Director, Executive MBA Americas (EMBAA)

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting.

We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized / visible minorities, Indigenous / Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Dean, PGP, the Director is a key member of a senior management team that works together to set overall strategy for all of the School's MBA and Master’s programs.

The EMBAA program is an internationally acclaimed, Master’s degree that can be earned while students continue to work. The Director is responsible for the success and overall leadership and management of the EMBAA program including the implementation of strategy, developing, and managing the program budget, participating in the development and execution of marketing plans, and supervising the staff assigned to the program.

The successful execution of these senior management responsibilities contributes to the recruitment and admission of excellent candidates to the program, the smooth running of the program, and the graduation of students with the best possible preparation for leadership positions in Canadian and international business communities.

In doing so, the program helps sustain and enhance the reputation of the Smith School of Business and Queen's University.

Job Description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Leads the development and implementation of the strategic plan for the EMBAA program in accordance with the Smith School of Business strategic priorities.
• Responsible for the overall leadership and management of the EMBAA program. In collaboration with the Associate Dean, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, and the Curriculum Committee, the incumbent develops and is accountable for the implementation of the program’s strategy.

This includes overseeing the academic focus and content of the program, setting recruiting objectives, and assessing the viability of proposed new initiatives.

In collaboration with the Executive Director of Finance develops the program budget and is accountable for managing the program within the agreed budget.

• Evaluates marketing strategy, materials and campaigns and leads recruiting efforts. This includes involvement in the development of marketing material (both print and web), and the delivery of national and international presentation and alumni events.
• Acts as liaison between Smith Business School, students, and alumni.
• Responsible for the recruitment and admissions process, and is a key member of the admissions committee. This may include advising, assisting, interviewing and assessing potential candidates.

In conjunction with the program staff, the Director is responsible for bringing completed application files to the Admissions Committee and making recommendations to the committee on the disposition of each file.

• Manages the relationship with Cornell University and collaborates with our partner school on an on-going basis. Align on the service delivery model and provide constant feedback to Cornell to ensure a high quality experience for EMBAA students.
• Acts as the primary contact for students who are experiencing academic or personal difficulties or who require advice of an academic nature.

Manages student expectations.

• Responsible for creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all students, staff and faculty.
• Collaborate with Academic Suite Director and Dean’s Office regarding contracts for term adjunct faculty hiring.
• Support the Associate Dean in producing necessary analysis and reports for the Advisory Board, program reviews, accreditations, and other needs as requested by other departments.
• Responsible for providing leadership, direction and motivation for staff who support the program.
• Creates and implements plans that resolve student academic disputes, team disputes, challenging of grades, and holds the final decision on appropriate action relating to these issues.
• Lead a team that remains on top of operational and student relations best practices and service standards while continuing to seek out creative solutions that enhance program administration and experience.
• The incumbent works closely with the Academic Director to establish a protocol of decision making around program policies and student exceptions.
• Facilitation of the collection and actioning of feedback from students, faculty, and other stakeholders.
• Ensuring effective program administration, collaborative partnerships with Smith and Queen’s departments, and strong relationships with external partners, ensuring a highly successful student experience while in the program.
• Works closely with program faculty to ensure the delivery of an innovative, highly integrated curriculum for the program.

Specific responsibilities include : ensuring appropriate faculty are assigned to teach in the program, reviewing faculty evaluations and making recommendations of structural / content changes to the curriculum committee.

Acts as a liaison between faculty, students, the curriculum committee and the university community (faculty and administration).

• Ensures program effectiveness through monitoring and assessing faculty evaluations and student satisfaction, and recommends changes as required.
• As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director actively participates in strategic decision making on issues relevant to the program.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND :

• Master of Business Administration degree, with five or more years’ experience in an equivalent role.
• Proven experience in a senior management and leadership role.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working in a team environment.
• Experience in marketing programs, student services, and admissions.
• Demonstrated experience creating or fostering diverse and inclusive environments
• Experience in policy setting or writing.
• Familiarity with university environments. A sound knowledge of university regulations and policies and an understanding of the organization and operation of Smith School of Business are additional assets.
• Experience teaching on or managing graduate level programs is considered an asset.
• Consideration will be given to the equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS :

• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. Incumbent interacts with many different individuals in a variety of contexts including staff, students, executive level professionals and senior academics.
• Proven management skills demonstrating experience in a management setting with skills in organizing, motivating and directing all individuals and teams to achieve objectives.
• Planning skills to propose new initiatives and participate in strategic planning.
• Excellent organizational skills are necessary to co-ordinate and direct the work of the program staff. Ability to cope with multiple, simultaneous demands and resolve priority conflicts.
• Incumbent must be objective, fair, impartial, and flexible without compromising standards and established policies.
• Analytical and interpretative skills are required. Ability to synthesize information from a wide variety of sources. Ability to conceptualize creative plans and workable solutions for dealing with an array of management problems.
• Empathy and understanding to address complex student concerns and issues related to program delivery and service. Ability to work with diplomacy in resolving interpersonal conflicts.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with computer systems, applications and database management.

DECISION MAKING :

• In conjunction with other senior members of the management team determine :
• How to plan, implement and evaluate promotional and marketing strategies for the program
• Appropriate methods to execute promotional strategies including direct advertising, information sessions, website and alumni events.
• Appropriate budgets; monitor expenses; manage the program within budget; make recommendations for annual and long term budget planning.
• Responsible for determining scheduling, implementing and revision of the curriculum. Works extensively with program faculty on course enhancement and integration.

Brings forward proposed curriculum changes to the curriculum committee, and is responsible for the implementation of changes agreed to by the Committee.

• Determines appropriate communication (written or oral) to applicants, students and alumni to provide information, advice or clarification.
• Determines appropriate policies and procedures that fit within the mandate of the program.
• Makes hiring decisions. Decides on work allocation and distribution among program staff to ensure the smooth delivery of the program.
• Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Makes decisions and / or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Determines appropriate action to handle emergencies in accordance with departmental and university procedures.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs.