Job Description

Description

Seminars, Designations, & Corporate Training

within

UCalgary Continuing Education

is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term

Education Program Innovation Specialist

for approximately 12 months.


The Program Specialist position reports to the Director of Corporate Training and Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and works closely with the Director of Domestic Programs, Programming teams, Marketing Communications, Learning Services, and Operations teams in a cross-functional and collaborative environment.


This position supports the ContEd Corporate Training team in researching, identifying, developing, and coordinating the launch of new program opportunities in Continuing Education leveraging our innovative programming topics and structures. The incumbent will build relationships with our broader stakeholder community (e.g., internal and external stakeholders) to ensure programs align with industry needs and institutional goals.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):


Project Coordination and Administration

Lead the end-to-end development of new and innovative programs, from concept to launch. Develop compelling program proposals, feasibility reports for new program opportunities including strategic positioning, target audience insights, and resource requirements. Manage program innovation projects by coordinating timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation. Identify project goals, outcomes, and deliverables (e.g., launching a new course, upgrading technology systems). Create detailed project plan and scoping document with clear project goals, outcomes, and deliverables for various academic, and administrative initiatives (e.g., launching a new course or certificate). Create program launch plans with marketing and enrollment strategies. Work with internal and external stakeholders such as faculty, administrative staff, department heads, and leadership teams to align project objectives with institutional priorities. Engage with external stakeholders, such as accrediting bodies, vendors, or community partners, to ensure compliance and support. Ensure projects adhere to institutional policies, regulatory requirements, Operational and Administrative standards and procedures. Provide Data Management support and oversee data collection, reporting, and documentation for project-related activities. Monitor project expenditures, track Costs and keep a detailed records of all project-related expenses in alignment with budget

Program Development

Play a key role in driving program innovation from ideation to launch (pilot) through strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives. Develop programming proposals and associated forecasts and budget to meet operating targets Oversee the pilot and implementation of assigned programs with support from the ContEd operations team including working closely with a Program Management or Program Support Coordinator Develop and prepare business plans and program budgets associated with the development of quality educational programs Monitor and report on key performance and assessment indicators during and after programming implementation Meet or exceed key performance and assessment indicators for active programming Ensure designed and delivered programming is fiscally responsible Collaborate with faculty/units and other stakeholders to ensure the programming offered is relevant to emerging research and market needs Ensure new programs align with accreditation, institutional, and regulatory requirements. Comply with academic governance structures by creating and stewarding Academic Planning and Priorities Committee proposals for new program and course approvals Assist with documentation program approvals and/or professional association accreditation or compliance purposes.

Research, Assessment, and Program Proposals


Research, analyze competitor programs, assess differentiators to ensure a competitive advantage and compile best practices for non-credit and micro-credential programs Gather and analyze labor market data to inform program viability and positioning. Evaluate non-credit and micro-credential programs based on market needs and job trends Conduct and create assessments for various non-credit and micro-credential programs Leverage quantitative and qualitative data-gathering tools Identify the learning needs, target audience, contextual factors, and performance issues/opportunities for non-credit and micro-credential programs Define high-level program goals, outcomes, success measures, learning transfer, and evaluation plan Analyze data from analysis sessions and prepare a final recommendation document (report) In collaboration with Programming Directors, create and present programming documents for governance approval Monitor program performance post-launch and recommend improvements based on enrollment trends, learner feedback, and market shifts. Explore new instructional modalities, including online, hybrid, and micro-credentialing opportunities. Provide backup support for Programming Teams Perform other types of program assessments as required (such as funded/grant programs)

Qualifications / Requirements:

Required

Minimum, completed Bachelor's Degree in Business, Education, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, and/or related field, Master's degree preferred Certificate in Project Management, Business Analysis or Change Management is an asset Knowledge about developing innovative educational programs, products or services to the community preferred Knowledge of current trends, business and educational industry requirements, and educational practices in non-credit and micro-credential programs Ability to translate labour market requirements and emerging trends into non-credit and micro-credential programming opportunities Experience in developing project plans, educational and training needs of adult learners 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, staff, instructors, university departments, and external communities and organizations Ability to perform multiple and complex tasks, with attention to detail and business processes Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with a strong customer service orientation Understanding of a broad set of technologies used to deliver courses (e.g. Desire2Learn, Zoom).

Highly Desirable

4+ years' experience in Intermediate Project Coordination/Management, Business Administration with Education and/or Curriculum Development knowledge A Demonstrated success in building industry partnerships and collaborating across multiple stakeholders. A demonstrated record of project coordination in small/mid-sized/large organizations and/or experience working in a post-secondary school environment Experience in adult and workplace learning program development (supporting and/or developing) for both in-class and online delivery Working knowledge of data visualization and or reporting software (e.g. Tableau, Power BI) Demonstrated ability to effectively design supporting materials and to deliver oral presentations for small, medium, and large groups

Application Deadline:

September 22, 2025

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.


This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the

Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.


For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy 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 Institutional Commitments (

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

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