11974 - Academic Program Development Specialist, Future Cities Institute

Department
Future Cities Institute
Employment Type
Permanent
Time Type
Full-Time
Hiring Range
$59,127 - $73,909
Job Category
Academic Services
Job Location : Location
CA-ON-Waterloo

The Academic Program Development Specialist reports to the Managing Director, Future Cities Institute (FCI) to support and manage the administration of the future cities programming. Significant aspects of this position include coordination with central university administration (e.g. registrar’s office), course and lab scheduling of the academic programs, developing and maintaining administrative processes, and curriculum review and deployment.

The Academic Program Development Specialist works closely with the leadership group of the Future Cities Institute (FCI), the Director, and the Managing Director FCI to manage the design, development and delivery of new collaborative academic and life-long learning programs in future cities. The incumbent is responsible for program and curriculum development, partnership development, program promotions, program management and administration, and program tracking, evaluation and reporting for FCI programs. The position is also responsible for supporting curriculum development, updates and approvals for new programs. This unique position will contribute directly to shaping the evolution of Waterloo’s future cities educational programming.

This position is contingent on funding.

Future cities programming development and coordination

• Support the Director, FCI (and/or their delegate), in the program approval process, including development of required documentation and undertaking background research and information gathering
• Work closely with the Director, Managing Director and (when appropriate) a cross-Faculty program advisory committee to design and develop the course content for the future cities graduate and undergraduate course content
• Undertake a comprehensive review of the course calendar to identify courses that could be linked to the future cities in each Faculty, and identify gaps where new course offerings may be developed
• As needed, support the coordination of the Master of Future Cities, Faculty of Environment and Master of Engineering, Future Cities graduate degree programs, including budgeting, managing logistics, tracking milestones, reporting, and supporting instructors and students
• Identify opportunities to integrate experiential learning activities and research taking place in the Future Cities Institute to programs/diplomas
• Coordinate events for students to engage in academic program enrichment opportunities
• Design and manage a high-profile annual lecture series and associated interactive events for students and the broader community that align with learning objectives and supports network building and exposure to complementary experts and ideas
• Coordinate with the Faculty and University level marketing, recruitment and communications teams to develop marketing and recruitment plans and materials to promote the future cities programs
• Coordinate the adjudication of FCI scholarships

Development and Management of the Life-long Learning Program

• Apply best practices and innovative approaches to design new and unique life-long learning courses, seminars and workshops for private and public sector professionals that draw on Future Cities Institute experts and leverage existing curriculum
• Apply expertise in pedagogy and life-long learning to design effective learning outcomes, teaching strategies, learning activities and tasks, and assessment strategies
• Maintain effective input into program development from relevant Faculties, departments, schools and other support units through the establishment and coordination of an advisory committee to ensure program buy-in, alignment with strategic institutional objectives, and value
• Undertake structured market research to identify opportunities for new life-long learning program offerings related to future cities
• Develop and manage a partnership strategy to actively engage external groups, organizations, and companies to promote the programs and gain an understanding of their training needs
• Work closely with the Future Cities Institute Communications Officer to design marketing materials, program websites, and other communications products to support the promotion of the life-long learning programs
• Design and manage networking activities and events for program participants to expand and support strategic opportunities for the Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Engineering and Future Cities Institute, including with respect to opportunities for interdisciplinary and experiential teaching, research, learning and outreach, and other University-industry collaborations
• Work closely with the Managing Director of the FCI to ensure financial accountability and sustainability of the life-long learning programs
• Design program metrics and a system to track performance, outcomes, and the impact of the program over time
• Undertake regular program reviews, including soliciting feedback from participants, instructors, and other cross-faculty and external stakeholders
• Provide recommendations for updates and changes to the programs based on feedback, trends, and learning outcomes assessment tools and techniques, and develop a feedback loop to facilitate the ongoing refinement of course offerings
• Prepare annual reports that summarize program activities, achievements, changes and results for various internal and external audiences
• Manage new program development schedules and processes, including setting objectives, timelines and milestones, and applying strong project management practices

Administrative support

• Provide statistical information, conduct research, develop materials and reports to contribute to discussions, decision-making, committees, and meetings for forecasting, reporting purposes, long term planning and implementation of ongoing changes
• Coordinate, compile, and edit submissions for the graduate calendar with relevant Faculty graduate administrators
• Monitor FCI faculty appointment changes, additions of new faculty members, revisions to existing programs and/or courses, and new program and/or course offerings is required to ensure correct information is submitted
• Perform other duties and assists with special projects assigned by the Director and Managing Director, FCI

• Graduate degree (Masters) in a relevant field (future cities, engineering, planning, education)
• A certificate, diploma, or other certification/qualification in adult education, online learning, instructional design, program management, or project management is an asset
• Experience related to pedagogical design and curriculum development or educational development at the post-secondary level
• Minimum of five years of experience in program management and coordination, and partnership/business development in a life-long learning or adult education environment
• Experience teaching (or supporting teaching) in higher education is an asset
• Demonstrated expertise in the creation and delivery of online, blended and in-person learning
• Demonstrated capabilities in program evaluation and quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
• A broad understanding and knowledge of the University of Waterloo environment at both the organizational and operational levels is an asset
• Demonstrated experience and success working with external partners, senior leaders, and topic experts
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills - written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, advocacy - communicates clearly and professionally with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders including faculty, staff, administrators, partners, and clients
• Ability to recognize opportunities and refine them to defined programs
• Proven ability to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders in various roles and at various levels of an organization to effectively achieve program objectives
• Project management and coordination skills - able to consistently plan, facilitate, document and follow up on meetings, tasks, decisions and approvals in a consistent and transparent manner
• Superior organizational and self-management including time management and the ability to prioritize, multi-task and attend to detail
• Proactively anticipates challenges and takes initiative in resolving issues
• Thorough understanding of adult learning principles and ability to apply program context to ground discussions and program decisions
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Flexible and entrepreneurial mindset

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the

Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.