This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Enterprise Project Management Office, the Senior Program Manager provides strategic oversight and direction for complex, multi-project programs that advance the University’s strategic priorities. Operating within the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO), the Senior Program Manager ensures the coordinated planning, execution, and governance of interrelated projects to achieve measurable institutional outcomes and benefits.

This role bridges strategic intent with operational execution — aligning multiple initiatives under a unified program framework, optimizing resources, and driving integration across academic, administrative, and technology domains. The Senior Program Manager partners with executive sponsors, senior administrators, and EPMO leadership to ensure alignment with the University’s strategic plans and enterprise portfolio.

The Office of the Vice-President, University Services, Operations and Finance provides the operational foundation that supports the University of Alberta’s academic and research mission. This role leads the delivery of integrated services that foster a thriving, high-performing university environment.

The Vice-President oversees the development and management of campus infrastructure, secure and sustainable IT systems, strategic human resources, financial stewardship and procurement services. The portfolio emphasizes service excellence, operational efficiency and continuous improvement to meet institutional goals.

Key departments reporting to this portfolio include Campus Services; Finance, Planning and Procurement; Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment; Information Services and Technology; Infrastructure Planning, Development and Partnerships; Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management; Shared Services; Strategic Transformation and Delivery; and Utilities and Operations.

• Strategic Program Leadership: Lead the design, planning, and delivery of large-scale, complex programs composed of multiple, interdependent projects aligned with institutional strategic goals. This includes defining program scope, success metrics, and robust governance structures in collaboration with executive sponsors.

• Executive Governance and Oversight: Oversee overall program budgets, resource allocations, strategic risk management, and the resolution of inter-project dependencies. The role requires leading steering committees and providing regular, insightful reporting and analytics to EPMO leadership and institutional governance bodies.

• Organizational Alignment and Integration: Translate institutional strategies into actionable program roadmaps. Monitor performance and collaborate across the EPMO and executive offices to ensure program alignment with enterprise priorities, capacity, and sequencing, optimizing resource utilization.

• Change Management and Stakeholder Influence: Develop and execute comprehensive organizational change management strategies to ensure the adoption and sustainability of new capabilities. Build strong, trusted partnerships with executive sponsors, senior administrators, and diverse stakeholder groups to facilitate shared decision-making.

• Mentorship and EPMO Development: Provide direction, mentorship, and functional oversight to Project Managers and other professionals assigned to the program, while actively contributing to the continuous improvement of EPMO methodologies and governance frameworks.

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in business administration, public administration, information technology, project management or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive program and project management experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Proven experience managing enterprise-wide or transformative programs within higher education, government, or comparable complex sectors.

• Demonstrated success in program governance, benefits realization, and stakeholder management at the executive level.

• Exceptional strategic thinking, planning, and executive influence capabilities.
  Understanding and proficiency with enterprise portfolio and project management tools.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification is considered an asset.

• Certification in organizational change management (e.g., PROSCI) is considered an asset.

• Certification in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma) is considered an asset.

• Certification in project delivery frameworks (e.g., Agile certification) is considered an asset.

Application Instructions

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

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.