Director, Work-Integrated Learning Programs

The Director, Work-Integrated Learning Programs is accountable to the Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) for providing strategic leadership and effective management of the University’s WIL teaching and learning activities including credit courses and programs for students, as well as non-credit, online and face-to-face professional development programs for faculty, staff, employers and lifelong learners. Major areas of responsibility include overseeing the design, development, and delivery of academic WIL programs (non co-op) in alignment with all university policies and procedures; enhancing and expanding non-credit program markets and revenue, and demonstrating thought leadership and implementing strategy to support the University’s goal of being world leader in co-operative and experiential education.

Responsibilities:
Leadership and strategic direction for work-integrated learning programs

Provide leadership and strategic guidance for existing centralized work-integrated learning curriculum and programs at the University including WatPD and EDGE, ensuring that the University remains a world-leader in this field

Act as thought leader in the evolution of WIL for teaching and learning activities at the undergraduate and graduate levels; supporting the investigation, evaluation, and implementation of new (non co-op) WIL programs, workshops and courses

Build capacity for faculty and staff to successfully deliver WIL programs by overseeing the development and delivery of WIL related professional development resources, workshops and courses

Help support a cohesive WIL ecosystem by collaborating and coordinating with units across Co-operative and Experiential Education, all six Faculties, as well as with the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE), the Centre for Extended Learning, Instructional Technologies and Media Services (ITMS), the Registrar’s Office and others

In conjunction with WatCACE, conduct or direct research that help inform CEE or University practices and directions in work-integrated learning curriculum; share information internally through reporting lines, meetings, committees, reports to Senate, etc., and externally (e.g., to inform provincial, national and international initiatives); represent Waterloo in external consultations regarding work-integrated learning

Engage with government and other external organizations relevant to work-integrated learning to capitalize on opportunities for the University

Represent and promote the University’s strong reputation for work-integrated learning through membership in provincial, national, and international professional associations; presenting at conferences; and by networking with fellow practitioners across the country

Leadership and strategic direction for external WIL PD offerings

Provide leadership and strategic guidance for the creation, evolution and commercialization of WIL related professional development offerings outside of the uWaterloo community including but not limited to the PD courses, the EDGE program, as well as professional development offerings for employers and for WIL practitioners

Ensure that WIL PD as a revenue-generating endeavour, generates enough revenue through its activities to sustain its operations as well as provide a revenue stream back to the university and CEE

Ensure that WIL PD provides top-quality professional development courses, workshops, and corporate training that advance the goals and objectives of the University as they relate to innovation, reputation, WIL leadership and employer and alumni engagement

Guide WIL PD in achieving growth, and ensures that the unit gathers the appropriate data and information to make sound programming and marketing decisions

Collaborate closely with the Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) PD to ensure effective and efficient deployment of centralized professional development offerings

Staff and Resource Management

Lead and implement strategic plans for the department that align with those of CEE as well as of the institution and help meet the strategic plan goals of the University; measure and report on achievement of goals and other metrics that factor into the University’s internal and external reporting requirements and accountability measures (e.g., mandate agreements)

Manage the financial resources and performance of the WIL Programs department; ensure the department’s budget is applied to maximize the positive impact it has at the University; advocate for new funding or positions as required

Identify appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure optimal services are delivered to all constituents respond effectively to areas of concern with changes to services and strategies

Lead the management team

Direct the recruitment, development, and retention of excellent staff to ensure an agile organization capable of meeting the growing and changing needs of students, institutional partners and external customers

Ensure the appropriate systems and information management processes are in place to support the work of the department

Negotiate collaborative and legal agreements with other departments, institutional partners, external clients, and government; manage funding and external revenue

Qualifications:
Masters degree required

Degree in Education or equivalent experience an asset

Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in a senior leadership role, with a proven track record of performance management within a larger department with direct reports, preferably in a higher education environment; demonstrated success in the development and strategic leadership of work-integrated learning programs

Very strong understanding of higher education, and work-integrated learning in particular

Proven management and leadership skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present strategies and plans to senior management

Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and develop relationships at multiple levels and across diverse audiences and areas

Strong business and budget-planning acumen

There may be unusual hours or schedules

Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

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 Inuit/Inuk, 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 [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.