Manager, Program Planning

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$102,329 - CA$137,705•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. The Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services is working to build a resilient, sustainable health system that helps Albertans access timely, high-quality care. Within the Primary and Preventative Health Care Division, the Policy and Partnerships Branch supports primary health care planning, program development, grant oversight, stakeholder collaboration, and advice to government on initiatives that improve access, accountability, and outcomes across Alberta’s primary health care system. The Policy and Partnerships Branch leads work to ensure primary health care perspectives are reflected in ministry and government-wide initiatives that require strong collaboration, sound policy advice, and practical implementation planning. The Manager, Program Planning leads a team responsible for planning, administering, monitoring, and improving primary health care programs and grants. This includes supporting program design, grant agreement oversight, financial and performance monitoring, issue resolution, and briefing materials for senior and executive leaders. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of Alberta’s health system, particularly primary and preventative health care, along with experience navigating government decision-making, funding processes, accountability requirements, and stakeholder relationships. The role requires strong people leadership, sound judgment, excellent organization and project management skills, and the ability to translate complex program and funding issues into clear advice for leadership. The Manager is expected to apply sound judgment in a complex and changing environment. This includes interpreting accountability frameworks, grant requirements, policies, program data, stakeholder input, and government priorities to identify risks, resolve issues, improve processes, and provide practical recommendations. Externally, this position supports the effective administration and oversight of primary health care programs and grants, helping ensure public funds are used appropriately and program outcomes are monitored. Internally, the position contributes to implementation planning, program reporting, process improvement, risk management, and the development of briefing materials and recommendations for leadership. The Manager works with colleagues across the division, department, government, and health system to address barriers and support practical solutions.

Requirements

University graduation in a related field (Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Health Care), supplemented by four years related experience.
Agility: Identifies and manages required change and the associated risk; anticipates and mitigates obstacles and the emotions of others while supporting others to do the same and takes action in uncertain situations.
Systems Thinking: Considers how primary health care programs, funding, accountability, stakeholders, and government priorities connect across the broader health system. Anticipates impacts, identifies risks and interdependencies, and supports solutions that align with ministry and system objectives.
Develops Networks: Develops and maintains strong relationships with colleagues, health system partners, funded organizations, other ministries, and community stakeholders. Brings people together to solve complex issues, supports collaboration across organizational boundaries, and builds consensus on program and funding-related matters. Uses effective relationship management and influence skills to advance priorities and achieve results in a complex stakeholder environment.
Drive for Results: Works to remove barriers to outcomes, sticking to principles; forecasts and proactively address problems and challenges directly.
Develop Self and Others: Encourages development and integration of emerging methods. Encourages staff to learn about other methodology and promotes continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
Leading, supervising, or supporting a team, including assigning work, developing staff, managing competing priorities, and supporting a positive team culture.
Working in the health system, with preference for experience related to primary health care, team-based care, community-based care, or health system planning.
Developing, administering, monitoring, or evaluating government-funded programs, grants, grant agreements, or other funding arrangements.
Navigating government decision-making processes, including preparing briefing materials, decision documents, issue analysis, correspondence, or advice for senior and executive leaders.
Managing complex projects or files with multiple stakeholders, timelines, risks, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
Building effective relationships with internal partners, other ministries, health system partners, funded organizations, or community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, development, administration, monitoring, and continuous improvement of primary health care programs and grants to ensure alignment with PPHS priorities, government commitments, and community needs.
Provide oversight of grant agreements, funding processes, financial reporting, performance measures, and compliance requirements to support accountable and fiscally responsible program delivery.
Manage and support a team of program services and administrative staff by setting priorities, assigning work, supporting development, monitoring quality, and ensuring timelines and commitments are met.
Provide clear, timely, and well-synthesized advice, briefing materials, decision support, and issue analysis to the Director, branch leadership, senior management, and executive leaders.
Lead cross-ministry, intergovernmental, and external stakeholder collaboration to resolve complex issues, support implementation, and strengthen primary health care program outcomes.