Senior Manager, Experiential and Work-integrated Learning, Engineering Student Centre

Position Overview

The Engineering Student Centre in the Schulich School of Engineering (SSE) is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Senior Manager, Experiential and Work-integrated Learning for approximately 18 months.

Supporting experiential and work-integrated learning the Schulich School of Engineering (SSE) and raising the profile of Work-integrated Learning (WIL) at the University of Calgary, this position will report to the SSE Associate Director, Student Services. The Schulich School of Engineering has made a commitment, ensuring that all students engage in work-integrated learning experiences. These opportunities include career education, global experiences, experiential learning, student professional development, and work-integrated learning programs such as practicum and internship.

The Senior Manager supports the Schulich School of Engineering with development of Work Integrated Learning as a strategic initiative to enhance the student experience. Students must have opportunities to gain work experience and develop professional skills to enhance their classroom learning. The leader is responsible for the launching of new work-integrated learning opportunities and leading the development and implementation of micro-credential and other non-credit programs. This role requires managing multiple priorities and the incumbent should be skilled in developing solutions to complex problems and working with diverse stakeholders. 

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Manages a large, diverse team of staff through performance management, positive feedback, coaching and evaluations.
• Develops year-to-year plans for the portfolio based on needs and successes in collaboration with the Associate Director in alignment with the SSE and institutional strategic plans.
• Actively engages and advises Academic Leaders in SSE to ensure strategic alignment with their priorities and to operationalize initiatives from across their diverse portfolios, at both the Department and Dean's Office levels.
• Contributes to the development of the annual budget and financial plan for the faculty by working with the leadership team and Finance Partner.
• Collaborates with the SSE Development Team to ensure funding is adequate for future growth, and to ensure communications with external stakeholders is managed professionally and efficiently.
• Provide strategic direction for all work integrated learning programs such as Internship, Practicum, and Externship for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Develop high level goals for student support and programming to prepare students for their careers.
• Develop and update all work-flow processes and standard procedures for student placements, including updating relevant University Calendar details.
• Ensure university systems are effectively meeting the needs of student and employers and make recommendations for upgrades or changes, this includes Elevate, D2L, and PeopleSoft.
• Responsible for achieving the strategic goals of Work Integrated learning by soliciting industry positions for our students and by fostering and maintaining relationships with national and international employers.
• Work closely with all departments in Schulich to accurately assess internship utilization and needs, to develop internship programs and opportunities that target specific groups.
• Provides strategic expertise and leadership to support experiential learning initiatives in the faculty, leading through others ensures that these programs are delivered.
• Designs leadership development initiatives and programs to prepare students for their roles as future engineers.
• Responsible as the leader for micro credentials, such as the Engineering Leadership Program, and Engineering Entrepreneurship.
• Develops opportunities for students to participate in meaningful Global Experience during their degree through international service-learning opportunities and field trips.
• Oversees International group travel experiences, including risk protocol, onboarding, funding, and chaperone policy.
• Facilitates opportunities for students to participate in hands-on learning sessions, such as Pop-up Workshops.
• Provides operations and advising to Schulich Clubs, Teams, & Associations and acts as a liaison between student groups and senior faculty administration.
• Manages the process for funding student-led initiatives through funds such as the Schulich Student Activities Fund.
• Designs and creates initiatives aimed at improving student experience and engagement in the Schulich School of Engineering programs by organizing professional development activities and opportunities for students to interact with practicing engineers.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Science, Education or a related field; and eight or more years of related experience in a supervisory role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Graduate degree in Business, Education or a related field would be preferred.
• Experience leading a professional team within a unionized environment for a minimum of 5+ years is required.
• Recent familiarity with work-integrated learning practices and/or engineering education in Canada is required.
• Knowledge and understanding of current best practices on diversity in STEM fields and student professional development is required.
• Technical expertise and knowledge of complex University systems processes is a strong asset; gained through experience working on campus.
• Previous experience managing a program at a post-secondary institution, including management of the team, measurable objectives and outcomes of a minimum of five years is required. Proven ability to take initiative and be both creative and flexible.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, build consensus and be sensitive to the needs and interests of various stakeholders, and contribute to the functioning of a diverse team both within the school and across the institution.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to and thrive in a collaborative environment and to apply a positive team approach to working with colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to use and interpret data to make decisions and communicate results effectively to various stakeholders.
• Proven organizational skills with an ability to set priorities and complete multiple tasks within specified timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team within a large, complex, dynamic and sophisticated organization; and
• Demonstrated professionalism, tact and maturity in handling highly sensitive and confidential information ethically and with discretion;

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled; however, applicants will be reviewed as they are received.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 2 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. Management and Professional Staff (MaPS) Positions are currently under review as part of the Alberta Labour Relations Board exclusion review process. Visit the HR website for more information.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Schulich School of Engineering.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.