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 one year plus one day from the date of hire.
Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.
Are you a forward-thinking strategist with a passion for optimizing space and facilities within a dynamic educational institution? We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Strategic Infrastructure Planner to join our team at the University of Alberta. In this role, you will play a key part in developing long-range capital plans, master planning initiatives, and creative domino-plan scenarios that directly align our physical assets with the university's strategic mission.
Reporting to the Head, Strategic Infrastructure Planning, this position is part of the Infrastructure Planning, Development & Partnerships/Strategic Infrastructure Planning & Partnerships unit. If you are a collaborative strategic planner with a track record of driving innovation in space utilization and evidence-based modeling, we invite you to apply. Join us for this exciting opportunity to help shape our campus infrastructure and support the university's core mission of teaching, research, and student success.
The Office of the Vice-President, University Services, Operations and Finance provides the operational foundation that supports the University of Alberta’s academic and research mission. This role leads the delivery of integrated services that foster a thriving, high-performing university environment.
The Vice-President oversees the development and management of campus infrastructure, secure and sustainable IT systems, strategic human resources, financial stewardship and procurement services. The portfolio emphasizes service excellence, operational efficiency and continuous improvement to meet institutional goals.
Key departments reporting to this portfolio include Campus Services; Finance, Planning and Procurement; Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment; Information Services and Technology; Infrastructure Planning, Development and Partnerships; Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management; Shared Services; Strategic Transformation and Delivery; and Utilities and Operations.
- Collaborate with team members to develop strategic infrastructure plans, including the Capital Plan and Long Range Development Plan and University Master Plans.
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Create domino plan scenarios for optimal use of buildings and physical assets in alignment with the university's strategic goals.
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Assist in feasibility studies, business cases, and phasing plans for both existing and new facilities and land projects.
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Develop, prioritize, and operationalize plans in alignment with the university's strategic direction and organizational priorities.
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Manage the workflow of long-range planning activities, ensuring flexibility and effectiveness in land use, academic planning, and capital project needs.
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Support various university offices and departments in integrating strategic documents into planning processes, including the Capital Plan, Campus Plan, Long Range Development Plan, and maintenance renewal planning.
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Proactively engage with peer experts within the Department of Integrated Planning, Development and Partnerships, and other campus partners to provide insights for key planning initiatives, space policies, and procedures.
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Implement the updated Space Management Policy, and related Space Standards, Space Management Overview manual and Utilization Guidelines for all 18 categories of space, totaling 1.5 million square meters.
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Continuously assess and enhance space utilization, functionality, quality, and access to amenities.
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Contribute to operational and budgetary planning for common or shared spaces, including guideline and policy development.
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Contribute to and lead visioning and planning for key initiatives, working with consulting resources and stakeholders.
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Utilize space data and evidence-based modeling to determine best-use scenarios for asset planning.
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Implement and analyze space performance benchmarks, and adopt industry best practices across Canada and North America.
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Update space metrics and factors aligned with strategic goals and adaptable to various circumstances and user needs.
Education & Certifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Interior Design, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
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Professional accreditation in Urban Planning or Interior Design is considered an asset.
Experience & Technical Expertise
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Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in strategic space/facility planning, long-range master planning, and space policy development.
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Proven ability to draft space policies, standards, and guidelines, ideally within a post-secondary institutional framework.
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Demonstrated experience incorporating smart growth and sustainable development principles into large-scale planning initiatives.
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Experience hiring, directing, and overseeing external consultants and vendors.
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Proficient in writing strategic master planning proposals and utilizing strong analytical skills to define clear decision-making criteria.
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Ability to effectively visualize and translate complex planning recommendations through various media formats.
Leadership & Soft Skills
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Exceptional leadership skills with a proven track record of facilitating visioning sessions, stakeholder engagements, and high-stakes meetings.
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Masterful written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create and deliver high-quality presentations to diverse audiences.
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Strong negotiation, consensus-building, and conflict-resolution capabilities.
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A proactive, solution-focused, and courageous professional who is forward-thinking, curious, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter as one document.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and an annual salary range of $71,856 to $119,681.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule G of the collective agreement between the University and the Association of 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.
