Strategic Initiatives Officer, College of Education
Primary Purpose: To provide leadership and oversight in the development and implementation of strategic priorities to advance the goals of the College of Education, including coordinating and supporting key projects and events
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Dean of the College of Education, this position works collaboratively with senior administrators, faculty and staff within the College and USask on key College of Education strategic initiatives to support students, research, the ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan strategy, and the EDI framework for action. This position participates in the development, leading and implementation of broad initiatives with responsibilities of above-average complexity, in short, medium and long-term planning horizons; and exercises extensive decision-making and judgment. The incumbent will work independently and collaboratively, requiring strong planning, organizational and project management skills. This position requires adaptability to fluctuating levels of work volume, working comfortably under pressure in a fast-paced environment and balancing competing deadlines.
Confidentiality and discretion are critically important as this position is privy to and works routinely with confidential strategic, financial, and personnel information. This position will foster a work atmosphere that is positive, supportive, responsive, and transparent. The individual in this position has great vision and must exercise considerable judgment, discretionary decision-making and an ability to build. Due to the nature of this role, some evening and weekend work will be required.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:
Strategic Initiatives
- Build a shared, compelling and credible vision of the future, influencing people to ensure outcomes that support achieving the vision; a culture of leadership
- Support and advance the strategic priorities of the College of Education, including by managing individual projects through to completion
- Provide support to the Dean and other leaders in the College to develop workplans and support working groups implementing strategic projects and initiatives
- In consultation with Dean and others, provide high level oversight and coordination of key projects, including space renovations and College events
- Collaborate with others, including faculty, staff and College leadership on strategic planning processes for the College
- Build relationships and support teams to implement strategic projects effectively
- Participate in a range of committee and working group meetings, team planning and other activities that contribute to College of Education goals and priorities
- Involvement with and leadership in College strategic planning sessions/workshops/town halls, meetings, and retreats
- Draft routine to complex carefully researched foundational and planning documents, reports, proposals, correspondence, and other operational and strategic documentation for the Dean
- Assist the Dean with the analysis, creation, coordination and communication of reports, projects and actions within the College priorities and strategic planning
- Support the development and implementation of strategic and integrated planning processes, researching background and preparing documentation, and works with the leadership team to monitor progress toward goals
- Mitigate risk by ensuring current and relevant university policies, guidelines, processes, collective agreements, and relevant legislation are adhered to
- Analyzes the success of strategic initiatives and recommends review or change when necessary
Events
- Oversee coordination of key College events with support from team members across the College, including third-year student pinning ceremony, student awards, College staff and faculty awards, and alumni achievement awards (in collaboration with the advancement officer)
- Develop processes and workplans to support and manage annual and ad-hoc College events
- Support events connected to key College strategic priorities, including playing a leading role in planning for the College’s 2027 centennial celebrations
- Build relationships and effective processes to support successful events
- Be available for flexible working, including for evening and weekend event attendance and work when required
Special Projects
- Works with the Dean and other leaders on time-limited projects related to the mission and goals of the College and University, ensuring objectives and timeframes are successfully achieved in an effective and efficient manner
- Ensure all internal stakeholders are appropriately involved and/or consulted in the planning and implementation of projects related to donations received by the college
- Collaborate across departments, colleges and units to ensure proper engagement of key stakeholders
Education: A relevant undergraduate or master's degree. A professional designation in project management would be an asset. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience: 5-8 years related experience in progressively responsible roles within a public, post-secondary, or similarly complex organization. Experience in strategic planning, special projects and events would be considered assets. Demonstrated experience in fostering effective professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders is an asset. Knowledge of K-12 and/or post-secondary education in Saskatchewan would be an asset.
Skills:
- Proven effective interpersonal, mentoring, management, and organizational skills
- Ability to forge effective working partnerships and motivate partners and colleagues to achieve a vision and outcome
- Strong organization, planning and project management skills with good attention to detail
- Exceptional communication skills (written and oral)
- Demonstrated leadership, analytical and organizational skills including effective planning, logistics and management of multiple projects
- Understanding of, and leading through, change management processes
- Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills
- Demonstrated keen attention to detail and identification of priorities
- Advanced knowledge of common office software applications
- High level of proficiency in maintaining budgets, databases and websites
- Ability to work on multiple projects with competing demands to meet deadlines
- Ability to exercise sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality
Department: College of Education
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 4/23/2025
Closing Date: 6/3/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.