School Business Official

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Senior Managers - Health, Education, Social and Community Services and Membership Organizations (0014) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Senior Managers Health, Education, Social and Community Services and Membership Organizations (A014) 
• 2011 NOC: Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations (0014) 
• 2016 NOC: Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations (0014) 

School business officials are leaders and administrators. They may specialize in a particular area or work in several areas of public education administration. Duties and responsibilities therefore vary considerably from one position to another and from one school jurisdiction to another.

In the area of financial resource management, school business officials may:

• prepare annual budgets and financial statements
• provide financial management advice
• develop and recommend financial strategies
• develop technological solutions for problems
• conduct internal audits
• prepare grant applications.

In corporate management and administration, school business officials may:

• initiate and participate in operational planning and policy development
• identify and apply constitutional rights and act as a liaison in other legal matters
• understand and analyze the political and legislative processes related to elections
• develop and manage information management systems
• oversee the implementation of legislated requirements such as freedom of information and protection of privacy requirements and occupational health and safety compliance
• evaluate plan and policy effectiveness for the jurisdiction.

In human resource management, school business officials may:

• negotiate labour contracts
• motivate staff and provide leadership
• facilitate staff development
• ensure compliance with labour standards
• provide payroll and other human resource services.

In facility management, and property acquisition and management, school business officials may:

• plan and manage construction, maintenance and facility operations
• manage purchasing processes for supplies, fixed assets and real estate.

In risk management, school business officials may:

• develop appropriate programs
• ensure adherence to legal requirements for insurance coverage
• address safety and security needs.

In student transportation, school business officials may:

• develop school bus routes
• supervise day-to-day operations
• purchase vehicles and supplies
• negotiate agreements
• ensure student safety.

In public relations and communications, school business officials may:

• develop and maintain positive media relations
• prepare annual reports
• facilitate internal and external communication.

School business officials usually work standard weekday hours in school board or jurisdiction offices. Senior officials must attend school board and public meetings, and overtime is often required to meet budget and other deadlines. Depending on the position, some travel may be required for meetings with other school jurisdictions and government departments.

School business officials need:

• leadership skills and initiative
• oral and written communication skills
• critical-thinking, strategic-thinking, logical-analysis, and problem-solving skills
• strong people skills
• the ability to work alone and as a team
• the ability to work in a political environment
• multitasking skills
• a commitment to lifelong learning
• high ethical standards.

They should enjoy directing and supervising the work of others, having clear rules and organized methods to guide their activities, and negotiating with other administrators.

School business officials are employed by school authorities. Advancement opportunities depend on the size of the school jurisdiction and the school business official’s qualifications. Senior school business official positions require skills and knowledge related to most of the areas listed in the Duties section of this profile.

School business officials are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0014: Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations. In Alberta, 72% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Other Services [pdf]
• Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of School Business Officials of Alberta website: asboalberta.ca

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