Manager, Special Programs

Manager, Special Programs

• Company website link – https://www.alberta.ca

• Company name – Government of Alberta

• Location – Edmonton, AB, Canada

• Postal Code – T5J 4G8

• Region – Alberta

• Company Office local Address – 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

• Contact info – +1 780-427-2711

• email address – hr@gov.ab.ca

• Country – Canada

• Job Type – Full-Time

• Job Average Salary rate – CAD 80,000 – 95,000 yearly

• Currency – CAD

Job description

Job Information
Job Title: Manager, Special Programs
Job Requisition ID: 75748
Ministry: Primary and Preventative Health Services
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: October 8, 2025
Classification: Manager Zone 2
Salary: $3,339.00 to $4,493.32 bi-weekly ($87,147.90 – $117,275.65)

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx.

The Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services is building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that can support Albertans getting care when and where they need it, while responding to system-wide health challenges, improving health outcomes and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The ministry supports Albertans’ health and well-being throughout their lives by protecting public health and promoting wellness; coordinating and delivering safe, person-centered, quality health services; planning capital infrastructure; supporting innovative information management and technologies; regulating health care; and funding the health system.

The mandate of the Health Insurance Programs (HIP) branch is to administer the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in compliance with the Canada Health Act, as well as Alberta legislation and policy. The Special Programs Unit (SPU) oversees the administration and funding of specialized health service programs for Alberta residents who require medically necessary care not available within the province or elsewhere in Canada.
Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Claims & Special Programs, the primary role of the Special Programs Manager is to provide leadership to the SPU to ensure the effective operation of the legislated Out-of-Country Health Services Committee (OOCHSC) and multiple Ministerial Order special programs. These programs ensure that eligible Albertans can access funding for medically required services not available in Alberta or Canada. The Manager requires both strong leadership skills and subject matter expertise to ensure that comprehensive information, support, direction, and supervision are provided to team members. The Manager must ensure that team members receive adequate and appropriate training in relation to legislation, policies, and processes thereby ensuring that they are competent in carrying out their role and responsibilities.

The Special Programs Manager is accountable for achieving deliverables related to branch priorities and ensuring compliance to established operational policies, processes and standards. This includes operational planning, program delivery, performance monitoring, and program reporting. The position collaborates with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders essential to the SPU’s day-to-day operations and the overall administration of the special programs and the OOCHSC. This position ensures consistent, high-quality services and contributes to the execution of strategic initiatives across the branch. This role involves strategic decision-making, working with stakeholders, process coordination, and
providing expert guidance to resolve issues.

The Special Programs Manager also provides expert guidance on policy, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing program improvement, leveraging deep operational and technical knowledge in addition to the following responsibilities:

1. Provides leadership to staff and directs activities related to the administration of special out-of-province/country funding programs:
• Manages operational workflows by effectively distributing workload across team members to ensure all targets are met.
• Provides leadership to staff in the interpretation and application of legislation and operational policy.
• Approves funding requests for out-of-province health services, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and policies.

2. Provides ongoing support to the Out of Country Health Services Committee (OOCHSC):
• Acts as Chair and provides Secretariat services for the OOCHSC ensuring all applications presented are complete and meet regulatory standards.
• Manages the appointment and reappointment process for OOCHSC members.
• Responds to inquiries regarding eligibility and OOCHSC activities.
• Coordinates case management support for approved applicants through a third-party medical broker.
• Monitors and reconciles out-of-country payment activities related to OOCHSC approvals ensuring payments align with approved services.

Role Responsibilities Cont.

3. Supports the director in leading the unit to achieve branch and ministry goals:
• Provides the Director with strategic advice and recommendations regarding the performance of the special programs.
• Briefs the Director on potential and emerging issues and develops recommendations to address them.
• Ensures effective management of and timely responses to Ministerial Action Requests, ATl requests, media inquiries, and inquiries from the Ombudsman or Auditor General.
• Prepares responses to inquiries or requests originating from the Minister, Executive Team, Executive Director, Senior Manager, other government departments, key stakeholders in Alberta’s health care system, the public and public officials.

4. Establishes and maintains effective partnerships with internal and external partners:
• Works collaboratively with other Managers to foster communication and collaboration across programs.
• Creates sustainable, positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders through active participation on committees and working groups.
• Facilitate issues identification and conflict resolution with diverse and divergent stakeholders.
• Develops strong partnerships, through consultation, facilitation and coordination by gathering input from stakeholders, within and outside the Ministry on key trends, issues, gaps in services, and priorities that impact clients.
• ldentifies and implements innovations that improve service to internal and external clients and stakeholders.

5. Business operations processes are developed, evaluated, monitored and improved to achieve maximum efficiency within the branch:
• Establishes standardized processes and tools for business functions.
• Develops strategies and tactics for improving the processing of applications and responding to information requests related to health services to be received out of province or out of country.
• Establishes and maintains administrative controls to ensure administrative fairness and to ensure that all work adheres to established legislation, policies and best practices.

6. Human resources management to ensure responsibilities to deliver established outcomes are maintained and capacity is developed:
• Oversees recruitment and selection, and other human resource functions of the unit such as job evaluation, manpower and succession planning, staff development, labor relations etc.
• Supports staffi in performance planning and agreements in line with individual, branch operational, and departmental strategic goals.
• Fosters an atmosphere of creativity, innovation, collaboration, professionalism and integrity among unit staff to ensure excellence in operations and service delivery.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
A bachelors degree in business Administration or related field supplemented by three years of related experience.

Related experience may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Desired Experience:
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership role.
• Experience leading in a government setting is considered an asset.
• Clinical background in a health care field or experience managing a clinical health program is considered an asset.

Knowledge/Skills:
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team to provide the highest quality of service.
• Knowledge and understanding of the government and ministry and division priorities, business plan goals, Policies and protocols.
• Knowledge of claims remuneration methods, the Schedule of Medical Benefits and service delivery processes in Alberta.
• Knowledge of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act and it’s regulations.
• Experience developing plans, and monitoring and evaluating business processes.
• Aptitude for problem solving, as well as mature judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Strong change management and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional communication skills to articulate department messages verbally and in writing to a broad and diverse audience.
• Ability to build solid working relationships with a variety of stakeholder groups and individuals.
• Highly proficient in using Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.

A cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the qualifications of this role is required

“Excerpt from the official job listing”

See full job description from the company website.

Job Summary

The Manager, Special Programs oversees the design, execution, and evaluation of strategic government programs. This role drives impactful initiatives, manages cross-functional teams, and ensures policies align with provincial priorities, contributing directly to the delivery of essential services and the advancement of Alberta’s public sector objectives.

About Us

The Government of Alberta serves over four million residents by delivering high-quality public services, shaping innovative policies, and implementing programs that support economic growth, social well-being, and community development. Through collaboration with stakeholders, we address key challenges and create opportunities that strengthen Alberta’s future. Visit https://www.alberta.ca.

Culture and Work Environment

We foster a collaborative, purpose-driven workplace where public service excellence is the foundation. Employees engage in meaningful work, contribute to policy-making, and collaborate across diverse teams. Integrity, respect, and innovation guide daily operations, ensuring a supportive environment focused on delivering impactful outcomes for communities.

Why Work With Us

Working with the Government of Alberta offers a chance to shape public policy, improve community services, and drive real societal change. We invest in employee development, encourage leadership growth, and provide opportunities to influence decisions that make a tangible difference across the province.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and evaluate special government programs and initiatives.

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams and ensure projects meet strategic goals.

• Develop policies and oversee their implementation and compliance.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to align programs with public needs.

• Monitor performance metrics and report on outcomes.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, policy, or related field.

• Proven experience in program or project management.

• Strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Knowledge of government operations and legislative processes.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary and comprehensive pension plan

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid leave and flexible work arrangements

• Learning and professional development programs

• Opportunities for career advancement in public service

Location Insights

Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, is a hub for government, education, and innovation. Known for its quality of life, affordable housing, and cultural diversity, it offers excellent career prospects and community engagement opportunities for professionals in the public sector.

Detail Information Job Title Manager, Special Programs Company Government of Alberta Location Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Salary Range CAD 80,000 – 95,000 yearly Employment Type Full-Time Common 5 Interview Questions and Tips

Describe a program you managed from concept to implementation. (Use STAR method)

How do you handle competing priorities and deadlines? (Show organizational skills)

How would you engage stakeholders with conflicting interests? (Demonstrate diplomacy)

Explain a time you influenced policy decisions. (Highlight leadership)

What strategies would you use to evaluate program success? (Show analytical thinking)

Market-Based Salary Overview and Analysis

In Alberta, managerial roles in public service typically range from CAD 78,000 to CAD 100,000 annually, depending on experience and program scale. The offered salary for this role aligns with market standards, reflecting the position’s leadership responsibilities and impact on provincial initiatives.

Disclaimer

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The Government of Alberta seeks a Manager, Special Programs in Edmonton, AB. Lead strategic initiatives, shape policies, and oversee impactful programs. Apply now to make a meaningful difference.

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