Director of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)

Director of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
Algoma University
Location: Brampton, ON  
Department: Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
Reference #: MG- 18394

About Algoma University

Since its establishment in 1965 as Algoma University College in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma University has increasingly assumed a national leadership role in supporting the university sector’s response to Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. Algoma’s  Special Mission  is guided by the 7 Grandfather Teachings and  Honoring Commitments, and is twofold in nature:

a.       to be a teaching-oriented university that provides programs in liberal arts and sciences and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a focus on the needs of Northern Ontario; and to

b.       cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous communities and other communities in keeping with the history of Algoma University and its geographic site.

With campuses located in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins, the tri-campus model that has emerged at Algoma University leverages the unique strengths, opportunities and broader community needs of each geographic location. Through this model, Algoma provides students with rich experiential learning experiences and research opportunities across liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.

Algoma University is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful learning community; one that values the opportunities to learn from and with students, staff, and visitors from all parts of the world. Currently, Algoma University is home to over 5,000 students representing over 50 different countries, more than 430 full-time and part-time faculty and over 150 support staff and administrative personnel.

Director of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President Academic and Continuing Education (AVP-ACE), the Director of PACE at Algoma University will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our continuing education initiatives, including strategic planning, development, coordination, and   management   of   a   variety   of   non-credit   continuing   education   programs,   including micro-credentials,    post    graduate    continuing    education    certificates,    Prior    Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) (in collaboration with the Registrar) and English as a Second Language (ESL), budget management, marketing, and staff supervision. The incumbent will be focused on business and educational excellence, and will work with relevant  internal  and   external   stakeholders   to   ensure   that   the   University’s   continuing education   programs   maintain   and   enhance   the reputation of the University, are fiscally sustainable, accessible, innovative, relevant, and responsive to community demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops a long-term, multi-year, multi-campus strategic/business plan that shapes the future of PACE’s operations, including future expansion of facilities and spaces; identifies project opportunities that integrate Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation into program and project development.
• Develop objectives, goals, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), in consultation with relevant directors to ensure efficient, collaborative, and effective operations.
• Manages the project workload of a decentralized team of staff, students, and stakeholders across multiple campuses.
• Strategically analyzes and addresses issues and initiatives, providing timely advice to the AVP-ACE.
• Actively participates in providing leadership, planning, and administrative decision-making for PACE, including its strategic priorities.
• Champions the tenets of Algoma University’s Special Mission, as well as the institution’s commitment to honouring Indigenous stories and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
• Develops, coordinates, and maintains policies, standards, guidelines, and best practices related to projects and tasks associated with the PACE division.
• Lead, manage, and/or support specific institutional issues, priorities, and special projects, as assigned by the AVP-ACE and in consultation with relevant directors.
• Through relevant feedback, tracks, reviews, monitors and makes recommendations around the   wide range of services and current initiatives necessary for promoting excellence in lifelong learner experience in the areas of programming, learner services and overall student experience.
• Assesses, in consultation with the AVP-ACE, when to seek external counsel to manage lifelong learner, community, and institutional/reputational risk associated with lifelong learner conduct cases, particularly concerning areas where allegations and outcomes intersect with University legal obligations (i.e., Ontario Human Rights Code, Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act).
• Ensures that the intake, investigation, and reporting of complaints are appropriately reviewed in   accordance   with   related policies and the University’s commitments to equity, access, and success.
• Oversees the management of human, financial, and material resources.
• Manages the PACE budget strategically and transparently to advance the mission in a manner that sustains the confidence and support of industry-trained instructors, staff, and lifelong learners.
• Identifies available funding opportunities, including provincial and federal Government grants; drafts proposals and completes applications for grants and other funds.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experiences

• Master’s degree in Business, Education or a related field, or a combination of a Bachelor’s degree and significant experience running a business or continuing education facility.
• Minimum five (5) years experience with any combination of skills as an educator, leader, and/or business operations in a post-secondary institution setting and progressively responsible   administrative   management   experience,   preferably   in a university or college environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Passion for   supporting   lifelong   learning   pathways   for   learners   and   strengths   in creativity, innovation, and partnership.
• Experience in   a   leadership   position   with   significant   managerial accountability for programs    with    international    students   including   International   education   student services, student engagement and retention.
• Team building,    consultative    leadership    and   conflict   management   and   project management experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge   of,   and/or   willingness   to   learn,   Immigration,   Refugees   and Citizenship Canada rules, regulations, procedures and programs as they relate to international students.
• Experience supporting strategic initiatives and developing and implementing business plans.
• Experience liaising   with   senior   administrators across multiple sites, and handling matters of a complex and sensitive nature.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, styles and abilities.
• Creativity, innovative approach to problem-solving, and a high degree of energy are all considered assets.
• Demonstrates individual and collective responsibility for the planning, monitoring and implementation of a Strategic Plan. Committed to achieving the objectives in a Strategic Plan and is accountable to the Administration for the purpose and approach taken departmentally, interdepartmentally and institutionally in pursuit of these objectives.
• Sensitivity to confidential matters and taking appropriate measures to ensure integrity is mandatory.
• Proficient in, or willingness to learn, Google Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, set priorities, strong attention to detail, identify contentious issues, exercise good judgment, use discretion and ensure appropriate action is taken when required.

How to Apply

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below.  

For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Senior Recruitment Specialist, at nlagace@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Mark know.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified candidates from equity-seeking groups, (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons) who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. The successful candidate, as a condition of employment, will be required to provide a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.

Algoma University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Recruitment Specialist, at nlagace@kbrs.ca.