Manager, Literacy and Numeracy Screenings

Role Responsibilities

As part of the Provincial Assessment Branch, the Manager, Literacy and Numeracy Screenings leads and manages a variety of ministry initiatives related to Alberta Education and Childcare's literacy.

The Manager, Literacy and Numeracy Screenings is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing policy for mandated literacy and numeracy screenings in kindergarten to grade 5.
• Managing and providing advice for emerging priorities.
• Leading the development and stakeholder relations of grant/contract management for the branch for literacy and numeracy support funding for school authorities.
• Grants and contracts related to literacy and numeracy screener development.
• Professional development for school authority staff.
• Managing of contracts for licensing agreements for external partners.

The position broadly influences the sector in achieving its mandate through a project management approach. This involves high levels of collaboration, consultation, responsiveness, and political acumen to effectively manage the deliverables and expectations of multiple areas.

The Manager, Assessments Literacy and Numeracy Screenings must stay informed of issues and stay apprised of current research in literacy and numeracy assessments and foundational learning.

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.

To effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the Manager, Literacy and Numeracy Screenings role, the following competencies are essential:

• Agility: This position must recognize the changing landscape of education, anticipate changing priorities, and embrace the challenges presented by changing provincial assessment requirements. This position must also pro-actively incorporate change into processes as the branch leads the field in adapting to change.
• Creative Problem Solving: The Manager is accountable for planning and implementing policy for literacy and numeracy screenings and grant funding at the provincial level.
• Drive for Results: This position understands the expectations of the literacy and numeracy screening mandate, takes initiative, maximizes resources, engages others, and looks for opportunities during challenging times.
• Build Collaborative Environments: This position requires strong consultation and communication to build and maintain a collaborative and cooperative environment with internal staff, school authority leaders, and key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards

• University degree with 4 years of experience or equivalent as described below. Education degree is an asset.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

For application consideration, you must attach a cover letter explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

The following knowledge, skills or experiences are considered as assets:

• Leadership and management experience in the public sector.
• Knowledge of program models and current research regarding trends in provincial achievement tests, literacy and numeracy screenings in kindergarten to grade 5, teacher education, and relevant legislative policies (e.g. The Education Act and the Guide to Education, K-12, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience in supervising staff and in understanding and motivating others to achieve diverse and broad goals.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholder groups and cross-ministry officials.
• A strong knowledge of the administrative structures of school jurisdictions, and community/stakeholder agencies.
• Knowledgeable of applicable acts, legislation, and policy such as The Education Act, K to 5 curriculum, The Guide to Education, and other documents that impact practices in K to 12 education.
• Budget, contract and project management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of issues, trends and research in literacy and numeracy screenings in kindergarten to grade 5.
• Knowledge of contracting process including planning, tendering and selection, negotiating and preparing contracts, monitoring and evaluation.
• Well-developed leadership and management skills including inter-personal, mentoring and coaching, performance management, and change management skills.
• Strong time management skills and ability to work with changing priorities and tight timelines.

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 permenant full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Working location will be Edmonton, Alberta.

Candidates are required to submit resume and cover letter that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies. It’s important for applicants to ensure their resume and cover letter clearly articulate how their past work experiences align with the role’s qualifications and needs.

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) to assist in assessing attention to detail skills.

The final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo an academic check, references, may need to provide a suitable security screening and 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.

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

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.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.