Operations and Special Projects Manager

About the role

The Operations and Special Projects Manager provides senior‑level leadership for the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at UBC. The role oversees day‑to‑day operations, financial management and policy development while directing multiple grant‑funded research and community projects. It requires ongoing, culturally‑sensitive engagement with Survivors, Indigenous communities and external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate large‑scale, grant‑funded research and special projects, developing project plans, budgets, timelines and risk mitigation strategies.
• Direct core operational functions including facility and building management, records management, procurement, and compliance with UBC and IRSHDC policies.
• Advise the Director and Academic Director on strategic planning, policy development and capital projects, providing analysis that informs senior‑level decisions.
• Facilitate high‑level collaboration across UBC departments, Indigenous advisory bodies, external contractors, funding agencies and community organisations.
• Plan and oversee centre‑wide events, managing logistics, budgets and stakeholder communication.

Required profile

• Demonstrated cultural humility, trauma‑informed awareness and the ability to build trust with Indigenous peoples and Survivors.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder projects in an academic or research environment.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning and policy‑development capabilities.
• Excellent relational leadership and communication skills for navigating sensitive institutional and community dynamics.