Administrator in Vancouver

The Department of Political Science is a major centre for teaching and research in political science. The Department administers the US Studies program and also comprises the Institute for European Research and the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions. It has strong ties to the First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program, the Institute for Asian Research, the Liu Institute for Global Issues and such programmes as Canadian Studies, International Relations and Latin American Studies.

The Administrator is responsible for planning the Department’s varied administrative needs including developing, implementing and coordinating all non-academic activities with particular attention to financial, human resource, information technology and physical plant matters. The Administrator manages the finances, financial operations and accountability procedures and oversees the Department's annual budget and financial reporting system. The Administrator develops and implements human resource procedures around hiring, supervising, training, safety, evaluating and terminating staff. The Administrator manages research grants including liaison with faculty, granting agencies and various UBC research offices.

Organizational Status: The incumbent reports to the Department Head and supervises support staff and oversees in conjunction with the Graduate Program Coordinator, Teaching Assistants and Work Learn students. The Administrator is an ex officio member of the Department’s Executive Committee.

Work Performed: The Administrator is responsible for the effective execution and overseeing of departmental administration including strategic planning and direction, developing, implementing and co-ordinating all non-academic activities with principal involvement in administrative, financial, human resources, information technology and spatial matters. Major responsibilities include:

• Providing operational leadership, developing and implementing strategic plans and changes to meet initiatives and evolving needs to enhance productivity and streamline business processes.
• Managing and controlling a departmental budget of approximately $10.4 million, including GPOF, Fees for Service, Specific Purpose, Endowment funds and research accounts.
• Developing and overseeing policies and procedures related to financial management ensuring financial controls are in place and aligned with Faculty/University policy and best practice.
• Providing leadership and guidance by developing and implementing sound performance management practices.
• Overseeing the administrative process for tenure/tenure track faculty searches and appointment and onboarding processes for faculty hires.
• Responsible for administrative arrangements for all departmental research and grant funded appointments.
• Advising faculty and staff on Departmental, UBC, Immigration and Employment policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the organization of the Department's administrative records (paper and electronic).
• Administering departmental space including the allocation of offices, labs and storage spaces.
• Administering fire and safety regulations, disaster plans, emergency preparedness, and health and safety regulations.

Minimum Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in financial budgeting, accounting and reports. Experience in administrative support in an academic environment. Ability to work independently and with others as required. Effective communication and organizational skills. Computer experience required and knowledge of Workday, SISC, ACMS, SCIENTIA, ISI considered an asset.