Job Description
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 at the Cross Cancer Institute.
Reporting to the Academic Department Manager (ADM), the Senior Department Coordinator serves as the departmental lead for HR and financial administrative workflows. The incumbent provides high-level technical coordination and troubleshooting for complex research portfolios, ensuring all transactions are audit-ready and aligned with Tri-Agency and external sponsor requirements. This role acts as a critical intermediary between the department and Shared Services, translating in collaboration with service partners and SMEs institutional policy changes into actionable departmental processes.
This position serves as a key departmental resource to faculty and staff by providing guidance on HR and financial processes, troubleshooting complex issues, and facilitating resolution in consultation with appropriate subject matter experts. The incumbent supports the effective administration of complex research portfolios, including clinical trials and multi-year grants, by coordinating processes, monitoring compliance requirements, and identifying opportunities to improve workflow efficiency.
HR & Workforce Management: Coordinates the end-to-end lifecycle for diverse employee groups (Academic, NASA, Trust, etc.), providing process guidance on recruitment, collective agreements, and onboarding.
Financial Stewardship: Acts as the primary control point for financial transactions, including processing journals and expense entries while ensuring compliance with sponsor terms and University policies.
Research Administration Support: Provides Principal Investigators (PIs) with financial reporting and forecasting to support the long-term sustainability of research funds and complex portfolios.
Process Optimization: Continuously reviews administrative workflows to identify inefficiencies and implements digital tools or revised standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Audit & Compliance: Manages departmental reconciliations through regular audits and ensures 100% compliance with institutional month-end requirements
Stakeholder Consultation: Serves as a frontline for faculty and staff, troubleshooting complex HR or financial issues in collaboration with ADM, HR and Finance Partners.
Education & Experience
- Degree Requirement: A Degree in Business Administration or Management is required.
- Professional Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience within a University setting.
- Institutional Knowledge: Knowledge of University of Alberta policies and procedures is considered an asset.
- Professional Certification: Working towards a CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) or CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation is considered an asset.
Technical Skills
- Software Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency with PeopleSoft, SupplyNet, Microsoft Office, and Google applications.
- Digital Tools: Experience working with Cascade, Campaign Monitor, and Smartsheets is considered an asset.
- Computer Literacy: Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in databases, spreadsheets, and word processing software.
Competencies & Abilities
Stakeholder Relations: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Operational Independence: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while managing time and workload effectively to meet deadlines.
Information Governance: Proven ability to apply and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, FOIPP, records management protocols, and all relevant university policies.
Organizational Context: Demonstrated ability to work within large unionized public sector and/or post-secondary academic organizations.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.
This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.