Senior Program Coordinator

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Advanced Education has an exciting opportunity and is looking for a Senior Program Coordinator to join our team!

Reporting to the Manager, Apprenticeship Education and Partnerships, the Senior Program Coordinator supports key strategic initiatives, including the oversight and administration of a grant funding portfolio for organizations focused on skilled trades workforce development. The position manages relationships with a broad network of community partners that provide access to apprenticeship education and increase awareness of skilled trades opportunities. This role provides oversight and quality assurance on all grant activities, analyzing the results of current initiatives, identifying opportunities to strengthen labour market outcomes, and offering strategic advice to ensure initiatives align with government priorities. The Senior Program Coordinator also leads improvements to policies, processes, and guidance materials to support consistent grant administration, identifies emerging risks and pressures, and leads or coordinates strategic projects that advance system modernization and strengthen program outcomes.

Required Skills, Abilities and Knowledge as they relate to this role:

•    Knowledge of grant program design, administration, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
•    Ability to assess program outcomes, measure impact, and identify improvements or new opportunities that support Ministry priorities. 
•    Strong stakeholder engagement skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
•    Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills to identify issues, risks, pressures, and opportunities, and to develop evidence‑based recommendations.
•    Sound judgement and decision‑making skills to align initiatives with Ministry priorities and ensure effective use of public funds.
•    Strong project management skills, including the ability to lead complex, multi‑stakeholder initiatives from ideation to implementation.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear and concise briefings, reports, recommendations, and presentations.
•    Ability to develop and improve policies, processes, tools, and guidance materials that support consistent, efficient program administration.
•    Strong organizational and time‑management abilities to manage multiple priorities, meet tight timelines, and adapt to changing direction.
•    Ability to lead cross‑functional project teams, influence without authority, and resolve issues collaboratively.
•    Ability to conduct research, jurisdictional scans, and analysis to inform long‑term planning and program design.
•    Ability to coach junior staff on project documentation, analysis, and operational practices.
•    Demonstrated ability to work with discretion, maintain accuracy and professionalism, and ensure alignment with departmental strategies and policies.

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: Considers how grants, programs, and stakeholders are connected. Assesses long‑term impacts, risks, and system needs when developing recommendations. Works with internal program areas, cross‑ministry partners, and system stakeholders to ensure decisions and actions are aligned across the system.

• Creative Problem Solving: Gathers data and information from multiple sources to understand issues and identify root causes. Engages stakeholders to assess options and develop practical, evidence‑informed solutions for complex or challenges.

• Agility: Adjusts plans and priorities in response to changing conditions or emerging issues. Anticipates obstacles, identifies next steps, and works within policies and processes to advance goals in uncertain or shifting environments.

• Develop Networks: Builds and sustains strong working relationships with industry and community partners, post-secondary institutions, ministries, and learner groups to ensure diverse perspectives inform projects and initiatives. Leverages these relationships to support collaboration, information sharing, decision‑making, and successful design and implementation.

• Build Collaborative Environments: Promotes open dialogue, values diverse viewpoints, and encourages constructive problem solving. Works with internal and external partners to address issues, build consensus, and support shared outcomes.

Qualifications

Requirements:
University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience in a related field such as political science, public policy, public administration or Education or Equivalent as described below.

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 

Assets:
•    Experience leading and/or administering grant programs.
•    Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
•    Knowledge of Government of Alberta and Ministry strategic priorities, including the apprenticeship education and skilled trades system.
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Advanced analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
•    Ability to produce clear, effective written materials.
•    Experience with performance evaluation and upholding grant agreement and contract requirements.
•    Knowledge and/or experience with Alberta’s apprenticeship system.
•    Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
•    Ability to exercise sound judgement and work both independently and collaboratively.
•    Skill in developing and improving policies, processes, and tools.
•    Experience in project management and process improvement.
•    Knowledge of change‑management principles and their application.

Notes

This is (1) permanent position.

Position is located in Commerce Place in Edmonton and works 36.25 hours per week, 8:15am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Applicants are required 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.

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.