Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose - the essence of SFU - is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

In the School of Medicine, we are committed to shaping the future of healthcare through innovative education, groundbreaking research, and community engagement. As we embark on this journey to redefine medical education, we are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission.

We envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care, community-level settings and patient-centred environments. Our curriculum considers social, environmental and prevention contexts while seeking to advance reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices. As we establish the School of Medicine in Surrey, B.C., we will foster our growing relationships with the local community, Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, physicians and Indigenous partners who will help us meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve. We seek to improve access to primary care throughout the province while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented toward measurable and socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role

The Strategic Initiatives Specialist coordinates the planning and delivery of cross-School strategic initiatives that support the school's five-year Academic/Strategic Plan. Working closely with the Dean's Office, portfolio leaders, the Indigenous Health Stewardship team, and key stakeholders, the role ensures initiatives are aligned, well-coordinated, and delivered effectively. The Specialist supports leadership through project tracking, risk management, and implementation reporting while developing tools and processes that strengthen execution. Key priorities include advancing strategic initiatives, enhancing implementation and reporting practices, supporting operational readiness, and fostering collaboration across the school while embedding Indigenous perspectives and reconciliation commitments throughout the work.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, and highly organized professional with strong project coordination and stakeholder engagement skills. They excel at managing multiple priorities, identifying risks, and driving initiatives to successful completion. They are an effective communicator with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and can build productive relationships across diverse teams. The successful candidate demonstrates sound judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and supporting the school's strategic priorities.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Administration, Project Management, or a related discipline, and five years of related experience in strategic initiative coordination, project implementation, operational planning, stakeholder engagement, change support, communications or risk management or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Experience supporting strategic initiatives, project coordination, and implementation planning in a complex, cross-functional environment.
• Strong knowledge of project management practices, including work planning, milestone tracking, risk management, and progress reporting.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to manage competing priorities and deliver results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools and project tracking/reporting platforms to support effective planning, collaboration, and decision-making.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.

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