Manager, Pathways and Program Development
About The Position
NorQuest is seeking a Manager, Programs and Pathways to join their Academic Quality and Innovation team. This is a strategic and operational leadership role responsible for advancing the design, development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of academic programs and learner pathways. The role ensures programs are innovative, responsive to workforce and community needs, and aligned with regulatory and institutional requirements. The Manager leads program lifecycle processes, supports accreditation activities, strengthens learner mobility, and enables high-quality, accessible educational pathways. Through leadership of a specialized team and collaboration with internal and external partners, this role enhances NorQuest’s ability to deliver integrated, evidence-informed programming that supports student success and institutional priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in post-secondary education, program development, quality assurance, or academic administration.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory processes.
- Experience managing teams, coaching staff, and supporting performance and development.
- Experience working with accreditation bodies, government approval processes, or academic governance structures.
Nice To Haves
- Experience drafting partnership or transfer agreements is considered an asset.
- Strong knowledge of program development, program architecture, and academic approval processes in post-secondary education.
- Expertise in program review, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.
- Understanding of learner pathways, transfer systems, and student mobility within the post-secondary landscape.
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment in interpreting policies, data, and risk.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to develop formal documentation, reports, and agreements.
- A collaborative, relationship-focused approach to working with diverse stakeholders.
- Adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and direction to the Pathways and Program Development team, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing environment.
- Lead the operational coordination of new program development, including workflows, templates, and approvals.
- Oversee internal program review processes to ensure continuous improvement, evidence-informed decision-making, and quality assurance.
- Support external program reviews, accreditation activities, and regulatory compliance, ensuring readiness and mitigating institutional risk.
- Develop and advance learner pathways, including transfer, laddering, and partnership agreements with post-secondary institutions and external partners.
- Collaborate with academic leadership, institutional research, program operations, and external stakeholders to align programming with institutional priorities.
- Apply expertise in Advanced Education guidelines, provincial frameworks, and PAPRS (Provider and Program Registry System) submission processes to ensure programs meet all regulatory and approval requirements.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives that support program innovation, student mobility, and institutional effectiveness.
Benefits
- immediate access to comprehensive pension and benefits programs
- generous vacation entitlements
- a flexible benefits package
- a strong culture of continuous learning
- flexible work options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
