Senior Lead, Student Success&Academic Operations, Dean's …, Calgary

The Dean's Office– SAPL within the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape is currently seeking a Full‑time Regular Senior Lead, Student Success&Academic Operations. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for academic program administration within SAPL. The incumbent ensures high‑quality outcomes that enable the School to meet its enrolment, progression, and graduation objectives within established timelines and resource parameters.Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership (45%)

Provide oversight of SAPL's advising and academic administration team, including participation in recruitment, performance mentorship, workload allocation and staff development opportunities. Responsible for timetabling&course scheduling (UG&Graduate). Establish team structure, role clarity, service standards, and performance expectations; ensure accountability for results and continuous improvement. Lead and coordinate academic program operations across downtown and main campus sites, ensuring consistent, high‑quality service delivery and operational efficiency.Develop and implement strategic and operational plans in collaboration with the Dean and Associate Deans, aligning unit objectives with Faculty and University priorities. Adapt departmental plans and priorities in response to enrollment trends, resource constraints, policy changes, and operational risks.Manage complex, sensitive, and high‑impact issues with diplomacy and sound judgment, mitigating institutional and reputational risk. Oversee compliance with records management, POPA, and related University policies within academic program operations. Academic Program Administration and Strategic Development (20%)

Lead planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic program administration, including admissions coordination, sessional hiring processes, and academic calendar submissions. Provide strategic oversight of curriculum documentation, program reviews, and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with Associate Deans and program leadership to support new program development and regulatory revisions.Monitor and analyze enrollment, retention, and student success data to inform evidence‑based decision‑making and operational planning. Serve on Faculty and University committees (e.g., curriculum and calendar committees), representing SAPL's academic and operational interests. Student Experience, Advising Oversight, and Enrollment Strategy (15%)

Provide strategic oversight of advising systems and student support frameworks to ensure accurate, policy‑compliant, and student‑centered guidance. Serve as senior resource for complex student cases, academic review processes, appeals, and Academic Turnaround Program administration. Guide communications related to academic regulations, progression requirements, and student success initiatives.Support strategic enrollment management, recruitment, orientation, and retention initiatives in alignment with Faculty objectives. Advocate for equitable student access to services and supports across campuses. Systems Leadership and Institutional Integration (10%)

Provide functional leadership and subject matter expertise in PeopleSoft Student Administration, Academic Requirements, and Enterprise Reporting. Oversee system configuration requests, testing, reporting, security access management, and process optimization in collaboration with IT and central partners.Ensure alignment between academic regulations (including Academic Calendar content) and enterprise system functionality. Lead integration of downtown campus operations with central campus systems and service models to ensure consistency and compliance. Cross‑Campus Collaboration, Training, and Reporting (5%)

Serve as SAPL's primary liaison with central service units (e.g., Enrolment Services, Student Success Centre, Student Accessibility Services) to resolve operational issues and enhance student access. Develop and deliver training for staff and faculty related to academic policies, systems, and procedures.Prepare reports and briefing materials for leadership on operational performance, student success indicators, and strategic initiatives. Represent SAPL in cross‑faculty and university‑wide initiatives related to academic administration and student experience. Resource Accountability (5%)

Ensure responsible allocation of staffing and operational resources to meet service standards and strategic objectives. The position is accountable for the performance, service quality, compliance, and operational effectiveness of SAPL's academic program administration and advising functions, impacting student progression and graduation outcomes, regulatory compliance, institutional reputation, and service delivery across multiple campuses.Qualifications / Requirements

Education and Experience

Post‑secondary degree required; graduate degree preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Minimum four years of progressively responsible experience in a large, complex organization, preferably within a university setting, including senior‑level responsibility for academic program administration or student services.Minimum four years of people leadership experience with direct supervision of support staff and accountability for operational performance and results. Demonstrated experience overseeing complex academic operations and the full student lifecycle (admission through convocation). Institutional Knowledge and Systems Expertise

In‑depth knowledge of University governance, academic regulations, policies, and strategic direction. Extensive experience with enterprise student systems, including PeopleSoft (Student Administration), reporting tools, academic requirements systems, learning management systems, and Microsoft Office applications.Demonstrated ability to interpret policy, ensure regulatory compliance, maintain data integrity, and optimize academic administrative processes. Leadership and Management Competencies

Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams, including staff relations within unionized environments. Experience influencing cross‑functional stakeholders and guiding work beyond direct reporting lines. Strong project management skills, including strategic planning, prioritization, and resource allocation.Experience managing external partners and service providers. Strategic and Operational Capabilities

Demonstrated ability to establish objectives, assess outcomes, and implement operational plans that advance academic program goals. Proven judgment and discretion in resolving complex organizational, administrative, and financial matters. Skillful negotiation, diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement within a high‑volume, deadline‑driven environment.Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills, including the preparation of reports and strategic documents. As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. The University of Calgary is committed to the Indigenous Strategy, supporting culturally competent engagement and partnership with Indigenous peoples and The Circle of Advisors.

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