Project Officer, TNE - University of Alberta, Edmonton

Role Overview

The University of Alberta, a leading institution in Edmonton, is seeking a dedicated Project Officer for Transnational Education (TNE). This pivotal administration role offers a unique opportunity to provide project leadership and operational oversight for the effective development and delivery of the university's global education initiatives. Working within a hybrid model primarily based at the North Campus in Edmonton, this position is crucial for driving the successful execution of high-priority, complex strategic projects that expand the University of Alberta's reach and impact.

Reporting to the Director, Relationship Enrolment and Programs, the Project Officer is accountable for assigned projects across all phases of their lifecycle. This includes establishing and maintaining structured project management frameworks, governance processes, documentation standards, and performance tracking mechanisms across the entire TNE portfolio. The role requires close partnership with Program Managers and the Director to advance strategic projects in priority markets, exercising independent judgment in managing timelines, monitoring risk, identifying performance gaps, and escalating issues that require strategic intervention. This position also identifies areas where existing University of Alberta policies, procedures, or systems may need adaptation to meet the demands of operating in a global environment, collaborating with the Director to create innovative solutions that benefit the wider community.

Key Duties

The Project Officer, TNE, will be instrumental in the strategic management and implementation of transnational education initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and maintenance of strategic project management tools, structure, and documentation to execute TNE initiatives across their lifecycle.
• Create and maintain complex project plans for approved TNE initiatives, including required steps, timelines, approvals, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain essential project documentation such as risk registry, financial projections (in coordination with Finance), and academic plans (in coordination with academic units).
• Proactively identify, assess, and document risks (academic, operational, financial, reputational), identify mitigation strategies, and escalate material risks requiring leadership intervention.
• Identify and develop student yield and engagement strategies for TNE programs, for example, communicating with applicants and admitted students in collaboration with the Registrar, enrolment management, and partner institutions.

Qualifications

To excel in this Project Officer role within the University of Alberta's dynamic environment, candidates should possess a strong foundation in project management and administration. Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in project management, administrative, or program implementation in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience communicating with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail and strong documentation skills.
• Ability to work non-standard business hours given requirements to meet with partners across international time-zones.
• Willingness for limited travel as may be required.

Preferred qualifications that would further enhance a candidate's suitability for this education-focused role include:

• Experience in higher education, international education, or continuing/online education environments.
• Expertise with project management tools, databases, and dashboard reporting.
• Designation as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and knowledge of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
• Experience working in student-facing processes such as admissions, enrolment, or student services.
• Experience working in intercultural, cross-functional or matrixed teams.

Perks and Benefits

The University of Alberta values its employees and offers a comprehensive package for this Project Officer, TNE position. The annual salary range for this role is $69,268 to $115,443, complemented by a robust benefits package. Employees are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

Joining the University of Alberta means becoming part of a vibrant community of knowledge seekers and change makers. The university is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace, fostering a culture of belonging and respect where all colleagues feel valued and safe. Your work will contribute meaningfully to a diverse cross-section of people, from students and community members to renowned researchers, making a real impact on the world.