This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

Location - This role is in-person at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Reporting to the Academic Department Manager (ADM), the Senior Department Coordinator serves as the departmental lead for HR and financial administrative workflows. The incumbent provides high-level technical coordination and troubleshooting for complex research portfolios, ensuring all transactions are audit-ready and aligned with Tri-Agency and external sponsor requirements. This role acts as a critical intermediary between the department and Shared Services, translating in collaboration with service partners and SMEs institutional policy changes into actionable departmental processes.

This position serves as a key departmental resource to faculty and staff by providing guidance on HR and financial processes, troubleshooting complex issues, and facilitating resolution in consultation with appropriate subject matter experts. The incumbent supports the effective administration of complex research portfolios, including clinical trials and multi-year grants, by coordinating processes, monitoring compliance requirements, and identifying opportunities to improve workflow efficiency.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

• HR & Workforce Management: Coordinates the end-to-end lifecycle for diverse employee groups (Academic, NASA, Trust, etc.), providing process guidance on recruitment, collective agreements, and onboarding.
• Financial Stewardship: Acts as the primary control point for financial transactions, including processing journals and expense entries while ensuring compliance with sponsor terms and University policies.
• Research Administration Support: Provides Principal Investigators (PIs) with financial reporting and forecasting to support the long-term sustainability of research funds and complex portfolios.
• Process Optimization: Continuously reviews administrative workflows to identify inefficiencies and implements digital tools or revised standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Audit & Compliance: Manages departmental reconciliations through regular audits and ensures 100% compliance with institutional month-end requirements
• Stakeholder Consultation: Serves as a frontline for faculty and staff, troubleshooting complex HR or financial issues in collaboration with ADM, HR and Finance Partners.

Education & Experience

• Degree Requirement: A Degree in Business Administration or Management is required.
• Professional Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience within a University setting.
• Institutional Knowledge: Knowledge of University of Alberta policies and procedures is considered an asset.
• Professional Certification: Working towards a CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) or CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation is considered an asset.

Technical Skills

• Software Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency with PeopleSoft, SupplyNet, Microsoft Office, and Google applications.
• Digital Tools: Experience working with Cascade, Campaign Monitor, and Smartsheets is considered an asset.
• Computer Literacy: Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in databases, spreadsheets, and word processing software.

Competencies & Abilities

• Stakeholder Relations: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Operational Independence: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while managing time and workload effectively to meet deadlines.
• Information Governance: Proven ability to apply and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, FOIPP, records management protocols, and all relevant university policies.
• Organizational Context: Demonstrated ability to work within large unionized public sector and/or post-secondary academic organizations.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package*.*

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 FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

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.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.