USask Health Sciences are creating a new standard for interprofessional education, research, and practice at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Our campus fosters collaboration between students, faculty, and researchers across the health disciplines and will help us to educate health professionals using a team-centered approach.  We are recruiting for the Director, Academic Health Sciences and are looking for a proven leader to join our dynamic team.

Primary Purpose: Taking direction from the Joint Governance Council of the Academic Health Sciences (JGCAHS), the Academic Health Sciences Director provides leadership to the staff of the Health Sciences Complex. The AHS Director provides effective support to the JGCAHS, contributing to and implementing strategic directions and priorities set out by the JGCAHS

Nature of Work: The Academic Health Sciences is a support centre within the portfolio of the Provost and Vice-President Academic. Planning, strategy, and decision-making regarding the Academic Health Sciences are set out by the JGCAHS, following the terms of reference for the Council. The position of director serves as a key support for the effective functioning of the JGCAHS and the director holds primary responsibility for implementing decisions, directives, and priorities set out by the JGCAHS. This position has an organizational reporting line to the Provost and Vice-President Academic (or designate).  

This position requires a high level of discretionary decision-making and professional judgement. The incumbent will manage multiple projects with competing timelines in a fast-paced, complex environment where the impact of error is significant.  Priorities may vary depending on the sensitivity and urgency of assignments. This position routinely works with highly confidential and sensitive information.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

· Operationalize the decisions of the JGCAHS 

· Provide management and support for the Academic Health Sciences staff who currently include: the Director of Operations, the Associate Director of Interprofessional Education and Programing, the Director of Clinical Learning and support staff of the Academic Health Sciences Complex 

· Draft policies, procedures, and guidelines for consideration and/or approval of the JCGAHS 

· Prepare budgets and financial statements (with support of Finance SBA) for approval by the JCGAHS, that are then transmitted to the Provost and Vice-President Academic for final consideration and approval as part of the resource allocation process   

· Identify, manage, delegate, and/or address issues and challenges for which the JGCAHS need to be aware, making recommendations for consideration and approval 

· Support and facilitate the integration of planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness functions through collaborative activities and initiatives with other members of the Health Sciences and USask and by providing input and feedback on select projects, as directed by the JGCAHS.   

· Compile, analyze, and coordinate information to present to the JGCAHS and recommend options to inform decisions by the JGCAHS, ensuring consistent, holistic and comprehensive summaries of data and information to allow for informed decision making in all areas 

· Complete concurrent projects in a timely manner within established deadlines.  

· Support the development of appropriate processes and methodologies for evaluation of progress toward priorities, ensuring alignment of budget and reports with information requirements for decision-making and resource allocation by the JGCAHS 

· Incorporate change management principles into project management and implementation by understanding the impact of change in the workplace and applying effective change management strategies 

· Collaborate closely, including regular meetings, with the Provost and Vice-President Academic portfolio and the Office of the Vice-President Research  

· Oversee the provision of administrative support for the JGCAHS 

· Other duties as assigned 

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

Experience: 5-8 years related experience in progressively responsible roles within a public, post-secondary, or similarly complex organization.   Experience in strategic planning or business planning and knowledge of institutional governance and the health sciences would be considered assets.

Skills: Relationship building; Communication; Transparency; Engagement; Experience with leadership from a council of individuals: Discretionary decision-making ability; Superior time management skills to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines; Demonstrated strong leadership, diplomacy, organizational, analytical and consensus-building skills are required; Highly organized with polished presentation, written, and interpersonal skills.  Ability to collect, interpret, and present large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic decision-making processes; Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of change management; Ability to work independently, collaboratively and within a team environment; Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills; proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically, exercise diplomacy, creativity, and self-motivation; Familiarity with current and best practices in higher education resources allocation, planning, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.