Role Responsibilities

Manager, Business Operations & Special Cases
Reporting to the Director, Examination Administration, Provincial Assessment Sector, the Manager, Business Operations and Special Cases initiates and manages business process changes, engages in creative problem-solving, and is a key knowledge resource for system redevelopment projects.  As the work of Provincial Assessment changes and adapts over time, a significant part of this position is related to assessing potential options and extrapolating the implications of these options to achieve business solutions related to physical and virtual marking space, field testing, and special cases and accommodations.

A key challenge of this position is the ability to anticipate and manage change in an evolving work environment.  Balancing the maintenance of the existing systems, processes, and facilities with the planning and transition to modernized functions requires a high degree of agility.

Over the next few years, business activities supporting the provincial assessment programs will undergo considerable change, impacting the administration of provincial assessments, assessment marking processes, shipping and receiving activities, field testing, special cases and accommodations, etc.

As new systems and processes are implemented, this position is also responsible for managing communication, training, and start-up processes.  Within a systems thinking context, the Manager is able to anticipate needs and develop relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to evaluate potential solutions and communicate new processes.

Responsibilities :

• Collaborate with leadership to identify and implement improvements in marking, accommodations, and field testing processes, ensuring alignment with long-term planning.
• Provide strategic advice on digital assessment processes and assistive technologies, and lead implementation of new systems.
• Manage operational teams responsible for field testing logistics, shipping/receiving, and special accommodations, while building staff capacity to meet evolving needs.
• Support schools and stakeholders in transitioning to digital processes through effective communication strategies, training, and multimedia tools.
• Oversee the administration of provincial assessments, ensuring fairness, security, and adherence to quality control procedures.
• Act as a key contact for internal and external stakeholders, resolving inquiries and emerging issues related to exam administration.
• Lead staff development, contribute to operational planning and budgeting, and provide consultative support to leadership.
• Research digital technologies and assess their impact on policy and assessment practices.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Drive for Results: Leads and manages complex career education policy projects, engagements and operational needs with tight timelines. Identifies potential barriers to collaboration between branches and units of the sector and works to develop efficiencies in work and collaboration processes.
• Systems Thinking: The Manager helps design assessment administration tools and systems that align with Ministry, school authority, and school-level processes. This requires understanding varied systems and schedules to assess the feasibility and impact of proposed solutions for all stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving: This position requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of Assessment Sector standards and timelines. The Manager supports change management by developing and implementing processes that account for diverse branch needs, high work volumes, fixed deadlines, and strict security requirements.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Maintaining existing systems and processes while transitioning to new models will require the Manager to build a strong collaborative environment among multiple stakeholders. The Manager will liaise with senior management, division-office Assessment Contacts, and multiple stakeholder groups to identify solutions.
• Agility: Creative thinking and very good judgment are required by the Manager to define requirements, identify problems, assess implications, and propose solutions to issues that arise during the design, development, and implementation phases of new systems, processes, or facilities.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, etc.), plus a minimum of 4 years of related experience. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for on basis.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Demonstrated expertise in standardized large-scale assessment, including test design, development, scoring, reporting, and administration processes. Familiarity with related business rules and systems is essential for success in this role.

Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of education legislation, exam administration policies, and government business plans.
• Understanding of psychometric theory, test design, scoring, reporting, and administration processes.
• Awareness of emerging trends in assessment and information management technologies.
• Ability to identify and mitigate risks to test security, validity, and reliability.
• Basic understanding of information systems and their impact on exam processes.
• Familiarity with administrative structures across school authorities and the Ministry.
• Effective communication skills to clearly articulate and implement new processes.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience managing finances, materials, and human resources.
• Ability to plan, monitor, and evaluate operations affecting examinees and stakeholders.
  

Assets:

• Teaching certificate would be an asset.
• Experience with assistive technologies and digital exam delivery.
• Skills in stakeholder engagement and issue resolution.
• Capacity to lead cross-functional teams and support staff development.
• Proficiency in change management and performance measurement.
• Ability to build user commitment to system and process improvements.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday based out of Edmonton.

• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
• Parking is not provided for this position.
• Employee annual professional fees/dues are not covered for this position.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter that outlines in detail their experiences and how that experience relates specifically to the requirements for this position. Applications without an appropriate cover letter or appropriate resume will not be considered.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.