Operations Manager

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Branch Director, the Operations Manager supports the department, Minister of Education and Kindergarten to Grade 12 school authorities including providing leadership, direction and oversight in the development and delivery of the Provincial Approach to Student Information (PASI) system.

Within the context of legislation, regulations and policies, the Operations Manager promotes innovation and system effectiveness; monitors and provides strategic and operational leadership, linking the internal department business areas with stakeholders as it relates to student records and lead the development, updates and approvals of the department's Business Impact Analysis (BIA), Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to enable the department to continue the delivery of essential services in the event of an incident or disaster that affect normal business operations.

The role of Operations Manager performs the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Contributes significantly to the development and delivery of an innovative, collaborative system and ministry programs and initiatives.
• Collaborates various stakeholders such as Ministry stakeholders, Advanced Education, Health, Elections Alberta, cross ministry partners, private sector Student Information System (SIS) vendors, ApplyAlberta, Alberta Post- secondary institutions, Alberta Accredited Schools and Alberta Accredited International schools and school authorities to ensure alignment with local student information systems and PASI.
  Develop plans and decisions in alignment with strategic direction and established budget and schedule for PASI system changes.
• Provides leadership and guidance in the interpretation and implementation by school authorities of education-related legislation, regulations and policies and ministry programs and initiatives.
  Consult and liaise with internal and external stakeholders through focus groups and workshops.
  Anticipates emerging programs and service changes to PASI system.
  Lead and coordinate prioritization of operational activities, unit processes and assignment of unit resources.
• Translate Student Records and Operations programs, policies, and services into deliverables.
• Collaborate with Technology and Innovation to support PASI outages and issues.
• Leads and coordinates department's participation in the annual Service Alberta Disaster Recovery Test.
• Provide oversight and decision-making advice that includes Action Requests and briefings to senior department officials and the Minister.
• Collaborates with other department areas to support communication with school authorities and stakeholder organizations for roll out of ministry-wide initiatives.
• Seeks out and shares opportunities for innovation and improvement within the department and with school authorities.
• Provides guidance and makes decisions regarding the most suitable approach to be used in analysis of program/projects to ensure business objectives are achieved.
  Analyze stakeholder usage of myPass, Alberta Student Link and use of digital documents in PASI.
• Leads branch business analysis services including business planning, feasibility studies, requirements analysis.

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 – The Operations Manager must be able to determine if PASI and student records policy and practices align with government direction while considering feedback from stakeholders to determine where operational changes are required.

Develop Networks - The Operations Manager also is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing relationships with key stakeholder organizations. This position also requires a strong connection to colleagues across the department in order to successfully operate in this role.

Creative Problem Solving - This position requires creative problem-solving skills to work with school authorities on complex matters, often involving legislation, regulations and the application of policies. The Operations Manager must be thoughtful and strategic in providing advice and support to stakeholders.

Drive for Results - The Operations Manager must have the skills and knowledge to lead a team in assessing, monitoring, and evaluating a large number of school authorities. The individual must identify issues and actively work to resolve them within a complex and highly regulated environment.

Develop Self and Others - The Operations Manager mentors, motivates, develops and sets business goals and priorities for a team comprised of professional and administrative staff.

Qualifications

University graduation in a field related to the position (Business, Economics, Arts etc), supplemented by four years related experience. 
Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis. Depending on the applicable statutory or unique requirements of the position, specific qualifications may apply.

Assets: 

• A master’s degree in information technology, Business or a related program will be preferred but not required.
• Directly related experience in the area of Business Analysis and Project Management.
• In-depth understanding and thorough knowledge of project, records and information management processes.
• Thorough knowledge of related legislation and frameworks (e.g., Education Act; FOPA, POPA, Student Records Regulation).
• Broad knowledge of information technology trends, emerging technology and best practices.
• Knowledge of Systems Development Lifecycle methodologies, Enterprise Architecture, and Service Management frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to host and chair focus groups with the ability to problem solve, conceptualize and synthesize large amounts of information.
• Experience leading a team would be considered an asset
• Knowledge and/or experience with student records programs/services or an academic records environment.
• Knowledge of government emergency/disaster planning and safety/security protocols.
   

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Notes

This is a full-time temporary (up to 18 months) position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies. Please note that your cover letter will also be used as a screening tool to assess your ability to follow instructions, writing and proofreading abilities.

What we offer: 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages- working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Management Employee 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.