Associate Director IT Engagement Services

Organizational Overview

General

Purpose-built for the 21st century, the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus (UBC-O) opened in Kelowna in 2005. UBC is one of North America’s largest public research and teaching institutions, and one of only two Canadian institutions consistently ranked among the world’s 40 best universities.

The Okanagan campus is an intimate learning community embracing bold new ways of thinking that attract exceptional students and faculty. More than 8,300 students from throughout the Okanagan region, across Canada and 90 other countries are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in eight faculties and schools. Here, students interact with one another and their professors on a daily basis, while becoming global citizens through interaction with their community and the world.

With $14.5 million in annual research funding, and more than 700 research projects underway, the Okanagan campus is earning a reputation as an important, respected centre of learning and research, enhancing knowledge creation and innovation in our region and internationally.

As the second largest university in Canada, UBC attracts, nurtures and proactively transforms more than 58,000 students from 140 countries on two major campuses. With over 5,000 faculty, 10,000 staff, 300,000 alumni, UBC has an operating budget of $2 billion and research income approaching $600 million.

UBC’s reputation for research and discovery is strong across the arts, sciences, medicine, law, business and other subject areas. Amongst current or former faculty and alumni, the University is privileged to name seven Nobel Laureates, two Canadian Prime Ministers, 11 3M National Teaching Fellows, 65 Olympic medalists, 69 Rhodes Scholars and 180 members of the Royal Society of Canada.    

As a public institution, UBC is committed to acting in the public interest and promoting accountability and transparency at all times. UBC values equity, diversity and inclusion and promote respectful community engagement that is about mutual enrichment and learning.

Values

• Academic Freedom
• Advancing and Sharing Knowledge
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Mutual Respect and Equity
• Public Interest

Vision

UBC’s vision and values adhere to the principles of an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia. Within this framework, UBC Okanagan aspires to be a model of innovative and interdisciplinary programming, and a place that has an impact on communities both local and global.

Position Description: 

Associate Director IT Engagement Services

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, OKANAGAN CAMPUS

Position Responsibilities

The Associate Director provides strategic leadership, vision and technical domain expertise to UBC senior leaders for the development, implementation and support of integrated business solutions and long term plans.

Engagement Services oversees the central management of several portfolios that enable UBC IT Okanagan to meet organizational goals and objectives through efficient decision making on, projects, programs and operations which provide vital technological services. This position works closely with senior leaders within the Office of the CIO and UBC IT to integrate, align and execute delivery of a common architecture, services and roadmap, enabling the accomplishment of UBC’s Strategic Plan. The position represents and incorporates the local requirements of the Okanagan Campus into the overall client engagement service. This position also establishes strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the Web Services, Audio Visual Services and UBCO Studios teams and is a part of the Okanagan Finance and Operations leadership team.

The Associate Director builds and maintains relationships with faculties and administrative units, serves on integral committees and task forces, and engages with regional, provincial and national groups and support providers such as BCNet, WestGrid and ComputeCanada, participating and leading efforts to work together to create wider support communities.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The Associate Director oversees UBCO Studios, Audio Visual Services, Web Services, Engagement Services as well as the internal business analysts, project managers and administrative staff for the IT group at the UBC Okanagan Campus while aligning with the Office of the CIO and UBC IT to achieve the overarching strategic goals of UBC overall. This includes the integration of Administrative, Instructional and Research requirements as well as coordination on all levels with the UBC Vancouver campus.

The Associate Director reports to the Associate Vice President, Finance and Operations, Okanagan and the Deputy Chief Information Officer of UBC. This position directly supervises several M&P professionals. The Associate Director requires extensive contact with Directors, Senior Managers, staff, and stakeholders, including members of the UBC community and members of the public, vendors and clients. This position provides a single point of contact for all IT Engagement Services at the UBC Okanagan campus. This position locally works closely with the Associate Director, IT Service Delivery to ensure agreed upon service expectations are met.

KEY DUTIES

• Overall accountability and representation for products and services within Engagement Services portfolio at UBC Okanagan.
• Oversees the development of technology roadmaps encompassing evolving needs of the Okanagan campus and ensures these needs are represented in institutional IT roadmaps.
• Provides strategic leadership, vision and technical expertise to Administrative and Academic leadership within UBC Okanagan by translating the information technology vision and strategic direction into specific strategies, tactical plans and initiatives.
• Jointly responsible with colleagues in UBC Vancouver for the integration and alignment of IT services where appropriate between both campuses, ensuring that UBC Okanagan’s needs are identified and accommodated where possible.
• Leads and guides the development of function specific strategies and initiatives that are aligned with the department and the University's strategic goals and long term plans.
• Provides technical expertise and oversees the expansion of innovative business solutions, programs and services.
• Creates and fosters strategic partnerships and influential relationships with senior leaders within UBC IT and the IT broader community.

(See full position posting for a complete set of duties)

QUALIFICATIONS

Post-graduate degree Minimum of 10 years of experience with 4 years specialized experience in the design and implementation of major client facing technologies and 5 years managerial experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of classroom and media technologies, web technologies, client services operation, project management and business analysis in a complex environment. Strong creative thinking, problem solving, planning, time-management and organization skills to balance and prioritize work in consultation with key stakeholders. Exceptional communication skills (facilitation, listening, verbal, written, presentation, negotiation). Ability to manage heterogeneous system platforms and environments with a tendency towards standardization and simplification. Ability to comprehend the functions and capabilities of new technologies quickly.

• Expert communicator
• Strategic Problem Solving
• Teacher and Teambuilder
• Empowering Others
• Strategic Technology Planning
• Accountability