Program Manager, University of Calgary Continuing Education

Position Overview

The Department of Continuing Education is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Program Manager for approximately 6 months.

The Program Manager position reports to a Program Director, and works closely with other Program Managers, as well as Program Coordinators and Student Services staff in a cross-functional and collaborative team environment.  The position may require the ability to work a variable schedule, which may include evening or weekend work, or extended work days.

As a member of the program team, the incumbent will generate and manage high quality, revenue generating non-credit courses, programs and seminars that respond to the continuing education needs of working adults and professional bodies.  In particular, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, scheduling, promoting and evaluating educational events, courses and programs in traditional classroom, online and blended learning environments.

A high degree of professionalism is required in the delivery of programs and courses as well as the ability to provide exceptional customer service and develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Key areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, management of a variety of responsibilities in support of the successful design, development, delivery and management of quality programs, the on-going daily operations of the team, and University of Calgary Continuing Education (UCCE). Functions are carried out under minimal supervision, working within established guidelines, procedures and accepted protocol.

Position Description

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

Academic Quality:

• Design and develop course offerings in existing programs by working with instructors, professional associations, subject matter experts and UCCE teaching and learning team.
• Research and evaluate potential courses and programs that are high quality, financially viable and meet the department's mandate and strategies
• Create new programs by working with instructors, professional associations and/or subject matter experts
• Recruit and Manage Program Advisory Committees
• Facilitate program, certificate and course approvals through UCCE committees
• Implement evaluation process to gather and review information from participants on their learning experiences, programs desired and services wanted
• Conduct regular analysis to determine program/services fit related to both industry , academic  and student needs
• Develop and expand delivery of programs and courses in a variety of learning modalities/formats, i.e. classroom, online and blended
• Assess eligibility of students experience/prior learning to have prerequisites courses waived, grant advanced standing, etc.
• Assess equivalent courses from other learning institutes for advanced standing

Instructor Management

• Recruit, interview and hire instructors
• Monitor and respond to instructor concerns by providing strong customer service with timely and effective support. Initiate and facilitate productive meetings with instructors regarding course concerns
• When appropriate create & maintain the guidelines for instructional assignments
• Ensure instructors know and follow the UCCE grading standards change to ensure instructors adhere to all policies, procedures, standards, etc.
• Assess course and instructor evaluations to ensure quality learning experiences
• Identify instructor training needs and provide support for skill development
• Cultivate, develop and maintain effective working relationships with instructors. Advise and coach instructors with respect to effective adult learning principles, best practices in teaching and learning (and provide resources created by UCCE Teaching & Learning team
• Establish strong working relationships with instructors to ensure they are prepared to teach and all arrangements (such as onboarding) are in place for their delivery of quality courses.
• Use industry contacts to source new markets and instructors
• Recruit instructors using internal process and leveraging marketing/sourcing techniques

Program Management:

• Develop and prepare business plans and program budgets that provide for quality educational experiences and maximum profitability
• Manage finances and expenses for course delivery, instructional services and instructional materials and resources
• Plan and schedule courses and programs to maximize enrolment potential and financial viability
• Work collaboratively with T&L to review curriculum and content
• Determine and schedule courses that will run each semester by monitoring registrations, student needs and financial viability
• Understand the fit of the courses and program requirements in business and industry
• Stay abreast of new developments in educational and training initiatives with regard to curriculum, delivery, markets, providers and competition
• Create plan and define scheduling strategy for each program managed
• Regularly perform analysis to understand how courses and program requirements fit in business and industry and how the curriculum is up to date with developments.
• Perform program review to understand of how each course maps into the curriculum and how content fit with the desired learning outcomes.
• Help instructors troubleshoot basic issues with the Learning Management System and guide them to further resources available for support

Communication and Teamwork:

• Participate in and support initiatives to enhance the work environment and business operations.
• Work collaboratively with Program Coordinators on details and requirements for managing programs and courses
• Address student and instructor concerns as required
• Work effectively in team situations both within and across departments, across the university and other external organizations to achieve optimal collective results
• Work collaboratively within the team and with Marketing Services to develop, implement, and manage effective marketing strategies including the design and messaging of promotional materials
• Collaborate with stakeholders to set up and pilot courses; collect and analyze data and other relevant information from the pilot
• Work with stakeholders to complete committee documentation and program framework for introduction of new program
   

Qualifications / Requirements:

Required:

• Undergraduate degree in business, workplace learning, education or adult education or related area. Masters degree preferred
• At least two years experience in program and project coordination
• At least four years experience working in corporate training, workforce development or adult education with expertise in writing corporate training grants, proposals, and preparation of demos
• Knowledge of project management principles and a demonstrated ability to lead projects from conception to completion, involving multiple stakeholders and in-line with a strategic vision.
• Knowledge and understanding of the educational training needs of business and industry professionals
• Demonstrated competency with the following with learning management system technologies that enhance online and classroom delivery:
  • Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
  • Educational registration technology Desire2Learn (D2L) and Destiny-One (D1)
  • Project Management software tools such as Visio, Basecap or others
  • Performance measurement systems (Business Intelligence Tools or KPI tracking and reporting) such as Tableau
• Demonstrated experience with data administration analytics and performance measurement systems (KPI tracking and reporting) with regards to corporate training
• Demonstrated experience with corporate client relationship management and engagement
• Positive attitude and demonstrated ability to be a collaborative team member
• Good judgment and initiative, tact and diplomacy in dealing with the frequent interactions with students, instructors, staff, University departments and external organizations
• Ability to perform multiple and complex tasks, with attention to detail and business processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with a strong customer service orientation.

Highly Desirable:

• A demonstrated record of continuous learning and experience working in a post-secondary school environment.
• Experience teaching adult learnings in a business or organizational environment
• Experience creating and marketing revenue generating education programs in higher education.
• Experience in instructional design and development for both in class and online delivery is an asset.
• Knowledge of business management activities including development of business plans, market assessment and integration of internal operations to deliver the value proposition to different stakeholders
• Ability to use sound business judgment to predict/address current or possible future trends, policies, practices, innovations, and information affecting his/her business and organization

Application Deadline:  December 07, 2021

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 part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase III.

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. 

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.