convey the status and vision of the strategic plan.
• Manage internal and external communications related to the strategic planning process, including drafting the Dean's speeches, updating the Faculty's website, and creating announcements to keep stakeholders informed of project progress and outcomes.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including faculty, senior leadership, staff, students, and external partners. Act as the primary point of contact for addressing concerns and inquiries related to the strategic planning process.
• Engage with the Faculty of Education community in a professional and collaborative manner to gather input, ensure engagement, and maintain momentum on strategic initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as required to support the successful completion of the strategic plan and its initiatives.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The position requires a high degree of discretion, judgement and initiative. Work requires the incumbent to exercise tact, diplomacy, confidentiality, and understanding of the complexities of the Faculty of Education. The incumbent use strong organizational and prioritization skills to effectively and efficiently coordinate strategic planning. Inappropriate or delayed actions could result in embarrassment to the Dean and the Faculty, as well as a liability to the University. Incorrect actions can have financial and legal implications for the Faculty or the University. Errors may disrupt the Faculty's academic and administrative operations; create negative feelings among faculty and staff members; jeopardize relationships established between the Dean's Office and other contacts (both internal and external); and result in a loss of credibility for the Dean and the Dean's Office.

Supervision Received

Dual reports to the Associate Dean, Strategic Programs and Planning, and the Assistant Dean, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives. Take work direction from the Dean and members of the Core Team. Performance is evaluated against set goals and expectations.

Supervision Given

May supervisor junior or student staff hired for specific purposes of strategic planning.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management-related certificate or designation.
• Experience in a project environment.
• Experience in an academic or post-secondary institution.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills (spoken and written, formal and informal).
• Excellent computer skills (e.g., with the MS Office Suite).
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills.
• Openness to feedback and direction.
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed way and take initiative in relation to carrying out assigned tasks.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure, and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects or initiatives simultaneously and submit quality work within deadlines.
• Ability to analyze problems, understand situations and motivations, and creatively develop and propose solutions.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and to exercise tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, as required.