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Operations Coordinator, Applied Research

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

  • This position will remain open until filled; however the first review of applications will begin on February 5, 2024.
  • This position is contingent on conditional funding and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title Operations Coordinator, Applied Research
Position Summary
The Operations Coordinator, Applied Research assumes responsibility for coordination of the successful delivery of plans, projects, and initiatives within the Applied Research (AR) division. The Operations Coordinator, AR will coordinate the implementation of activities based on decisions at the Associate Vice President level, including planning, routing, scheduling, and providing strategic advice and support to the Operations Manager, AR and staff, students, and Subject Matter Experts in the division.

The Operations Coordinator contributes to strategic and operational planning, and actions a variety of operational projects in the functional areas of Team Building, Financial Management, and Projects related to Applied Research and Grant Management. The Operations Coordinator supports management activities, including building and completing operational procedures and processes, monitoring operational budgets, and acts as the connector for the Applied Research division. The Operations Coordinator ensures the business operations of the division function in a collaborative and highly efficient manner.
Position Responsibilities
Operations Coordination and Support 
  • Coordinates and implements the work of Applied Research, ensuring competing priorities are scheduled in advance and advise the Associate Vice President and Operations Manager to identify, articulate and act on priorities
  • Leads and coordinates the work of Applied Research, planning the logistics to facilitate the completion of the work associated with RDP’s cycles of budget planning, operational planning, annual reporting, etc.
  • Assesses workflows and establishes processes and procedures that will enhance the operations of Applied Research
  • Plans the logistics to facilitate development of strategic initiatives within Applied Research
  • Makes decisions within guidelines such as determining if an issue can be resolved by the Coordinator, or if it needs to be forwarded to the Operations Manager, or the Associate Vice President, or other member of the Applied Research Senior Administration team
  • Facilitates the work of Applied Research ensuring coordination and application of policies and procedures in all actions and tasks as assigned and prioritized


Human Resources Coordination 
  • Coordinates all areas of hiring and the employee lifecycle, in collaboration with the Operation Manager and Operations Coordinator(s)
  • Ensures personnel contracts are issued in accordance with various collective agreement requirements
  • Maintains confidentiality of personal information in accordance with Polytechnic policy, standard practices, and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
  • Coordinates and acts as a resource for performance enhancement processes as per RDP policy and practice
  • Coordinates job postings, in consultation with the Operations Manager, including, but not limited to creating, maintaining, and closing postings
  • Oversees the coordination of the exit procedures to ensure the appropriate collection and tracking of information
  • Coordinates and actions onboarding processes for new team members

Budget Monitoring and Coordination 
  • Monitors operating and personnel budgets for Applied Research and Grants as assigned
  • Coordinates the implementation of approved budgets including personnel, capital, operations, special projects & renovations, in collaboration with the Associate Vice President, Operations Manager, and service areas
  • Coordinates and monitors budget transactions, including monthly reconciliation of corporate credit cards, within scope of authority and resolves issues as they arise
  • Assembles information and data in order to analyze current budgets for year-end projections
  • Analyzes budget reports to ensure accuracy and to forecast future expenditures and/or savings and to identify and recommend potential operational changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of Applied Research and Grants as assigned
  • Solves budgetary and financial issues within scope of authority and communicates results to budget holder
  • Completes other budgetary tasks, such tracking and reporting expense details for events, projects, and grants, etc.

Project Management and Reporting 
  • Leads and supports strategic initiatives by providing project management expertise
  • Leads collaboration with other internal departments to complete key project initiatives, such as People and Culture, Finance, Marketing and Communications, Grant Management, and Schools (Faculty and Students)
  • Ensures assigned project milestones are met according to timelines, scope, and budget
  • Identifies issues and solutions while providing advice on project progression
  • Leads project teams as assigned and is responsible for project design and planning; implementation and completion; and project assessment
  • Mentors internal and external parties/partners regarding applicable RDP processes and practices, as required
  • Organizes meeting logistics such as scheduling, room booking, catering, etc
  • Proactively and independently conducts necessary research, liaising with internal and external contacts to gather necessary information in anticipation of each meeting
  • Creates and presents reports to meet internal and external timelines and requirement including narrative, financial, and other types of reporting
Required Qualifications
  • Four (4) year undergraduate degree, or three (3) year undergraduate degree plus one full additional year of university in a related program representing four years of study or equivalent in Business Administration or other related field
  • Minimum 3 years related experience 
  • Ability to use and interpret complex data to accurately advise and inform decision makers 
  • Strong analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and apply creative solutions to issues presented 
  • Able to advance multiple operational initiatives and decision points within established timeframes and budgets
  • Effective organizational, time management, and planning skills
  • Excellent oral, written, and technical skills
  • Proven ability to determine priorities, be self-directed, and work with minimal supervision
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge and awareness of the operation of a post-secondary institution is preferred
  • Project management experience is desired
Salary or Hourly? Salary
Salary $62,965 - $73,660 annually
Benefits and Compensation Information
An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits.
About Red Deer Polytechnic
Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 80 industry-relevant programs within a breadth of credentials to approximately 6,300 credit and apprenticeship students and 3,400+ learners with Extended Education programming. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation, the Polytechnic provides applied research opportunities, leadership in the social, economic, and cultural development of Alberta, and myriad lifelong learning opportunities.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community.
Posting Detail Information

Competition Number 2024-A-011
Employment Type Term-Certain Full-Time
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 02/19/2024
Position End Date (if term-certain) 12/31/2025
FTE 1.0
Hours of Work 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Open Date 02/02/2024
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Note to Applicant
To fulfill Red Deer Polytechnic’s mission to enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, people representing diverse perspectives and experiences are required. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, persons with any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact Peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
This position is conditionally funded and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.
Special Instructions to Applicants
  • This position will remain open until filled; however the first review of applications will begin on February 5, 2024.
  • This position is contingent on conditional funding and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
Optional Documents