26-123 - Director, Academic Operations

About The Opportunity

The Director of Academic Operations, reporting to the Executive Director, Ministry of Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary Education (STEPS), is responsible for advancing the vision, mandate, and strategic priorities of the Métis-led College. This pivotal leadership role provides strategic and operational leadership for the development and implementation of the College's governance, operational systems, policies, processes, and institutional capacity required to successfully launch, grow, and sustain the institution. The role oversees implementation of the College Business Plan and leads the day-to-day operations of the College, including the recruitment and supervision of College staff and contractors, the delivery of academic and continuing education programming, student services, and the management of core operational functions.

The Director of Academic Operations provides strategic leadership to ensure the College achieves its strategic objectives and fulfills its funding, regulatory, and institutional commitments while fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. The role plays a key part in advancing Métis-focused education, building and sustaining strategic partnerships, and creating a high-quality, culturally grounded learning environment that reflects Métis values, culture, and ways of knowing. The Director supports the long-term sustainability and growth of the College while ensuring programs, services, and operations are responsive to the evolving needs of Métis citizens and other learners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Leads the establishment, implementation, and ongoing operations of the College, ensuring alignment with MNBC's strategic priorities, values, governance, and organizational objectives.
• Oversees implementation of the College Business Plan to support the successful launch, growth, and long-term sustainability of the College.
• Leads the development and implementation of programs, projects, and initiatives that meet the requirements of provincial and federal funding agreements while advancing the College's strategic priorities.
• Monitors operational and financial performance, provides recommendations to the Executive Director, and supports effective budget planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Provides strategic advice, regular updates, and recommendations to the Executive Director to support informed decision-making, organizational planning, and continuous improvement.
• Identifies opportunities for innovation and operational excellence to improve the learner experience and strengthen institutional effectiveness.

Policy Development

• Leads the development, implementation, and continuous review of college policies, procedures, and standards to support effective institutional operations and regulatory compliance.
• Monitors and analyzes emerging legislation, government priorities, and post-secondary trends, providing strategic advice and recommendations to inform College planning and policy development.
• Leads research related to post-secondary education, Indigenous education, workforce development, and leading practices to support evidence-informed decision-making.

Academic Program Development and Implementation

• Leads the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic and continuing education programming to ensure alignment with Métis values, community engagement, reconciliation goals, regulatory requirements, and the College's strategic objectives.
• Oversees academic operations, including program planning, scheduling, instructional delivery, admissions, registration, student records, student supports, and academic quality assurance.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners to develop, implement, and evaluate academic programs and learning opportunities that respond to learner, community, and labour market needs.
• Evaluates program effectiveness using data, performance measures, and stakeholder feedback to inform planning and decision-making.
• Oversees the implementation of academic and operational systems that support admissions, registration, student records, program delivery, and the overall learner experience.

Staff Management and Organizational Development

• Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and mentorship to College staff.
• Leads the recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, and workforce planning of College staff and contractors, including instructors, academic support personnel, and administrators.
• Establishes performance objectives, monitors outcomes, conducts performance evaluations, and ensures effective workload planning and resource allocation.
• Fosters an inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe workplace that reflects Métis values and supports employee engagement and well-being.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships Development

• Develops, strengthens, and maintains strategic partnerships with governments, post-secondary and training institutions, Métis Chartered Communities, Indigenous organizations, industry, employers, funding partners, and other stakeholders to advance the College's strategic priorities.
• Represents the College on committees, working groups, and sectoral organizations to strengthen relationships, promote the College, and advance Métis post-secondary education.
• Develops and implements engagement, communications, and student recruitment strategies to increase awareness of and participation in College programs and services.
• Leads initiatives that enhance the visibility, accessibility, and success of Métis learners within the post-secondary system.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships across MNBC ministries to support integrated service delivery
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant programs, services, funding opportunities, and sector developments, sharing information with staff, Citizens, partners, and communities as appropriate.
• Supports the Executive Director in coordinating government relations and strategic engagement with external partners.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensures the College operates in compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, funding agreements, institutional policies, and quality assurance standards, including PTIRU requirements.
• Leads the preparation, review, and submission of reports, briefing notes, funding proposals, and other documentation required by regulators, funding partners, and MNBC leadership.
• Monitors institutional performance and compliance, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions to support continuous improvement and organizational accountability.
• Supports the identification and pursuit of funding opportunities, including the preparation of grant applications and proposals to advance College priorities.

Other

• Participates in committees and project teams as required.
• Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of the position.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed to ensure the efficient operation of the College and MNBC.
• Regular/ occasional attendance at meetings/ events that may require work and travel outside of normal

Supervision Given

• Registrar's Office - Enrollment & Registration, Scheduling, Examinations, Graduation, Transcripts
• Academic Support - Instructors, Regional Coordinators, Library Services, IT Services & Support
• Student Support - Communications, Advising & Counselling, Student Advocacy & Affairs, Accessibility Services, Financial Aid

Qualifications

• Education
  • A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution is required. A Master's degree in Education, Education Administration, or a related field is considered an asset.
  • Specialized training in Indigenous education, culturally responsive pedagogy, or decolonizing education frameworks, an asset.
  • Education or training in instructional design, learning management systems, and adult education methodologies is considered, an asset.
  • Project management experience and training, an asset.
• Experience
  • Minimum seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in post-secondary education, higher education administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum four (4) years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams, including supervision, coaching, and performance management.
  • A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may be considered.
  • Demonstrated success in academic administration, institutional operations, or the development and implementation of post-secondary programs.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development, project management, financial management, and the development of annual operating budgets.
  • Demonstrated experience developing funding proposals, managing funding agreements, and preparing complex reports and policy documents.
  • Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and Indigenous learners is an asset.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge and/or awareness of the historical and contemporary contributions made by Métis people in British Columbia.
  • Demonstrated commitment to reconciliation and advancing culturally safe, learner-centred educational environments.
  • Strong knowledge of post-secondary education, institutional governance, quality assurance, and applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated leadership, organizational, financial, and project management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, solve complex problems, resolve conflict, and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Additional Requirements
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Class 5 driver's licence may be required.
  • Ability to travel throughout BC, as required.
  • The position will require the completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check..

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