Senior Manager, Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning leads the development and implementation of strategic priority areas related to teaching, learning and academic programs. The role supports academic programs and units with the development and renewal of curriculum, supports the governance approval and quality assurance review processes for academic programs, liaises with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training for degree quality assessment processes, and coordinates academic unit reviews. In addition, the role supports and/or leads strategic priorities related to teaching, learning, academic program development / renewal and academic integrity.

Through the development of strong relationships with academic and academic support units, faculty, and staff across campus, this position plays an important leadership role in advancing the teaching and learning priorities of the UBC Okanagan community.

Organizational Status
The Office of the Provost and VP Academic responsible for executing UBC's bold vision on the Okanagan campus while providing academic leadership for the campus community. The team within the Provost’s office supports the Provost's role and provides direction in planning, policy development, and resource management to achieve the university’s strategic academic goals.

Within the Provost’s office, the Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning portfolio provides strategic leadership, vision and coordination for the teaching and learning mission at UBC Okanagan. Working with faculty, students, staff, academic leaders and other relevant partners, this portfolio, will lead in several broad areas, including: program development, redesign and quality control; development of educational pathways and collaborations; student success; oversight of the Centre for Teaching and Learning; educational leadership; online learning; and lifelong learning. An overarching focus of the portfolio is to find strategies to create an inclusive, anti-racist teaching and learning environment at UBC Okanagan.

The Senior Manager is a key leadership position within the Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning portfolio, and reports to the Associate Provost, Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning.

Work Performed

• Manage and drive the development of strategic priority areas related to teaching, learning and academic programs, which are complex in scope, impact and diversity of stakeholders with significant long-term importance and consequence.

• Lead change by creating a vision and taking appropriate action to ensure a respectful working environment across all levels of management within the University.

• Identify project opportunities and support the development and launch of new and re-designed academic programs and academic integrity initiatives.

• Coordinate unit reviews of academic units (Faculty and Departmental reviews) on behalf of the Provost’s Office.

• Lead project planning and implementation; providing solutions; manage, develop and execute identified goals, priorities and objectives from inception through completion in line with the strategic directives for the Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning portfolio at the Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic.

• Foster relationships with key groups, individuals and stakeholders to enhance alignment and integration of the Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic activities with Faculties and units of the University.

• Liaise across both UBC campuses regarding strategic projects as required. Ensure clear communication with the Office of the DVC, Vice Principal Research, Associate Vice-Presidents, across the Provost’s office, the Deans and Associate Deans of the Faculties and other internal and external communities.

• Liaise and develop supportive and collegial partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders including faculty members, department heads, Associate Deans, functional experts, Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training staff, and other project specialists, internal or external to the university.

• Advise senior leadership on projects and direction for academic programs, teaching and learning, and academic integrity initiatives, write frameworks, conduct needs assessments for new projects, identify project opportunities.

• Provide mentorship, coaching and feedback to faculty and staff across the institution, as well as to staff and student employees.

• Investigate, analyze and make recommendations to the Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic leadership team regarding strategic and policy issues related to teaching, learning, academic integrity, and academic programs.

• Advises and serves on relevant staff and faculty committees for the purpose of providing strategic input relevant to academic integrity and academic programs.

• Represents the Associate Provost, Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning, on committees and working groups as appropriate.

• Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Works within broad mandates. Work is reviewed in terms of fulfillment of mandates and achievement of executive goals. Leads, manages and makes decisions pertaining to strategic projects that have campus wide impact. Errors can result in significant consequences (delays or denied approvals) for degree programs at UBCO, and can have significant reputational risk for the institution

Supervision Received
Works independently with minimal supervision and broadly under the direction of the Associate Provost, Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning. And, the Associate Provost, Learning Services for Academic Integrity strategy and initiatives.

Supervision Given
Supervision of staff and student employees will be required through implementation of strategic plans and projects.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of seven years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.

• Extensive knowledge of policy development and implementation processes in universities, and the ability to manage projects and task forces, are required.

• Demonstrated ability to use judgment, tact, and discretion.

• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.