Operations Director, China Institute

Operations Director, China Institute Competition 951 Apply Department Provost & Vice-President (Academic) - China Institute Salary range $82,113 to $136,149 Posted date May 17, 2024 Closing date May 24, 2024 Position Type Full Time

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement , this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $82,113 to $136,149.

Location - This role is in-person on North Campus Edmonton.

Working at 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 First Peoples 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 more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 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 .

Working for the China Institute

The China Institute is a high-impact research centre and think-thank reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President (Academic). First established In 2005 with an endowment of 37 million, the China Institute has now become the largest Interdisciplinary China study centre in Canada and one of the leading Institutes In North America focusing on policy relevant contemporary China studies. Every year, the Institute organizes and co-sponsors numerous international conferences, seminars and other events in Canada and In China that bring together senior government, industry and academic leaders from Canada, China and around the world. The Institute also plays an important role in supporting University faculties and departments through substantial grant support, and plays an advisory role in support of the President, Provost, and VPs with respect to on-going China and Asia-related issues.

Position

Working closely with and reporting to the Director, the Operations Director of the China Institute manages the administrative, programing, strategic aspects and the day-to-day operations of the Institute and plays a key leadership role in the operational success of the Institute. As a key member of the Institute's leadership team, the Operations Director provides expert advice and counsel to key decision makers.

Major areas of responsibility include active participation in strategic planning and decision making in all project, administrative, financial and human resources management functions as well as managing the development of outreach, communication, stakeholder/partnership relations strategies to support CIUA and UAlberta objectives.

The Operations Director also serves as a subject matter expert in advising policy makers and is frequently engaged to provide media commentary and presentations to government and industry on behalf of the Institute and the University. These activities not only raise the profile of the Institute and the University of Alberta nationally and internationally but also have important policy Implications.

In all facets of the role, the Operations Director endeavors to integrate and advance the University's commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusivity. The Operations Director understands, fulfills, and promotes the health, safety, and environment responsibilities identified in university policy.

Duties

1. Strategic planning and influence

• Working with the Director of the China Institute and the Office of the Provost, participates in strategic planning for the Institute aimed to position the Institute as a leading research centre and policy think-tank on Canada-China Relations and China's far-reaching economic and political impact on a global scale
• Serves as a member of the China Institute Advisory Council and chairs the programming committee; works with other council members to help generate Ideas that helps inspire the long-term development of the Institute and support the China and Asia-related aspects of the University's Strategic Plan.
• Ensures the sustainability of Institute's activities, programs and projects and their alignment with the strategic objectives of the Institute and the University.
• In close consultation with the Director and donor organization, developments and Implements new initiatives, programs and projects under the Pan Pacific Think Tank; participates in determining the strategic direction and making resource allocation decisions
• Advises Director on the financial and business implications of decision making.

2. Initiative and Project Management

• Liaises with other senior leaders, including Vice-Provosts, College and Faculty Deans, and offices of Vice-Presidents in planning and coordinating major University-wide China-related initiatives and missions by senior administration
• Works with other relevant units to coordinate activities in China In areas such as Institutional partnership building, international advancement projects, and special events
• Provides strategic advice to Vice-Presidential portfolios, Colleges, Faculties and Departments on China engagement issues
• Serving as a key member on the steering and planning committees for various large-scale International events that have significant impact on the reputation and profile of the University. Most of these events require complex planning, and working with senior level stakeholders from multiple government, industry, community and UAlberta organizations. These events often involve senior Canadian and foreign government dignitaries (i.e. Prime Ministers, Ministers, Premiers, and Ambassadors among others), UAlberta leadership, a large international audience and extensive media coverage with major reputational impact for the University.
• Leads the complex planning and delivery of lnstitute's major high-profile conferences and special events (6-8 annually) that often feature senior government officials, industry leaders from Canada and abroad and senior University administration

3. Partnership Building and Stakeholder Relations

• Working closely with the Director, cultivates relationships with existing and prospective university, research institutional partners (domestic and international), governments (provincial, federal and international), industry and other stakeholder organizations, donors, as well as University partners
• Identifies and assesses opportunities presented by external organizations; develops corresponding engagement strategies
• Organizes collaborative opportunities and activities between the China Institute and external partners

4. Subject Matter Expert

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge in areas such as Canada-China relations, Chinese economy and foreign investment and trade, the Chinese political system and foreign policies
• Researches and engages in media interviews as a subject matter expert
• Speaks to the media and the public about CIUA's research and events
• Presents, speaks and moderates at conferences, workshops, classes and training sessions for government and industry

5. Operational Management

• Brokers resources and services from central and embedded functions to ensure the China Institute's goals are achieved.
• Develops an administrative operations team with assigned Partners (HR, Finance, Communications, etc.)
• In collaboration with a Partner (HR) and Faculty Relations, provides advice to the Director on current and emerging human resource issues (e.g. workforce planning, succession planning, professional development, academic hiring, performance management, employee development, labour relations, classification and compensation).
• Works with Partner (Finance) to oversee the Faculty's budget and financial operations. Ensures the scope and cost of initiatives are planned, monitored and controlled. Demonstrates responsible use of scarce resources (physical, human and financial). Identifies, lobbies and secures resources as required; reallocates resources as necessary.

6. Research Development and Management

• Works with the Director to identify research and funding opportunities for the Institute
• Develops strategies and allocates resources to promote research activities
• Advises researchers on the development of research plan (developing research topics, scope of work, and proposals etc.)
• Identifies and liaises with external funding agencies and RSO to negotiate and secure research contracts

7. Human Resources Management

• Develops and implements systems to provide a fully functional and productive work team and ensures performance standards are met
• Supervises, directs, coaches, and evaluates support staff and student research/project staff
• Manages the recruitment process including job design, advertisement, review of applications, interviewing, selection, and employment and extension offers for support staff, contract researchers, post-doctoral fellows, in partnership with the HR partner.

8. Communications Management

• Works with Senior Administration, Colleges, Faculties, External Relations and the external community, as well as the Governments of Canada and Alberta, in raising the profile of the Institute
• Oversees the development and the implementation of the lnstitute's communication strategy, branding and marketing plans, in partnership with the Communications partner.
• Leads the planning and oversees the implementation of complex media outreach effort to promote the lnstltute's research, expertise, conferences and special events in order to maximize the lnstitute's social impact on knowledge dissemination and public policy development.
• Provides advice to administration, Colleges, Faculties and Departments on China-related communications needs and media engagement strategies.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive responsibility in management and strategic planning
• Superior project (including research project), resource and financial management skills ideally In a large postsecondary or public sector environment
• Proven leadership, supervisory and team building ability
• Ability to implement and oversee results-based management practices
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of University policies, administrative and governance processes and academic programs
• Demonstrated ability to build relations with senior-level stakeholders and partners In Canada and Internationally (especially in China) in academic, governmental and industry settings
• Excellent diplomacy, consultation and communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal) with experience working In a cross-cultural setting
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Extensive and up-to-date knowledge of Canada-China relations as well as Chinese economic, political and education systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of Chinese cultural protocols and etiquette
• Excellent research and public speaking skills
• Second language (Chinese, speaking and written) strongly preferred
• Experience in coordination of senior level overseas missions, special initiatives/events and abllity to direct complex logistical planning
• Strong organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced and challenging environment
• Advanced computer knowledge in Google suite, MS Office suites (i.e. Word, Excel and PPT) and PeopleSoft

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.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. 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.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight May 24, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta local time.