Description

The Digital Futures Institute in the Office of VP Research invites applications for a Manager. This Full time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The University of Calgary is a comprehensive academic and research institution, with a mission to discover new knowledge and translate our discoveries into applications that provide benefits to our local, national and international communities. UCalgary is pursuing the Ahead of Tomorrow Strategic Plan. To achieve this goal, the University designed a Strategic Research Plan that identifies six research themes that will leverage our distinct capabilities while addressing the unmet needs and challenges of our society.

One of these societal challenges is the rapid development of our digital environment from foundational questions on digital problems and data to applied AI, responsible use and the ability to translate digital research into societal, policy and economic impact, is going to be of great importance. To address these challenges and to set our society up to meet the challenges of the future, the University of Calgary is developing the Digital Futures Institute. This Institute will tackle these challenges through disciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches. Working with our community partners (community, academia, government, and industry) and bringing in diverse perspectives and academic disciplines lies at the heart of the Institute.

This position reports to one of three Academic Co-Leads leading the development of the Digital Futures Institute. The Manager, Digital Futures Institute, plays a critical role in managing funds, data requests, and reporting,



as well as the day-to-day management of the Digital Futures Institute.

This position also provides key operational program support to ensure the success of collaborative research initiatives. The work involves a high degree of complexity and requires attention to detail while maintaining a strategic vision, the ability to meet constant deadlines, and the flexibility to work with multiple partners and deal with shifting demands while ensuring satisfactory outcomes for all. Tasks to be performed are highly varied and range from report writing and consultation to matters requiring complex problem solving and creative solutions. The volume of work is high, and overtime work may be required during peak periods.

The Manager, Digital Futures Institute, will work with a wide range of partner and strongly contributes to the success of the Digital Futures Institute and outcomes of the projects within. This position will support and foster collaborations across the University of Calgary and beyond. Additionally, this position will be the point of contact for community partners, including academia, government, industry, and community representatives.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Strategic Planning

- Supports the Academic Co-Leads in developing the vision and mission for the Digital Futures Institute,



and translates them into a strategy with clear metrics and expected outcomes.
- Prepares and presents status reports, correspondence, and other documentation.
- Provides timely and accurate information and updates and communicates progress to appropriate parties.
- Has the ability to anticipate potential objections and barriers, effectively communicate those potential challenges with the Academic Co-Leads, and present solutions and appropriate responses to those challenges.
- Establishes processes and procedures to ensure operational success of the Digital Futures Institute over the long term.

Relationship Building/Outreach

- Leads the coordination of events, workshops, and activities and establishes (transdisciplinary) collaborations on campus.
- Co-develops and maintains communication strategies and information programs to bring awareness to the Digital Futures Institute, engage diverse partners, and build membership.
- Works closely with the Academic Co-Leads for the Digital Futures Institute as well as other key partners on campus (Office of the Vice President Research, Faculties, other Institutes on campus, as well as Centres and other relevant units) to ensure that the Digital Futures Institute represents the UCalgary priorities and strengths.
- Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with partners. Partners will primarily be internal and may include external partners as well.
Supervision of staff

Administration / Policy

- Supports the Academic Co-Leads in managing the Digital Futures Institute funding in accordance with University Policies and Procedures and provides financial reporting upon request.
- Mai

📌 Manager, Digital Futures Institute (Calgary)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Calgary