Planning and Projects Specialist

The Planning and Projects Specialist will lead projects and support academic leaders in the College of Medicine by designing, developing, documenting and delivering on strategically linked initiatives. The specialist will work to design or improve business processes, establish frameworks, coordinate and facilitate committees, research priority topics and report on strategic priorities.

Nature of Work:

This position reports to the Director of Planning and Projects and will work in close collaboration with members of the college leadership team, other university staff and various internal and external partners and stakeholders. The work is diverse, requiring knowledge of university operations, project management, change management, quality improvement, research, information synthesis and writing. This position will play a key role in the successful coordination and implementation of policies and projects.

To be successful, the individual must exercise sound judgment, be comfortable in a team environment, and have well-developed communication, facilitation and organizational skills. The Planning and Projects Specialist must have the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders. Maturity, experience, problem-solving, systems thinking, and communication skills will be keys to success. In carrying out this work, confidentiality, close collaboration and alignment with key administrative areas will be critical.  

The successful candidate will have the ability to manage the complex nature of academic projects within a health system. The Planning and Projects Specialist will work with academic faculty, campus leaders and external stakeholders to arrive at solutions for the College that are generally accepted and well-understood. The specialist will have a flexible workstyle and be comfortable working on topics that are progressively elaborated. They will engage others and develop coalitions to jointly understand the current state and co-create the desired future state. The Planning and Projects Specialist will be called upon to synthesize and articulate complex information into concise and easy-to-read briefing notes or reports.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Conduct environmental scans, prepare current and future state maps, document policy/process recommendations for change, and coordinate and draft reports on the materials collected.
• Promptly synthesize complex and diverse information into concise and easy-to-read briefing notes, minutes or reports.
• Communicate with stakeholders to understand current realities, design future state, build commitment and ensure plans incorporate important perspectives
• Lead and/or support College of Medicine strategic projects, facilitate information-gathering processes, and support the design and implementation of new business processes.
• Establish the root-cause of problems and use a systems thinking approach to support planning for the future state.
• Advocate for and support change management by being an expert and facilitator for those involved in assigned projects.
• Initiate actions required to achieve success, monitor progress between meetings, set agendas, assess and report on progress.

Education: A master’s degree in the social sciences, humanities, business, or related discipline. A professional designation in project management or change management would be an asset. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience: 5+ years related experience in progressively responsible roles within a public, post-secondary, or similarly complex organization.  Experience in strategic planning, process mapping, quality improvement and/or knowledge of medical education would be considered assets.

Skills:

• Possess a high standard of professional integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters diplomatically and discreetly.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written), organizational and analytical skills, as well as a strong ability to take initiative and be self-directed.
• Ability to speak in front of large groups and facilitate large and small group discussions.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple tasks with tight timelines and competing demands.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail, creativity, flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand a wide range of campus needs and issues and to support the development of policies, procedures and solutions to address them.
• Ability to research and effectively present information.
• Ability to understand and achieve resolution on complex issues and provide timely and accurate information.
• Ability to use a range of software packages, including the Microsoft Office suite – advanced word processing, spreadsheets, electronic calendars and e-mail.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Crystal Maslin at 306-966-6021.

Department: College of Medicine – DnOffce

Status: Term – up to 12 months

Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $66,030.00 – 103,174.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 3/4/2024

Closing Date: 3/17/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask’s Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable