Strategic Business Advisor, Facilities

As a Facilities Strategic Business Advisor (SBA), we partner with colleges and units across campus to support strategic facilities initiatives focused on the University Plan to 2025 in being the university the world needs (nīkānītān manācihitowinihk; ni manachīhitoonaan).

Nature of Work

Our Facilities SBA team is part of the Administration portfolio, including Facilities, and Planning, Design and Construction, which includes Campus Planning and Real Estate, and Capital Projects.  

The Facilities SBAs are assigned to support specific colleges and units to implement broader facilities, spaces, and places initiatives. Reporting to the Manager, Facilities Advisory Services, and under the direction of the Chief Operations and Finance Officer in the College of Arts and Science (and other senior leadership as required), the Facilities SBA provides effective integrated facilities strategies and leads initiatives that support the unique objectives and operational requirements of the assigned portfolio(s).

Relationships are at the heart of what we do and it is critical that we are comfortable and effective in working across multiple, diverse and at times, challenging stakeholder groups. From academics to administration, research to operations, we work with all groups in identifying, planning, and implementing facilities best practices to advance the mission of the university.

Primary responsibilities of the Facilities SBA role include influencing and implementing effective integrated facilities strategies and initiatives that support the unique academic and research objectives and operational requirements of the college/unit. The SBA assists leadership teams with various facilities, space, and project activities while maintaining a strong connection to Central Services and other SBAs on campus. The SBA supports the delivery of unit activities and processes while contributing to the strategic and operational planning and development of facilities services across the University.

The SBA addresses complex facilities matters, offering exceptional client service, often during periods of change, high work volumes, and stringent deadlines. The SBA facilitates and is responsible for ensuring the effective management and execution of facility strategies, frameworks, policies and procedures, and space auditing. In supporting various central services, the SBA exercises discretion and judgment in maintaining confidential information, and applies sound practices with a consistent, proactive and collaborative approach. 

Accountabilities

College/Unit Support

• We participate in strategic thinking and planning about how to best use resources at the unit level;
• We support college/unit leaders by providing advice, support, strategic guidance, and creative solutions on facilities, spaces, and places, including changes to operational requirements and impacts, service standards and/or levels, and associated processes;
• We provide innovative facilities guidance and operate in accordance with applicable legislative requirements and operational standards, as well as institutional, college/unit strategies, policies, procedures and values;
• We make recommendations on space changes and support space audits;
• We build and maintain positive relationships with the unit/college, and act as the liaison between the college/unit and Services Centres of Excellence (Facilities, Planning, Design and Construction, etc.)

Functional Expertise & Collaboration

• We establish and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of constituents across campus, including college and support centre staff, central office colleagues, and service centre partners to ensure success in meeting the college’s, unit’s, and university’s strategic and operational goals;
• We contribute to the development of the Facilities portfolio through leading and/or participating in projects to advance the tools and supports delivered by Facilities to colleges and units across campus;
• We work collaboratively with specialist groups in our Services Centre of Excellence: Facilities, and Planning, Design and Construction, to help achieve facilities and space strategies as well as integrated strategic outcomes institutionally and across the different colleges and units;
• We provide and implement solutions that will improve facilities and space procedures and processes within the portfolios we support;
• We monitor progress on approved projects and initiatives, ensuring the services provided by service centre partners (i.e. Facilities, and Planning, Design and Construction) are timely, accurate and effective;
• We present and convey accurate information and data to ensure financially viable and sustainable decision-making and problem-solving;
• We contribute to building a culture of exemplary client services across the university, colleges, and units;
• We ensure that college/unit space utilization is aligned with the university’s space framework, assisting in space utilization analysis, and advising the college/unit on institutional strategies, requirements, and policies;
• We foster collaborative relationships with other Strategic Business Advisors in the Administration portfolio to ensure consistent and collaborative service across the portfolio;
• We coordinate and liaise with other key university stakeholders and services to provide optimal building operations and strategic support.

Qualifications

• A relevant university degree, along with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a complex and dynamic multi-purpose facilities or industrial operation setting;
• Specific training and demonstrated experience related to building operations, property management, project management, and facility maintenance would be considered a strong asset;
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is preferred;
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of issues (including cultural, socio-economic and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the university;
• The ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance to operational decisions unique to a college or unit;
• Excellent facilitation, conflict resolution, analytical, problem solving, and communication skills to provide strategic supports and guidance across portfolios and functional areas of facilities;
• The ability to work collaboratively, build relationships with internal and external partners, and manage multiple demands to meet deadlines;
• Experience working within a multi-reporting organizational structure is an asset;
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and a high level of attention to detail are required.

This position is in scope of ASPA.

Department: SBA Facilities
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 4/4/2024
Closing Date: 4/18/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable