Manager, Academic Pathways and Partnerships

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Administrative Officer, Faculty of Arts, the Manager, Academic Pathways and Partnerships is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of the integration of the academic external partnerships associated with the University of Sussex, Cardiff University, Griffith University and Brighton-Sussex Medical School. This position will lead all aspects of the integration of all programs from conceptualization through implementation including phases of analysis, requirements documentation, capacity building and evaluation. The incumbent will manage key strategic internal/external client relationships with program stakeholders including external university partners, the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and the Faculty of Science, as well as leading cross-functional teams to drive the program requirements, priorities and deadlines. This position will consult with other University partners across campuses to develop and co-ordinate the infrastructure necessary to efficiently and effectively administer the programs and develop supports for students to ensure exceptional student experience. This position has a university-wide mandate and is considered multicampus but based in the Faculty of Arts. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, the Brantford Campus, and external partners. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations.

Requirements

Minimum University degree plus two (2) years project oversight and co-ordination experience;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong customer service orientation;
Proven experience in building multi-disciplinary teams with dispersed geographical locations;
Experience and knowledge of student support services;
Outstanding leadership, facilitation, influence, negotiation, conflict management and presentation skills;
Proven adaptability and tolerance for ambiguity;
Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail, ability to handle multiple priorities and meet short deadlines;
Proven ability to be discreet and to maintain confidential information;
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment;
Sound analytical and decision making skills
Must have a valid ‘G’ level driver’s licence

Responsibilities

Leads the planning and implementation of the programs to meet the University’s and relevant programs’ strategic objectives;
Develops and writes proposal/business cases for future development of programs;
Leads, identifies and co-ordinates student supports for all cohorts across Faculties of Arts, Liberal Arts, Human & Social Sciences, and Science including development of 'cohort creation' and mentoring from current students registered in the programs through use of social media;
For the Sussex Law pathway, leads, builds and manages key stakeholder relationships with campus partners and facilitates discussions across campuses of final 'Year Six' of program (e.g., how, who, and where the 'NCA' courses will be delivered);
Facilitates and develops student VISA application process including website design and content, work closely with Laurier International, and corresponding office at partner institutions;
Co-ordinates with Laurier International to plan pre-departure orientation to ensure students receive sufficient preparation in risk management before traveling to a new cultural and academic environment in UK and Australia;
Develops students grade review structures and processes in conjunction with Enrolment Services as per agreements with partner institutions;
Collaborates with Enrolment Services to develop a process for recording transfer credits across institutions, as needed;
Conduct an exit interview to be administered to students who decline participation with the programs and analyze results to determine institutional strengths and weaknesses to assist in student retention;
Partner with stakeholders to identify and address potential service gaps for students (e.g., registrarial, advising, OSAP, etc.);
Proactively identify behind-the-scenes issues that could become challenges for the students (e.g., registrarial, advising, OSAP, etc.).
Acts as the key representative for projects between different internal and external university departments;
Provides regular updates to all stakeholders including Sussex, Cardiff, Griffith and Brighton-Sussex Medical School;
Collaborates with Recruitment and Admissions to develop recruitment webinars and presentations;
Acts as an ambassador and key leader to grow the student base by advising prospective students, communicating key points and addressing each student’s interest through providing class presentations, webinars and maintaining individual contact;
Provides support to prospective students in answering questions about the programs and guiding them through the application process;
Participates in Open Houses and Ontario University Fair as the key Laurier representative of the programs;
In partnership with External Relations, initiates and develops creative ideas for promotional materials;
Acts as a program champion in creating a cohort/community of learning for students in the programs through the creation and facilitation of social events, and a resource to provide support and an excellent student experience;
Designs, drafts content and manages administration of the program websites on wlu.ca and the current student site, students.wlu.ca, including co-ordination with external partner program content;
Co-ordinates and facilitates exchanges/visits across all partner institutions;
Works with Enrolment Services to ensure progression, withdrawal and transfer credit policies are well-defined;
Works with Career Development Centre to cultivate placements, including articling for Sussex and Griffith graduates;
Provide ongoing communication with all external partner institutions about application and confirmation numbers;
Communicates efficiently with clients to identify needs and evaluate alternative solutions;
Leads and holds regular status meetings with project team, presents status reports defining project progress, problems and solutions;
Resolves and/or escalates issues in a timely fashion;
Mitigates team conflict and communicates problems;
Develops project policy related documents;