Program Manager

University of Waterloo•Waterloo, ON

1d•CA$80,248 - CA$100,310•Onsite

About The Position

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. Primary Purpose: We are seeking a visionary and entrepreneurial program manager to provide leadership over a portfolio of research and engagement programs that are integral to the University of Waterloo. Reporting to Associate Director, Research Partnerships, the incumbent will lead the creation, design, development, delivery, management, and on-going refinement of highly marketable faculty, staff and student opportunities that reflect the University’s brand and enhance partnership and engagement strategy. This includes new and existing programming targeted towards mid-career professionals, executives, external partners, and University faculty, staff and students who value innovative, cross-disciplinary opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

Requirements

A Masters degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
5+ years of experience in a program management role in corporate training business development and/or building adult learning programs
Success with initiating and managing collaborative relationships with professional associations, corporate clients, and community partners
Demonstrated success managing multiple stakeholders in a matrix environment
Demonstrated success assessing and ensuring the financial viability of new and existing programs
Demonstrated expertise in the creation and delivery of engagement programming
Experience applying sound event and program management
Proficiency with operationalizing program delivery and executing on plans to bring ideas to fruition
Demonstrated capabilities in program evaluation and quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
Experience with new program development in topics related to disruptive technologies, innovation, information and communications technology, and leadership skills including critical thinking, collaboration and communication is strongly preferred.
Proficiency in sourcing and managing the performance of contractors
Superb program design skills
Creativity
Proven ability to ask open-ended questions, analyze data, see connections and recognize strategic opportunities
Superior communication, collaboration and relationship skills - written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, advocacy - communicates clearly and with tact with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders including faculty, staff, administrators, partners, and clients
Project management skills.
Superior organizational and self-management including time management and the ability to prioritize, multi-task and attend to detail
Proactively anticipates challenges and takes initiative in resolving issues
Thorough understanding of adult learning principles and ability to ensure these are embedded into all programs
Excellent negotiation skills
Flexible and entrepreneurial mindset

Nice To Haves

A Certificate, Diploma, or other certification/qualification in adult education, online learning, instructional design, program management, or project management is an asset.
A broad understanding and knowledge of the university environment at both the organizational and operational levels is an asset.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with internal and external partners to understand the target audience, goals, revenue targets, etc. for new programs and products to be delivered by the business unit.
Collaborates with the marketing team to identify new opportunities and ensure they are supported at all phases of the program's lifecycle from new launch to repeatable offers to scale.
Works with a team of internal and external resources including subject matter experts, facilitators, instructional designers, client service coordinators, market researchers, and quality assurance specialists to lead the development and management of highly engaging and marketable programs
Nurtures effective interactions between University faculty / departments / institutes and industry partners to align program development to market needs
Ensures quality control, providing program-specific leadership to cross-functional team members
Forms and manages program advisory committees to ensure programming addresses partner needs
Develops and manages program budgets and forecasts
Manages the approval process for new opportunities
Provides direction to subject matter experts and in the development of individual program opportunities
Incorporates best practices in client engagement program development and delivery to design offerings to meet 21st century market and business challenges
Monitors research in relevant industry sectors, to inform/refine evidence-based practices related to program design and delivery
Utilizes a solid understanding of client engagement principles and trends, including post-COVID realities, to facilitate the development of a broad suite of opportunities
Applies expertise client engagement to oversee creation of effective learning outcomes, strategies, activities and tasks, and assessment strategies
Identifies strategic areas for market growth in the portfolio of engagement programs
Works with program team to establish project milestones based on the expected delivery date of the program engagement activities and ensures the team meets required deadlines
Revamps and/or improves engagement programs and courses based on client feedback, industry trends, and learning outcomes assessment tools and techniques.
Develops a feedback loop to facilitate the ongoing refinement of program engagement offerings
Hires and manages co-op students
Updates appropriate internal and external stakeholders on project progress, proactively informing them of issues or potential delays
Determines design constraints, resource limitations, deadlines, and faculty/student/program needs which impact the program planning process
Effectively manages concurrent projects, including ones with completing deadlines and resources
Demonstrates effective leadership and coaching of co-op students hired to support the creation and implementation of program content