Program Planner & Development

Job Information

Job Requisition ID: 23462

Ministry: Advanced Education

Location: Edmonton

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Regular/Temporary: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: April 11, 2022

Classification: Subsidiary 02B 3625 Program Services 3

About Us

Responsible for an adult learning system that provides accessible, affordable and high quality education for Albertans. The Ministry prepares Albertans for lifelong success through education by approving programs of study; funding public post-secondary institutions and other adult learning providers; providing financial aid for learners; registering and certifying apprentices; supporting academic research and innovation.

Our programs and services are driven by 3 outcomes: Adult learning opportunities are accessible and affordable for all Albertans; High-quality education, skills development and research make a positive contribution to Alberta’s economy, society, culture and environment; and the adult learning system is accountable and coordinated.

Role

This position has key leadership responsibilities through leading the development and implementation of new, emerging and updated Student Aid funding programs, operational policy, processes and procedures for all teams in division dedicated to direct services to students. The Planner is forward looking and strategic in their approach to identifying opportunities for improvement, leading change management, and advising and consulting with staff and a wide range of stakeholders. This position works closely with staff from across the division to develop, implement and evaluate solutions that enhance the student experience as well as operational efficiencies that meet mandatory ministry and Federal Government outcome and platform, improve service delivery, internal processes and in tum staff morale.

The Planner provides consultation to, guidance and advice and works with the branch units to support specialists to troubleshoot highly unusual, complex or unique student or school issues, including performing in-depth review and preparing recommendations to managers, directors and Executive director. The planner works closely with the Student Services Sr. Policy Advisor, Sr. Program Advisor and Sr. Communication Specialist to ensure work aligned and not duplicated.

Reporting to Manager of External Relations and Program Policy Development, the Sr. Program Planner exercises independent decision making within the parameters of applicable legislation, regulations, policies and directives.

Responsibilities include:

Lead, collaborate, and/or report on Branch projects related to student funding. Development and implementation of federal and provincial student loan and grant programs to ensure policies, processes, and procedures are current and meet the needs of Albertan students through a client-centered and cost-effective approach:

• Lead branch-wide project teams, committees, working groups,
• Participate and/or lead interprovincial working groups with other provincial jurisdictions and federal government as the representative for Alberta Student Aid

Provide comprehensive and ongoing communication, coaching, and guidance to ensure post-secondary funding assistance is delivered to students in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner:

• Consolidate updates to program policy and processes. Implement change management strategies to guide teams in adjusting their operations
• Serve as the focal point and lead for internal communications with teams about program policy and process changes and/or system updates etc.

Support effective operational management of the division to achieve broader branch and ministry business goals:

• Identify operational issues that have potential to impact the division; resolves issues where appropriate; otherwise coordinate response and develop recommendations for Director or Executive Director.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational management systems and processes to enhance efficiencies to workflows within Student Services branch and other parts of the division

Support the Director in unit planning, operations and reporting to achieve unit & branch business goals:

• Accompany or represent the Manager, Director and Executive Director at meetings, providing guidance, perspectives and positions
• Provide input to strategic and business planning and reporting
• Lead as a change agent for the division on programs and services related to Student Financial funding. Lead or participate in the implementation of organizational changes to the unit, branch, division and ministry.

Qualifications

A University degree in Arts, Science, Business or in a related field plus 2 years related experience. Alternatively, 1 year of education for 1 year of experience.

Assets:

• Knowledge of Project Management methods and processes,
• Knowledge of Change Management processes
• Knowledge of program design and planning process and public consultation/engagement methodologies and techniques.
• Knowledge of educational funding assistance programs and policies administered on behalf of the federal and provincial governments, Knowledge of applicable provincial and federal legislation relevant to student aid (e.g. Canada and Alberta Student Financial Assistance Act and Regulations; Grants, Donations, and Loans Regulation).
• Knowledge of federal and/or provincial assessing criteria, policies, procedures, and GOA IT information systems.
• Advanced Knowledge of automated systems and software tools used to carry out responsibilities (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Work, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint, , web-based programs).Knowledge of project management methods and processes.

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.

The link below will assist you with understanding competencies:

Critical Competencies:

• Agility – Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to change. Ability to manage human, financial and physical resources within an operating environment.
• Drive for Results– Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others.
• Develop Self and Others– Proven ability to foster partnerships and to achieve organizational goals within an organization.
• Build Collaborative Environments – Strong track record in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop Networks – Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst, and build solid relationships with public agencies, government, committees and other partners.
• Systems Thinking – Effective leadership abilities combined with a strong commitment to operating within a team environment and the ability to motivate and inspire other to achieve common goals.
• Creative Problem Solving – Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

Salary

$ 2,556.10 – $ 3,355.81 bi-weekly ($66,714 - $ 87,586 per year)

Notes

There is one permanent position available located in Edmonton. This position is 36.25 hours per day, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm Monday- 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.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

What we offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service –
• Comprehensive benefits plan:
• Pension plan:
• Health Spending Account:
• Leadership and mentorship programs
• Professional learning and development
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance

How To Apply

If you are not currently an employee with the Government of Alberta, the first step in applying for a job is creating your candidate profile within our online application system,

Existing employees should access the Career tile in 1GX to submit their application in order to be recognized as an internal applicant.

Once you have created your candidate profile, visit the Alberta Public Service job site to apply for jobs at

Tips for applicants:

It is recommended that applicants who have obtained educational credentials from outside of Canada and have not had them previously assessed, obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates’ qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or a copy of the role profile, please contact Karen Jackman at Karen.Jackman@gov.ab.ca

If this competition is closed as per the closing date noted above, please continue to check