Director, Post-Secondary Research & Innovation Strategy

Role Responsibilities

Are you looking for an opportunity to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of post-secondary institutions to advance Alberta’s economic growth, competitiveness, and diversification? Are you interested in collaborating with system partners and stakeholders on major research and innovation directions, policies, and strategies to advance Government of Alberta priorities? Then this opportunity is for you. 

The Director is responsible for planning and directing unit operations and resources to deliver outcomes and develop unit capacity, guiding and mentoring team members as they contribute to achieving the unit mandate. They are a key member of the International, Research and Innovation branch leadership team. The Director functions within the parameters of relevant legislation, regulations, policies and precedents and has a critical role in providing strategic leadership for the Ministry, and advice and assistance to the ED (executive director) on all matters related to post-secondary research and innovation and its relation to Government of Alberta priorities, Minister's mandate, as well as developing, and implementing major policy initiatives focused on research and innovation, including relevant goals and objectives under the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy.

The Director, Post-Secondary Research & Innovation Strategy is also responsible for: 

1.) AE's post-secondary research and innovation policies, strategies and key initiatives which are developed and coordinated to support Government of Alberta mandates and priorities, both within the ministry and with other government partners.

• Works closely with Executive Council (Intergovernmental Relations), TI, JET and other Ministries, industry and post- secondary representatives on the implementation of a strategy ("Team Alberta" approach) to increase federal and other research investment to Alberta post-secondary institutions in areas that support priority industry sectors. 
• Leads and develops strategies to facilitate the increase of post-secondary federal research revenue, post-secondary research commercialization, industry-post-secondary research collaborations, and alignment of post-secondary skills and talent development to industry research needs. 
• Leads the discussion on and develops strategies to support and advance Alberta's competitiveness in key priority sectors through post-secondary research and innovation, including precision health, alternative energy sources, agri-technologies and artificial intelligence. 
• Leads and manages the strategic process, actions, and tools necessary in developing, implementing, advancing and succeeding in a research and innovation strategy and the implementation of the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy's Goal 3: Supporting Innovation and Commercialization.

Role Responsibilities Continued

2.) Building collaborative partnerships that strengthen the role of Alberta’s post-secondary research and innovation with other ministries and jurisdictions, stakeholders, and partner organizations to strategically support Advanced Education's mandate and the Government of Alberta's economic policies and desired outcomes.

• Works closely with industry, post-secondary representatives, and other Ministries on an ongoing basis to develop tools and strategies to strengthen research commercialization in Alberta's post-secondary system (e.g., Research Working Group, Research Commercialization Working Group, etc.). 
• Initiates and encourages innovation to inform strategy and policy for research commercialization and promotion of post-secondary innovation and talent development, in collaboration with other Ministries, governments, partner organizations and stakeholders.
• Advises the ED, ADM and DM on opportunities to access and leverage investment from and engage in partnerships with the federal government and other stakeholders, in support of Advanced Education's strategic agenda on increasing and diversifying revenue for post-secondary research.

3.) Plan, direct, and evaluate to deliver outcomes in support of strategic, policy and legislative agendas and business plans, and unit staff are which are to be supported in their professional growth and development.

• Inspires a compelling vision for the unit's mandate and fosters shared learning and improvement, aspiration, recognition, strong and open communication, commitment, and respect. 
• Establishes and periodically evaluates the unit's objectives, staff accountabilities, and core assumptions to ensure it is optimally set up to meet or exceed expectations. Readily makes adjustments, reallocating resources, directing temporary resources and implementing new practices in anticipation of and response to change.
• Coaches and mentors' staff to continuously develop, see their role in achieving results, strengthening competencies and adaptive work habits, fostering agility and emotional resilience, and building the capacity for new and emerging challenges.

4.) The Executive Director is supported in achieving the mandate and goals of the branch.

• Provides strategic advice, consultation, and recommendations on issues, opportunities and challenges related to the unit's mandate.
• Represents the Unit, Branch, Division and/or Ministry on cross-government and/or stakeholder committees with diverse mandates and responsibilities to facilitate coordinated approaches to decision-making; communicates relevant perspectives and requirements; and remains aware of stakeholder and partner perspectives. 
• Identifies opportunities and develops strategies for innovative means to achieve continuous improvement in service delivery. 
• Develops or manages preparation of briefings, background documents, and correspondence for consideration by senior Government representatives and officials, ensuring all information is prepared in an accurate and timely manner and in compliance with relevant standards. Reviews and approves various reports and responses (e.g., Action Requests, Briefing Notes) prior to submission to the Executive Director.

Please click on this link to view the job description.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:

Drive for Results: Achieves results and provides strategic policy advice and coordination to collaborate on initiatives and lead development of plans and strategies providing direction and advice to resolve complex issues and facilitate collaboration.

Creative Problem Solving: Works in open teams to share ideas and process issues using a wide range of techniques to break down problems while allowing others to think creatively and voice ideas together to solve issues and identify new solutions for the organization. 

Agility: Analyze complex issues, consider, and synthesize information from multiple sources and perspectives, and develop options. 

Systems Thinking: Plans for how current situation is affected by broader trends, integrates issues, political environment and risks when considering possible actions to support organization vision and goals while addressing behaviours that challenge progress.

Develop Networks: Collaborates across functional areas and proactively such as staff, representatives of post-secondary institutions, and other adult learning providers; stakeholder organizations including industry leaders and employers, students, higher education experts, and agencies, other Ministries, including Executive Council, TI, JET, Senior Ministry officials (Executive Director, Assistant Deputy Ministers, Deputy Minister). 

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards

University graduation in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by seven years progressively responsible experience. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Depending on the statutory or unique requirements of the position, specific qualifications may apply.

The Director, Post-Secondary Research & Innovation Strategy requires knowledge and understanding of: 

• Linkages between policy, planning, regulatory decision-making, monitoring, evaluation, and policy evaluation. 
• Alberta's innovation ecosystem and well-developed understanding of Government economic priorities and strategies.
• Policy development and department and government decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with applicable policy, legislation and regulations, both provincial and federal, and other relevant GOA legislation.
• Strong consultation, leadership, management, and project coordination. 
• Analyzing complex issues, consider, and synthesize information from multiple sources and perspectives, and develop options.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills - the ability to present significant amounts of complex information in a clear and concise format. 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a Permanent position, and the hours of work are a total of 36.25 hours. 

A cover letter demonstrating your qualifications, experience and skills for this position is strongly encouraged.  

Candidates for this position may be asked to complete a written exercise and/or assessment.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - About the Alberta Public Service | Alberta.ca 
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Management Employees Pension Plan- https://www.mepp.ca/page/mepp-home
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement