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. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Manager, Master’s and Executive Education Programs, this position is accountable for strategy and implementation related to student services and the student experience. The role supervises a team of five staff members and is responsible for building relationships and fostering collaborative partnerships with stakeholders across the School, the University, and external entities.

The Academic Operations Officer provides direction and oversight for Academic Services, ensuring excellence in program delivery, student advising, and operational compliance across graduate business programs. The position is directly responsible for the MBA (Full-time, Part-time, Fast Track, and Executive MBA), MAcc, MMA, and MRED.

Operating within the policy framework of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the Registrar’s Office, and University of Alberta regulations, the incumbent leads a team of Program Coordinators and Academic Advisors, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.

The Academic Operations Officer contributes to academic consistency, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in program delivery. Key accountabilities include:

• Academic oversight
• Student advising and progression
• Leadership and development
• Operational compliance
• Strategic improvement
• Student engagement

The Alberta School of Business is one of the world’s leading institutions for business education and research. As the first and longest continually accredited business school in Canada, it is also one of the country’s largest, with 70 faculty members, 2,100 undergraduate students, and 950 graduate students. Since its inception in 1916, the school’s innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership have shaped communities and businesses around the world. With a vision to develop and inspire entrepreneurial leaders from Alberta for the world, the School excels in research, teaching, and external engagement.

Academic Program Oversight and Coordination (60%)

• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and delivery of academic services for graduate business programs. Ensure consistency and quality in course scheduling, registration processes, instructor coordination, and program execution across all formats. Support the integration and launch of new programs or delivery models. Allocate resources effectively, assess needs, identify risks and opportunities, and respond to changes affecting the area. Coordinate with departments, faculty, and academic advisors to support delivery and continuous improvement. Plan and manage budgets to support academic services.

Student Advising and Support (5%)

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for student advising services. Resolve complex student concerns related to academic standing, registration, program progression, and appeals, in collaboration with FGPS and the Associate Dean.

Staff Leadership and Development (15%)

• Lead, coach, and support a team of Program Coordinators and Academic Advisors to foster accountability, collaboration, and service excellence. Clarify roles and responsibilities, set expectations, support professional development, and adjust staff assignments to ensure coverage during peak periods, projects, or absences.

Operational Management and Policy Compliance (5%)

• Ensure compliance with academic policies, regulations, and deadlines across all programs. Liaise with key stakeholders to interpret and apply academic regulations consistently. Oversee academic record-keeping, convocation eligibility tracking, and the degree completion process.

Academic Services Strategy and Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Contribute to strategic planning and the evolution of the academic services structure within the Master’s Office. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance student experience and operational efficiency. Represent Academic Services in committees, strategic initiatives, and accreditation-related activities.

Event and Logistics Oversight (5%)

• Provide leadership for the coordination of major student-facing events such as orientation, international study tours, speaker series, and convocation receptions. Ensure academic logistics are well managed and aligned with program needs.

• MBA or other Master’s degree required

• PMP preferred

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills

• Sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative

• Knowledge of University of Alberta policies, procedures, and academic culture

• Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate staff

Application Instructions

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

This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $73,383 to $122,303.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of 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 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.