Project Manager

Job Summary

The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam people). With a mandate to support access to residential school records for Survivors, their families and communities, IRSHDC prioritizes respectful, Indigenous-led and trauma-informed research, information practice and education. It facilitates critical dialogue about the Indian Residential School system, seeking to engage the UBC community and the broader public on the origins, effects and ongoing legacy of the schools.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the initiation, planning, and execution of key projects linked to IRSHDC strategic initiatives and programs. Moreover, the role will support the IRSHDC team to apply project management methodologies to all projects across multiple functions and will monitor their planning and execution.

Organizational Status
The Project Manager reports to the Executive Director, under strategic direction of the Academic Director. They work closely with staff and project teams across all functional areas of the IRSHDC, as well as with UBC stakeholders (Building Operations, UBC IT, Campus and Community Planning, etc.) and external contractors or suppliers.

Work Performed

• Manage and oversee various projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all project partners and collaborators.

• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, and track progress against these plans throughout the project lifecycle.

• Facilitate communication and collaboration between project teams, partners, stakeholders, and management to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Conduct regular project status meetings and prepare progress reports for management and stakeholders.

• Identify and manage project risks and issues, and develop and implement mitigation strategies as needed.

• Identify and manage project quality and performance metrics and implement mitigation strategies as needed.

• Ensure project documentation is complete, accurate, and up-to-date, including project plans, status reports, and meeting minutes.

• Monitor and manage project expenses, including budget tracking, invoicing, and forecasting.

• Mentor and train team members in project management best practices and methodologies.

• Collaborate with IRSHDC team members to initiate projects using project management methodologies and guide them through their project lifecycle. Provide templates and organizational assets as needed.

• Ensure compliance with UBC policies and procedures, including quality assurance and data security.

• Ensure projects maintain strategic alignment with organizational goals and values.

• Manage financial activities and resources for all projects. Works closely with the Administrator to arrange physical and financial resources.

• Participates in annual and multi-year budgeting activities to ensure project plans are represented.

• Manages all procedural and administrative aspects of projects.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position requires a high level of judgment, tact, discretion and initiative. Errors in judgment with the internal or external stakeholders could have negative impact on the IRSHDC and the University, resulting in legal suits, poor public relations, financial costs or loss of credibility. Work must often meet tight deadlines and requires the incumbent to perform well under pressure. The incumbent is expected to respond well to unexpected circumstances and exercise good independent judgment. Must demonstrate exceptional public relations and interpersonal skills in dealing with the high-profile members of Indigenous community, the university, staff and faculty, senior administrators and members of the government. Inappropriate or errant communication of sensitive issues could have a serious impact and have legal implications.

Supervision Received
Works autonomously under the direction of the Executive Director. Receives strategic leadership from the Academic Director. Work is reviewed in terms of sound management practice and achievement of specific objectives.

Supervision Given
Manages project assistants/coordinators and student staff. Oversees project teams and provides management and direction for their work.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Education, training, and accreditation in project management is preferred. PMP certification is an asset.

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, theories, methodologies, and practices of project management.

• Proven record of accomplishment of successfully managing complex projects, including experience with project planning, budgeting, and risk management.

• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

• High level of problem solving skills.

• Ability to lead project teams and solve conflicts.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams.

• Familiarity with both traditional and agile forms of project management.

• Ability to skillfully negotiate, bargain, compromise and resolve issues.

• Excellent time management skills.

• Proficiency in project management software, tools, and the Microsoft suite of programs.

• Experience engaging with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and communities, demonstrated Indigenous cultural competency including knowledge of Indian Residential School system, and prior work with cultural centers or museums, is preferred.