Director, Strategic Implementation

Job Information
Job Title: Director, Strategic Implementation
Job Requisition ID: 61698
Ministry: Education
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: Jan 16, 2025
Classification: Sr Manager, Zone 2 (M42Z2)
Salary: $4,274.26 to $5,427.68 bi-weekly ($111,558 to 141,662 $ /year)

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported.

Ministry of Education

Through safe and caring schools for all students, Alberta’s government is making life better by investing in education – one of the most important investments we can make in our future. The Ministry is responsible for developing and evaluating curriculum; teacher development and certification; supporting students with diverse learning needs; funding and supporting school boards; First Nations, Métis and Inuit and Francophone education; and overseeing basic education policy and regulations.

Capital Planning is an integral part of the Financial Services & Capital Planning Division, working with school boards, francophone authorities and Charter school societies to provide new facilities and upgrade supported capital infrastructure.

The Strategic Implementation Director is accountable for the delivery of strategic initiatives and mandate items for the Capital Planning Sector. This includes taking the lead on emergent capital priorities not captured in existing processes and procedures (e.g., pilot programs, bringing novel, one-of-a-kind, or exploratory concepts into operations). As head of the Strategic Implementation Branch, the Director is also accountable for leading alternative project delivery and funding activities such as P3s for the sector.

The Director provides direction to the branch and is a member of the Sector’s Management Team. Strong working relationships and collaboration are maintained with business units in the ministry and across Government to establish new and innovative approaches to strategic initiatives, mandate items, and alternative project delivery and funding activities. The position works with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including other ministry staff, partner ministries, and contractors.

The Director provides strategic direction and recommendations on future courses of action to executive sector and ministry leaders. This includes leading problem solving and decision-making processes involving clients, stakeholders, and ministry representatives. The Director must recognize conflicting perspectives and requirements of the parties when leading projects and is required to negotiate sensitive issues with these parties.

Responsibilities:

1. Program Development And Implementation
Activities:

1. Lead sector responses to new and emergent Capital Planning priorities and programs, such as charter hubs, collegiates, etc.
2. Direct the development of programs, projects, and policy frameworks to address new and emergent Capital Planning mandates.
3. Lead the identification and promotion of branch relevant best practices through research and evaluation, recommending and promoting the adoption of innovative techniques and tools with potential application for the Ministry.
4. Direct the development or review of scope, and deliverables for contracts prepared to procure consulting services for specific projects. Monitor outcomes throughout project consultant assignments, ensuring that the scope is adhered to, and that the quality of deliverables provides value to the clients and to the GoA.
5. Oversee the integration of strategic initiatives and mandate items with related programs across the ministry for ongoing implementation.

2. Alternative Financing and Project Delivery
Activities:

1. Provide leadership for various alternative financing and project delivery programs including P3s.
2. Collaborate with Infrastructure and school jurisdictions on P3 Delivery. Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and operational standards. Implement risk management strategies and resolve project-related issues.
3. Lead the Education’s review of Unsolicited Capital Proposals.

3. Branch and Sector Leadership
Activities:

1. Develop and lead effective teams through direction and mentoring of staff members; encouragement and facilitation of learning and skill development; and development of plans to meet future human resource needs.
2. Monitor outcomes achieved by consultant assignments, ensuring the scope and quality of deliverables provide value to the clients and to the GoA.
3. Provide consultation and recommendations for issues, opportunities, and challenges associated with Sector programs, including active contribution to business planning and reporting activities.
4. Contribute to strategic and business planning and reporting activities at the Branch and Division level.
5. Represent the Branch, Sector, and Division on Ministry, Government, and external working groups and committees with diverse mandates and responsibilities.

Qualifications

Requirements:

1. University graduation in a field related to the position assignment (e.g., business, social sciences) supplemented by seven years progressively responsible experience.
2. Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on one-for-one basis.
3. Extensive experience in leadership, managing cross-functional teams is a requirement.

Assets:

Experience

1. Project management accreditation (PMP) is an asset.
2. Accreditation or membership with relevant industry organizations is an asset (AAA, APEGA, etc.).
3. Experience managing cross-functional teams consisting of both direct and indirect reports.
4. Experience in the management of projects and program development initiatives.
5. Extensive experience supervising and mentoring staff, including commitment to team building, coaching, and developing staff capacity.
6. Experience with capital planning and delivery, particularly for the provincial education system, and associated issues/challenges.
7. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a technically and managerially complex program.

Competencies and Knowledge

1. Highly developed written and oral communication skills, including extensive experience in writing (e.g. Briefing Notes, white papers, etc.), as well as developing and delivering presentations.
2. Knowledge of Education and GOA capital planning and delivery priorities and processes for the provincial education system.
3. Knowledge of current and emerging issues associated with designing, building, financing, and maintaining schools, along with associated trends and issues at the provincial, territorial, national, and international levels.
4. Sound knowledge of the diverse client and stakeholder communities, including relevant and specified organizations, committees, advisory groups, and senior representatives.
5. Sound professional judgement to ensure decisions will address the primary needs as well as potential unanticipated consequences and reduce the risks of unanticipated challenges or difficulties.
6. Conceptual, critical thinking and analytical skills to analyze a variety of inputs; synthesize diverse information; and make decisions that are aligned with Ministry and Government business plan goals.
7. Breadth and depth of knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, Ministerial Orders, policies, and guidelines (e.g. School Act; Closure of Schools Regulation; Capital Borrowing Regulation; Disposition of Property Regulation; Municipal Government Act; Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Infrastructure; School Capital Manual; Provincial Capital Plan; Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act), as well as legislation of other departments that impact sector operations.
8. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of ministry business plan goals, priorities, and strategic issues associated with school capital planning/delivery.

Your application must be accompanied with a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the educational and experience requirements, along with examples to demonstrate the four competencies, noted above.

This competition is for a position based in Edmonton, offering a work schedule of Monday to Friday, totaling 36.25 hours per week.

Candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies. It is important for applicants to ensure their resume and cover letter clearly articulate how their past work experiences align with the role’s qualifications and needs.

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) to assist in assessing written communication skills and attention to detail.

The final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo an academic check, references, provide a suitable security screening and may be asked to complete a written exercise and/or assessment.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

How To Apply
Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates’ qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Rashi Vaktania at Rashi.Vaktania@gov.ab.ca

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