Managing Director – Canada Wildfire

Canada Wildfire (The Canadian Partnership of Wildland Fire Science) is a network that addresses priority research needs in partnership with academia, government, industry and not-for-profit decision-makers. The vision of this unique network is to provide international leadership in wildland fire science, shaping wildfire management in Canada and around the world. https://www.canadawildfire.org/

Positioned at the University of Alberta, the Managing Director provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of Canada Wildfire, financial oversight, and contributes to the development and maintenance of crucial partnerships.

Canada Wildfire Management

• Provides leadership within the scope of Canada Wildfire’s Strategic Plan to ensure efficient and effective operations and knowledge translation and mobilization programs
• In consultation with the Scientific Director, responsible for the production of the Canada Wildfire Annual Work Plan
• Drafts policies and prepares procedures to implement said policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommends changes as appropriate
• Responsible for the financial management for Canada Wildfire core operating funds
• Accountable for fiscal management including budget development and expenditures of Canada Wildfire
• Develops funding applications to provincial, national and international organizations for core operational funds
• Develops collaborative relationships with appropriate service providers
• Responsible for the production of the Canada Wildfire Annual Report with support from the Program Coordinator (Administration) and the Knowledge Translation & Mobilization Specialist
• Develops archival and administrative practices for Canada Wildfire; ensuring that files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
• Determines staffing requirements in association with Canada Wildfire Management Team and Director as well as provides direct supervision to the Program Coordinator and Knowledge Translation & Mobilization Specialist

Research Management

• Responsible for the financial management for Canada Wildfire distributed research funds
• Will serve as the Program Manager for the NSERC/Canada Wildfire Strategic Network if awarded
• Develops funding applications to provincial, national and international organizations for distributed research funds and ensures the successful completion of deliverables as laid out in contract agreements through effective management of the reporting process
• Maintains and updates records on publications, presentations, research partnerships, and other intellectual outputs and contributes to annual reports

Support for Canada Wildfire Partnerships

• Contributes to the strategic planning process for the short and long-term success of Canada Wildfire and associated research projects
• Works with government, industry, non-government organizations and the academic community to understand the needs of natural resource managers from a range of sectors including the forest industry, wildfire management, agriculture industry, energy industry, and protected area managers
• Fosters and maintains an ongoing relationship with the University of Alberta and external project collaborators and other stakeholders
• Oversees the planning and development of national and international meetings
• Represents the organization in a professional manner with external stakeholder organizations as well as participants

Qualifications

• A Masters of Science degree with a background in forestry, wildfire science or a related field is required
• Minimum of five years of experience in program management is required
• Demonstrated experience with stakeholder engagement
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English
• Knowledge of Canadian wildfire management, including policy, operations, prevention, and research is an asset
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and computing skills
• Five years of experience in research, research administration, sales/marketing, public relations, relationship management or related area is preferred
• Flexible, professional and willing to take initiative
• Knowledge of University of Alberta research and financial processes is considered an asset

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Agreement, this position has an initial appointment of five (5) years, with the possibility of extension, and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and a salary range of $74,084 to $92,620 per annum. Salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.