Project Manager - ACFD GAP Training Program

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement , this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page  and annual salary range of $87,013 - $119,644. This position has an end date of December 31, 2027.

Location - North Campus Edmonton. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in person.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for The School of Dentistry

The School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is developing a new pilot GAP training program to enhance the integration of skilled newcomers into the Canadian labour market. Working with the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD), the GAP training program aims to improve the integration of Internationally Trained Dentists (ITDs) for practice in Canada. The project is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The Project Manager, GAP training program will provide project management and operational support for the development of the education program and pilot implementation at three-sites across Canada. The Project Manager will work and collaborate with Program Leadership, ACFD leadership across Canada, lead a team of staff to develop the training program, and support the reporting requirements of the program.

The project's specific objectives are to:

• Improve awareness among ITDs of foreign credential recognition processes.
• Create a new pathway to reduce barriers for ITDs to practice in Canada.
• Provide ITDs with Canadian experience in their intended field of work.
• Offer tailored foreign credential guidance and wrap-around services to skilled newcomers.
• Streamline regulatory processes for ITD credential recognition.
• Facilitate the certification process for ITDs wishing to practice dentistry in Canada while ensuring the standards of dental care in the country.

Position 

The Project Manager for the ACFD Gap Training Program plays a crucial role in overseeing the development and pilot implementation of an eight month training program over the next four years. With a focus on navigating regulatory bodies requirements, reporting requirements, and fostering collaboration with ACFD, the Project Manager serves as the primary contact for the Gap Training Program. Working closely with the Project Steering Committee, training providers, and various stakeholders, the Manager ensures that the project aligns with intended outcomes.

The position will oversee working groups to formulate admission guidelines, gap assessments, and training modules development. Additionally, the Manager is responsible for developing system, strategies, and tools for monitoring program and participant progress. The role extends to leading the pilot program development in three different sites across Canada, drafting timelines, and organizing meetings with program stakeholders and training sites.

The Manager will also manage a team of employees for the ACFD Gap Training Program. In terms of policy and regulations, the Manager will support for successful pilot program approval through various bodies, documenting requirements between regulatory bodies, examining boards, institutions, ACFD and Canada.

The Manager will establish and monitor project evaluation with adherence to results-based management practices. The financial management responsibilities encompass overseeing project-related reporting, maintaining project accounts and budgets, and ensuring compliance with financial reporting requirements. The Manager will prepare quarterly progress reports, accounting for all project expenditures, while reporting on risks encountered and anticipated in the future. 

Ultimately, this multifaceted role requires strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to successfully guide the implementation of the ACFD Gap Training Program.

Duties 

The Project Manager will manage the Project over the four-year period. The PM will manage all relationships and will liaise between the funder (ACFD), all trainees, the Pilot institutions, the Universities, and participating professors in Canada. 

The Project Manager is responsible for:

• overall project success, including assessing risks and issues and deciding how best to proceed.
• the supervision of project staff and overseeing the administrative support of the program.
• provide all reporting requirements of the project to various stakeholders.
• providing leadership and direction to project team members, and potential part-time staff that are contributing to the project.
• the supervision of up to 8 casual employees.

The Project Manager will work with others to:

• Establish admission guidelines, and placement/admission processes, and organize participant recruitment. 
• Create a participant feedback system to monitor immediate and intermediate outcomes.
• Create an implementation strategy.
• Develop a process and tools to monitor participant progress.
• Prepare and implements annual work plans.
• Develop tools for follow up and measurement as part of the participant feedback system Using independent judgment. researches, develops, prepares or edits proposals, summary reports, and presentation materials, ensuring clear, comprehensive, accurate and timely documents.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree
• Advanced knowledge of and experience in national/international dental education systems and national funding agencies (3-5 years)
• Demonstrated experience managing a large project
• Ability and willingness to function in a dynamic and creative team environment
• Ability to work under pressure, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge and experience in cross-cultural communications and event planning
• Ability to function effectively in a cross-cultural setting
• Superior public speaking and presentation skills 
• Solid command of written and spoken English
• Superior project and time management skills
• Computer competency, including fluency with word-processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, databases and the Internet
• Appreciation for importance of accuracy, timeliness, quality, and confidentiality of information
• Ability to make decisions based on previous experience, established precedents, and official policies; working under minimal supervision
• General knowledge and understanding of curriculum design
• Knowledge and experience in academic writing and report writing

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.