This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position has an initial appointment of two years.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square, Edmonton.
The Centre Manager at Alberta Business Family Institute (ABFI) leads operational execution, relationship building, awareness and program growth for the Institute. This role balances external engagement (building relationships with business families and advisors, responding to program inquiries, driving enrollment through marketing and social media) with internal execution (managing program logistics, budgets, communications, and operations). Key responsibilities include growing ABFI's flagship programs (Signature Event, Roadmap, Forum), promotional and outreach activities, and providing operational support that enables ABFI leadership to focus on research, program delivery and thought leadership. The role requires strong relationship-building skills, business development capabilities, marketing and digital communications experience, project management excellence, financial acumen, and the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously in an entrepreneurial academic environment.
The Alberta School of Business is one of the world’s leading institutions for business education and research. As the first and longest continually accredited business school in Canada, it is also one of the country’s largest, with 70 faculty members, 2,100 undergraduate students, and 950 graduate students. Since its inception in 1916, the school’s innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership have shaped communities and businesses around the world. With a vision to develop and inspire entrepreneurial leaders from Alberta for the world, the School excels in research, teaching, and external engagement.
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Relationship-Driven Enrollment: Develop and implement enrollment strategies rooted in relationship building; conduct meaningful discovery conversations and cultivate deep connections with prospective participants to achieve participation targets.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Build, nurture, and maintain long-term relationships with business families, advisors, sponsors, alumni, and strategic partners, serving as a trusted representative and ambassador for ABFI at external events and networking opportunities.
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Community-Centric Events: Lead the strategic planning and execution of the annual Signature Event (600+ attendees, Edmonton & Calgary), alongside additional events and workshops, designed to foster community connection and stakeholder engagement.
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Fiscal Steward & Partnership Alignment: Manage budgets across multiple funding sources (endowment, programs, sponsorships), working with the ASB Finance Partner to align financial resources with relationship-building initiatives and impact reporting.
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Impact-Focused Outreach: Collaborate on promotional outreach by translating research and program impact into compelling narratives that strengthen community ties, relying on relationship-driven outreach rather than cold marketing campaigns.
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Digital Engagement & Connection: Oversee ABFI communication channels (website, newsletters, social media, and Table Talk Podcast logistics) as tools for community storytelling, ongoing stakeholder education, and sustained engagement.
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Strategic Sponsorships: Identify and cultivate high-value sponsorship and partnership opportunities; develop collaborative proposals and manage year-round, mutually beneficial relationships with national partners and sponsors.
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Team Leadership: Provide guidance, mentorship, performance support, and day-to-day direction to a support team focused on delivering high-quality service to the ABFI community.
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Executive Collaboration: Provide operational support and back-up coverage for the Executive Director to ensure seamless organizational leadership and continuity in stakeholder relations.
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Research Integration: Support the management of the family business research portfolio (including translational research, white papers, and teaching cases) to provide valuable insights and continuous learning resources to the ABFI network.
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Fellowship Coordination: Coordinate the research fellowship program, engaging and maintaining relationships with global experts in family business while facilitating cross-faculty research collaborations.
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Board & Strategic Support: Support ABFI Board strategic planning and contribute to advisory board committees to align long-term organizational goals with stakeholder needs.
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Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Event Management, or a related field; Master's degree is preferred.
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3-5 years of relevant work experience in relationship management, community engagement or business development.
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Proven track record of enrollment/sales success, including responding to inquiries, conducting discovery conversations, and achieving targets.
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Experience planning and executing large-scale events (200+ attendees).
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Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
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Familiarity with social media platforms, digital marketing strategies, and content creation.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
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Background working with executives, business owners, or high-net-worth individuals is preferred.
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Experience in academic, non-profit, or executive education environments is an asset.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter as ONE document.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $80,772 to $111,086.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
