Program Innovation Specialist

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 14: $65,050 - $76,550, commensurate with experience.

Please note, this is a 1 year temporary full time contract opportunity.

Secondments are Welcome

Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

About Western

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

About Us

The Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Programs) provides academic leadership across campus, creating new and ongoing opportunities for adult education through Western Continuity Studies, and facilitating curricular and academic policy development for undergraduate programs. The portfolio is responsible for quality assurance for all undergraduate programs. The portfolio advances and engages faculty, industry, and partners in the University’s mission, fosters innovation in teaching and programming, and develops institution-wide learning outcomes. The portfolio engages across and beyond the University, in close collaboration with student leaders, students at large, deans, associate deans, and department chairs to further the University’s academic mission.

The portfolio includes Western Continuing Studies and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Programs, the Office of Academic Quality and Enhancement and services within the portfolio focus on students and help to fulfill Western’s commitment to the best student experience. Staff in the portfolio combine creativity, evidence-based practice, and a culture of service to support student success, from application to graduation.

Responsibilities

The Program Innovation Specialist works in collaboration with Directors in the portfolio to fulfil the mission of creating new learning opportunities and enhancing existing programs. In collaboration with the Director and Program Directors in Western Continuing Studies and Western English Language Centre, the Specialist recommends and develops strategic new programs or pathways to generate new revenue streams. The Specialist will research, evaluate, propose, and project manage potential new or updated programs and degree-credit pathways with Faculties and revenue generating non-degree credit courses, programs, pathways and seminars proposed by Western Continuing Studies or the Western English Language Centre that respond to labour market and industry demand and the educational needs of learners and professional bodies. This may include initiating collaborative agreements with academic units, other external education providers and accrediting professional associations. Working with the Office of Academic Quality and Enhancement, the Specialist provides data support for undergraduate cyclical program reviews and new proposal development. The Specialist will support other projects and priorities in the portfolio as relevant.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in business administration or related field
• Training in project management and/or business administration is preferred

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in program development or related field
• Experience managing educational programs and services, preferably in a higher education institution preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, and interpret trends and patterns in complex data sets
• Ability to conduct an effective needs analysis to identify gaps and make recommendations for enhanced program and service delivery
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including giving presentations on topics such as letter of intent and feasibility studies and data analysis
• Project management skills to align projects with strategic goals and operational objectives
• Ability to develop strategies that are in line with the University's mission and which balance competing priorities
• Exceptional organizational skills, including managing multiple projects and an ability to adapt quickly to emerging priorities and adhere to timelines
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to foster strong, collegial relationships with members of the team and with others inside and outside the organization
• Initiative and resourcefulness to work independently, think and act strategically, and assume responsibility for project implementation
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills with a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and opportunities
• Strong relationship development skills with proven ability to assess needs, resolve issues, and recommend solutions to clients, both in person and on the telephone
• Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite and database management tools (e.g. Lightcast data sets and University data)
• Proven ability to take initiative and champion a project from conception through implementation and evaluation
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.