Bree Austen
Calgary,Alberta
Summary
Insightful Manager with experience directing and improving operations through effective employee motivational strategies and strong policy enforcement. Proficient in best practices, market trends and regulatory requirements of industry operations. Talented leader with analytical approach to business planning and day-to-day problem-solving.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Operations and Facilities
University of Calgary
09.2016 - Current
- Preventative and on-demand maintenance scheduling and oversight, space planning, furnishings design, safety protocols planning and communications, and strategy and operation plans for Scurfield Hall (140 000 sf building, 1985) and Mathison Hall (107 000 sf building, 2022) in alignment with Haskayne senior leadership and campus planning
- Continuous focus on building conditions and functional needs, as well as safety, efficiency, user experience, aesthetics, and ergonomics in all spaces and in support of all stakeholders
- Proposed, planned and executed numerous renovation, refurbishment, and restoration projects within the school over the course of six years ranging upwards of $1.2M
- Liaise and collaborate regularly with leaders and staff in UCalgary caretaking, grounds, parking, HR, ITS, and security departments, as well as external contracted service providers
- CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION: Liaise and consult on $80M capital construction during all steps of planning and construction over ten years, from concept through to successful grand opening and occupancy
- OPERATIONS LEADER AND STRATEGIST: Re-imagine departmental structure to increase efficiency, consistency, and clarity, including service model and procedure development
- TEAM LEADERSHIP: Compassionate change management, ongoing coaching and performance management, supporting individual development goals and journeys
- BUDGET OWNER: Department operational budget owner, including team salaries plus cyclical, planned and on-demand expenses
- COMMUNICATIONS: Utilize a variety of methods to keep faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders apprised of facilities-related information and disruptions
- SAFETY AND SECURITY: Ensure that operational, safety-related, and emergency response plans and procedures are maintained and followed
- Ensure all spaces adhere to fire and egress codes
- COVID-19 FACULTY COORDINATOR: Communicated and implemented building safety protocols (physical and administrative), in consultation with UCalgary Risk Management.
Executive Assistant
Office of the Dean / Associate Dean (Research)
03.2012 - 08.2016
- First point of contact: professional and kind, responsive and efficient, maintain confidentiality
- Calendar management and general administration: agendas, document preparation, minutes, travel coordination, expense reports, initiative tracking and follow-up, other support as needed
- Communication and relationship development across campus, with the Management Advisory Council, and within the business community
- Travel with the Dean to attend meetings and support initiatives (Calgary, Toronto, USA).
Administrative Coordinator, Facilities Management
University Of Calgary
03.2007 - 03.2012
- Lead, manage, and support Operations & Maintenance customer care and administrative team
- Work volume monitoring in alignment with SOPs for ~40 000 work requests annually
- Test, roll out, and train staff for new facilities and space management platform (Archibus)
- Physical Plant Senior Emergency Warden, and Emergency Operations Group (EOG) member
- Continuous attention to performance management, individual well-being, and team culture.
Education
Executive MBA degree -
University of Calgary
Calgary, AlbertaBachelor of Arts degree, English -
University of Calgary
Calgary, AlbertaDiploma, Business Administration -
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Moose Jaw, SaskatchewanSkills
- Performance Management
- Operations Management
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Decision Making
- Budget Management
- Emergency Response
- Employee Coaching and Mentoring
Professional Development
- UCalgary leadership development and effectiveness programs: ULead (2020) and UManage (2019)
- 360o Leadership Practices Inventory, Insights Discovery, Power of Coaching, The Working Mind
- Creative Writing certificate, UCalgary Continuing Education (2014)
- Emotional Intelligence, The Leader’s Advantage, UCalgary Continuing Education (2010)
Volunteer Experience
- Contributing Author for an online publication that celebrated the role of executive assistant and offered advice for growing the role’s impact and circle of influence (2017)
- Team and Donation Coordinator, Kinette Adopt-a-family, 2008-2010, 2019, 2021-2022
- Legacy Committee member, Famous 5 Foundation, 2014 – 2017
- Resume Reviewer, University of Calgary Career Services, 2005 – 2006
- Corporate Group Leader and Participant, CIBC Run for the Cure, 2001-2004
- Youth Leader, Mexico House Building Project, July 1998
Timeline
Manager, Operations and Facilities
University of Calgary
09.2016 - Current
Executive Assistant
Office of the Dean / Associate Dean (Research)
03.2012 - 08.2016
Administrative Coordinator, Facilities Management
University Of Calgary
03.2007 - 03.2012
Executive MBA degree -
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts degree, English -
University of Calgary
Diploma, Business Administration -
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
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