Manager, Co-operative Education

Administrative

Oshawa, ON • ID: AD24-19 • Full-Time/Regular

About Durham College:

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design. Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times. DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Director, Experiential Learning, the Manager, Co-operative Education is responsible for leading the coordination and expansion of a broad range of experiential learning opportunities across Durham College, with a focus on co-operative education. This position has three major areas of responsibility: managing the development and operation of co-operative education and work-integrated learning (WIL) programs; initiating and maintaining a strategic outreach initiative to develop and enhance relationships with WIL hosts; and streamlining internal practices across academic faculties to improve consistency and achieve efficiencies. The position will partner and collaborate closely with members of the academic leadership team, staff across college departments, and external partners to achieve deliverables that improve student satisfaction with, and access to, impactful WIL experiences.

The Manager, Co-operative Education will advise college leadership regarding matters and considerations related to WIL and lead a team of co-op coordinators and industry liaisons with the goal of making Durham College the preferred partner of WIL employers and providing excellent service to students. This complex and pivotal role is essential for preparing future ready graduates that can effectively contribute to employer success.

Management of Co-operative Education and centralized WIL programs

• Manage a team of co-operative education coordinators and industry liaisons, including hiring, assignment of duties and work to be performed, performance management, etc.
• Lead team to source and secure jobs with WIL employers, execute agreements, and support co-op students and WIL employers throughout the co-op lifecycle providing a high-quality WIL experience for both.
• Manage and report on co-op admissions, working closely with academic faculties and the Registrar’s Office, including promotion to students, evaluation of eligibility, monitoring transfers, and reviewing appeals
• Participate on the College’s Program Planning and Review Committee (PPRC) to provide feedback and advice on the development of new co-op programs and the revision of existing ones
• Collaborating with academic units, lead the expansion of WIL opportunities at Durham College, including development of new co-op and WIL programs, monitoring and review of existing programs, development of related policies and procedures to ensure quality WIL
• Ensure all co-op related courses (Co-op and Career Preparation, work term) course outlines are current and relevant at the diploma, advanced diploma and graduate certificate levels with CTL and relevant Faculty
• Ensure the appropriate use of technology to promote, manage, and report on WIL, including experiential learning management systems; learning management systems; college and department websites; and social media

Internal Process Improvement

• Collaborating with partners across the college, evaluate and improve co-op and WIL processes and systems and identify areas of inconsistency in processes that require attention.
• Recommend process improvements that will address partner feedback and improve the experience for students, WIL employers, and employees.
• Develop common tools and processes that create efficiencies, improve satisfaction, and ensure repeat business from co-op employers.

External Partnership Development

• Plan and initiate a strategic outreach initiative to develop and enhance relationships with WIL hosts. Work with other departments to develop assets including social media content, videos, virtual tours, etc. to increase the profile of co-operative education and its benefits to students and employers.
• Evaluate performance indicators, costs, and risks associated with existing and potential partnership opportunities. Explore and implement strategies for gathering feedback from WIL employers and recognizing/appreciating employer participation.
• Act as a key conduit and central contact point with respect to co-operative education and identify, initiate, evolve and sustain partnerships with government, employers, community, education, non-governmental organizations, and sector councils to advance experiential and work-integrated learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of a Masters’ degree is required, in a relevant field of study such as Adult Education, Public or College Administration, or Community Planning.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in the leadership and management of human resources, career development and project management in an academic environment is required.
• Experience designing and implementing work-integrated learning (WIL) initiatives is required.
• Teaching and curriculum design experience at the postsecondary level is an asset.
• Strong team building, hiring, and performance management skills.
• High degree of conceptualization, analytical ability, initiative, independent action and presentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including report and proposal writing skills at an advanced level.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills combined with a good understanding of labour relations and managing in a unionized environment.
• Strong project management and team management skills and abilities.
• Excellent organizational, monitoring and assessment skills including proficient use of computers and MS Suite software. Experience with Banner and Orbis Outcome or other WIL platforms is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of external community and critical sectors within the regional economy.
• Drivers licence valid and in good standing, and access to a vehicle to enable attendance at events and meetings.

Required Skills

Band 10: $83,443 - $104,303

Required Experience