Administrative Officer

at  Western University

ABOUT US

The Department of Anthropology at Western University provides a diverse and dynamic environment for undergraduate, graduate students, and faculty as they study the social, cultural, linguistic, and biological diversity and complexity of humanity. For undergraduate and graduate students alike, the department offers a wide array of educational opportunities, such as international field courses and hands-on experiential learning courses. The Anthropology program engages interested and eligible students and world-class faculty members in exploratory learning that provides experience in both independent and collaborative research within perspectives that focus on the environment, bodies and health, human relations, inequality, and power, and individual, social, and cultural identifies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree
• Undergraduate degree in a Social Science discipline is preferred
• Completion of or working towards a recognized financial/professional program (e.g. CHRL, CHRP, CPA, or CIM) preferred

Experience:

• 4 years of experience in administration/operations, finance, and human resources within a unionized environment
• 2 years leadership experience, overseeing teams and projects preferred
• Work experience in an academic setting preferred
• Experience in PeopleSoft HR and Finance is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to develop a shared vision to lead and coach employees to excellence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of an organization with the ability to converse with, write reports for, and deliver presentations
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Ability to analyze sizable amounts of detail/data with analytical skills in areas of financial and business management to draft budget proposals, forecast expenses, and monitor relevant accounts
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial budgeting, analysis and principles, Human Resources principles and practices, collective agreement language and interpretation, Employment Standards Act, and other relevant legislation
• Working knowledge of University policies and procedures preferred
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments.
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Adobe, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)
• Proven ability and natural inclination to interact with people in a professional, respectful, and diplomatic manner. Strict sense of confidentiality
• Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service directly and indirectly to satisfy expectations
• Demonstrated advanced judgment, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and opportunities
• Critical thinking and discernment to assess and scope areas for improvement and an ability to offer creative solutions
• Proven ability to take initiative and in-depth knowledge of how to champion a project from conception through implementation and evaluation
• Strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to handle diverse situations, multiple projects, and rapidly changing priorities
• Self-assurance and assertiveness to ensure that staff and faculty meet all procedural processes and deadlines
• Patience and empathy to support colleagues, staff, faculty dealing with obstacles and challenges

The Administrative Officer is a key member of the administrative team in Anthropology, working closely with the Department Chair, Undergraduate Chair and Graduate Chair to support the current and future direction of the department. The Administrative Office ensures the efficient and effective functioning of administrative, strategic, operational, human resources, research, and financial processes and procedures to achieve the department’s educational and research goals. As team leader, the Administrative Officer guides the staff within the Department to achieve their expected outcomes. This role coordinates many of the Chair’s administrative responsibilities and ensures compliance with appropriate collective agreements, Office of Faculty Relations (OFR), and Western policies and procedures.