Job Summary

The Temporary Administrative Support pool at the University of Calgary is a dynamic, multi-departmental role designed for “Organizational Navigators.” As a flexible resource, you will provide the essential glue that keeps academic and administrative units running smoothly across the campus. This role requires the “wit” to pivot between different software systems and departmental cultures, and the “grit” to manage high-volume data entry and complex scheduling with absolute precision.

Job Details

Employer: University of Calgary.
Position Type: Temporary (Short-term), Full-time or Part-time available.
Classification: AUPE Bargaining Unit (Phase depends on specific duties).
Location: Calgary, AB (Various departments across campus).
Application Cycle: Posting refreshed every 60 days to maintain a fresh candidate pool.

Key Responsibilities: The Administrative Engine

You will act as a versatile support pillar, adapting your daily tasks to the specific needs of your assigned faculty or office.

Front-Facing Coordination: Serve as the first point of contact by greeting visitors and managing multi-line phone systems with professionalism.
Digital Ecosystem Management: Heavily utilize the Microsoft 365 suite (Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) to coordinate virtual and on-site meetings.
Information Integrity: Execute meticulous data entry, filing, and photocopying, ensuring that departmental records are accurate and easily retrievable.
Document Architecture: Prepare professional presentations and documents, often requiring advanced formatting and rigorous proofreading.
Calendar Logistics: Manage complex calendars for faculty members or directors, balancing tight deadlines and shifting priorities.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

The “Agile Admin”: High school diploma (Grade 12) required; administrative certification is a preferred asset.
Technical Wit: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office is a baseline requirement, particularly in Excel and SharePoint for collaborative work.
Experience Grit: 1–2 years of experience in an administrative role, preferably within a large, complex organization.
Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, paired with a high level of accuracy in typing and written communication.

Technical Insights: The Higher-Ed Admin Stack

Working at UCalgary involves navigating a sophisticated digital and procedural landscape.

SharePoint Collaboration: You won’t just be saving files; you’ll be managing version control and permissions within SharePoint sites to ensure team collaboration is seamless.
The AUPE Framework: Being part of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) means your role is protected by a collective agreement that defines your rights, benefits, and job classification phases.
Privacy Compliance (FOIP): You will often handle confidential student or faculty data, requiring a firm understanding of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Diversity and Representation Statistics

The University of Calgary actively tracks and shares demographic data to foster a representative and equitable workplace.

Designated Groups: UCalgary focuses on four federally designated groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.
The “Confidence Gap” Data: The university cites research showing that women and racialized minorities often only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications, whereas others may apply at 60%. UCalgary explicitly encourages you to apply if you meet most of the requirements.
Concrete Representation: In the Calgary census metropolitan area (CMA), approximately 36.2% of the population identifies as a visible minority. UCalgary strives to mirror or exceed this diversity across its 36,000 students and staff.
Indigenous Strategy (ii’ taa’poh’to’p): With oversight from 18 Elders, the university ensures that Indigenous perspectives are integrated into all units, including the administrative support teams that help run Indigenous-based events and processes.
Disability Inclusion: Approximately 22% of Canadians aged 15 years and over have at least one disability. UCalgary provides accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process to ensure these candidates can succeed.

Job Description

Do you believe that the most successful organizations are built on a foundation of exceptional support? The University of Calgary is seeking Temporary Administrative Support professionals to join our diverse departmental teams. We aren’t just looking for “help”; we are looking for the coordinators and organizers who make our high-ranked research and entrepreneurial spirit possible. If you have the “grit” to tackle a mountain of data entry and the “wit” to master Microsoft Teams in a fast-paced environment, you belong here.

In this role, you are a “Departmental Ally.” You understand that a well-managed calendar and an organized filing system are the backbones of academic success. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Administrative Service,” ensuring that UCalgary remains Canada’s most enterprising university. We look for “Integrity-first” individuals who are reliable, communicative, and ready to contribute to a culturally competent campus.

Joining UCalgary means becoming part of a community of 36,000 students and thousands of staff in one of the world’s most livable cities. We offer a flexible, professional environment where your administrative skills will be valued across various disciplines. If you are a support professional with a commitment to “Accuracy and Inclusive Excellence,” we invite you to apply and start something today at the University of Calgary.

University of Calgary: Daring to Imagine “Ahead of Tomorrow”

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is defined by a culture of entrepreneurial spirit, audacity, and “can-do” Western energy. As one of Canada’s top five research universities, its mission—codified in the “Ahead of Tomorrow” strategic plan—is to tackle “wicked” societal challenges through transdisciplinary innovation. The workplace culture is rooted in collegiality and respect, emphasizing that “curiosity-driven investigation” thrives best in an inclusive environment. UCalgary moves with the speed of a startup but the responsibility of a public institution, fostering a “Living Lab” ecosystem where students and faculty are encouraged to be “pioneers at heart.”

The UCalgary footprint is a massive, multi-campus network that mirrors the diversity of the Alberta landscape:

Main Campus (NW Calgary): Spanning over 200 hectares, this is the university’s vibrant heart. It features the Taylor Family Digital Library, one of North America’s most technology-rich hubs, and the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, a pioneer in pedagogical research.
The Olympic Oval: A legacy of the 1988 Winter Games, this iconic facility is known for having the “Fastest Ice on Earth” and serves as a premier high-performance training center for athletes globally.
Foothills Campus: Located south of the main site, this is the epicenter of health innovation, home to the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, adjacent to the Foothills Medical Centre.
Downtown Campus: Situated in the heart of Calgary’s business district, this campus connects the university with industry leaders, offering professional programs and hosting the Haskayne School of Business executive education.
Spy Hill Campus: Located in northwest Calgary, this campus supports specialized research and clinical training for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Working or studying here means being part of a top 100 global university for entrepreneurs. Whether you are engaging with Calgary’s business core or conducting genomics research, the experience is defined by the university’s commitment to “ii’ taa’poh’to’p”—its Indigenous Strategy—walking a parallel path toward truth and reconciliation while building a sustainable future.

To apply for this job please visit careers.ucalgary.ca.