Manager, Business Operations and Student Transportation

Role Responsibilities

The Manager, Business Operations and Student Transportation provides support and advice to school authority business officials regarding complex and diverse school business issues as well as information regarding funding policy, legislative requirements and governance. This position is also considered the provincial expert for the student transportation program, including development of the annual student transportation budget. This role is responsible for providing verbal and written advice to senior representatives of the Ministry, Government, school authorities and stakeholders regarding student transportation funding policy, legislation and regulations.

The following points outline the key responsibilities of this role.

• Provide expert guidance to school authorities on funding, legislation, governance, and complex operational issues.
• Develop, interpret, and advise on Education and Childcare policies, regulations, and legislative requirements.
• Lead the development and evaluation of policies, guidelines, and processes impacting the education system.
• Support compliance monitoring activities by validating student eligibility and improving school authority record‑keeping practices.
• Review and assess applications for new independent, ECS, or charter schools, providing recommendations based on regulatory compliance and budget analysis.
• Serve as the provincial expert for student transportation, including budget development and regulatory oversight.
• Investigate and mediate disputes related to student transportation service levels, eligibility, and fees.
• Conduct reviews and audits of student transportation funding applications and ensure compliance with legislation and policy.
• Provide training, resources, and guidance to enhance stakeholder understanding of governance, records, transportation, and funding requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school authorities, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Represent the Ministry on committees, working groups, and sector initiatives, sharing expertise and supporting collaborative work.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

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.

• Systems Thinking - Applies broad legislative, policy, and operational context to develop solutions that align with government direction and support school authority governance and student transportation needs.
• Creative Problem Solving - Engages diverse perspectives and analytical approaches to resolve complex school business and transportation challenges while addressing risks and stakeholder concerns.
• Agility - Anticipates shifting priorities and adapts policy or funding approaches quickly to ensure effective delivery of student transportation and business operations services.
• Drive for Results - Delivers high‑quality, timely outcomes by navigating tight timelines, removing barriers, and ensuring compliance in business operations and transportation funding processes.
• Develop Networks - Builds strong, trust‑based relationships with school authorities, ministry colleagues, and sector organizations to collaboratively address issues and improve system effectiveness.

Qualifications

University graduation in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by three years related experience.

Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Required:

• Strong understanding of the Education Act, Funding Manual for School Authorities, Student Record Regulation, School Transportation Regulation and other related regulations to provide accurate guidance and ensure compliance.
• Ability to analyze funding models, budget projections, transportation cost factors, and complex operational issues across school authorities.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior school authority leaders, government officials, and industry associations.
• Comfort working under tight and unpredictable timelines while ensuring high‑quality, accurate deliverables.

Assets:

• Previous Supervisor experience leading a team.
• Experience with cost model analysis, forecasting, and assessing financial viability of new school authority applications.
• Experience developing and delivering training, manuals, and resource materials for school authorities.
• Working with multiple ministries, legislators, or federal partners on cross‑jurisdictional issues.
• Familiarity with ASBOA, STAA, ASTAC, and other industry groups.

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 (1) permanent, full-time positions working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in Edmonton. We require you to attach a Cover Letter with application explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.    The final candidate for this position will be asked to undergo pre-employment checks (including a criminal record check).

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

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.