Job Title
Program Director, Foundation Program (University of Alberta)
Job Description
Position Summary
The University of Alberta’s Foundation Program is a brand new joint educational partnership between Kaplan International Pathways Canada and the University of Alberta, commencing in 2024. The University of Alberta is a Top 100 ranking world university and is situated in Edmonton, Alberta. The Foundation Program (‘Program’) offers international students who do not meet direct entry requirements, an opportunity to gain admission to the university after successfully completing the 3-term (1-academic year) Foundation Program, which consists of ten (10) 3-credit courses that count toward the first complete year of a bachelor’s degree, as well as non-credit bearing classes designed to supplement course or skill deficiencies and set students up for successful tertiary studies ongoing at the university.
The Program is supported by Kaplan staff, starting at the point of attraction and recruitment, right through to completion and progression from the program. University instructors teach credit-bearing courses, and Kaplan manages all operational aspects of the program as well as providing supplemental learning and well-being services to enrolled students. The students have been University of Alberta students from day one. This leader will bring their experience in international education to this exciting new partnership and help us build up our teams around the rapid growth expected for this endeavor. This is someone with exceptional relationship management skills, an unwavering commitment to customer-focused excellence and the ability to lead a team with fairness and inclusivity, whilst demonstrating a commitment to having a diverse, high-performing team. This is an exciting opportunity to be on the ground floor of a first-of-its-kind program in Canada with a prestigious university partner.
As Program Director, you will be responsible for the leadership and direction of the program. Your focus will be to ensure that the Program delivers an exceptional experience to each student, from the quality of teaching and support through to the standard of facilities, the high level of pastoral and wellbeing support and overseeing a 24-hour experience. You will build up a team and support all staff of the program to deliver outstanding customer service and ensure the successful progression of our students to the University of Alberta. In the early stages of the Program, your role will be hands on and involved in all aspects of the Program and its delivery, including scaling your team up over time as enrolments grow.
We welcome applications from those with experience gained from many sectors who can demonstrate their skills and approach are transferrable to Kaplan International Pathways. Kaplan International Pathways has equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values. We welcome applications from suitable candidates whatever their background, and especially from women and those who identify as Indigenous and minority ethnic who are under-represented in our workforce at this level.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a virtual position, as it requires supporting students on campus and in person at the University of Alberta, Edmonton Campus.
Key Job Responsibilities
Oversight of the performance and day-to-day operations of the Program to ensure effective and efficient delivery of all teaching, student support and associated services
Continued support for and development of the relationship with University of Alberta and its Faculties
Ensuring that every student is safe and well throughout their time at the program and given the very best chance of success and progressing to their chosen degree at the University of Alberta
Overseeing annual Program monitoring, review and strategic planning processes
Working closely with the Head of Recruitment Strategy, Canada and Kaplan worldwide recruitment teams to create successful and sustainable recruitment plans for the program, including hosting staff and partner visits
Build up and lead the Program’s Academic and Services teams, with eventual direct line management responsibility for a number of staff members as the program's enrolment scales up
Management of the Program financials to ensure financial targets are met and forecasts produced in line with agreed timelines and annual budgets, including working closely with KI Finance to ensure student accounts are in good standing for progression
Ensuring all quality assurance systems are properly implemented within the Program, complying with Kaplan and University Academic Rules and Regulations and quality assurance systems
Ensure all data and information is accurate and timely reporting is executed for KI and University leadership
Implementing Kaplan International Pathways Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and procedures within the Program
Contributing to the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the Kaplan Strategic Plan for Pathways in Canada
Actively contributing to senior steering for Kaplan International Pathways Canada and participation in specific Kaplan Pathways-wide developments and projects as appropriate
Representing Kaplan on appropriate committees and boards within Kaplan and externally
Any other duties as required from time to time by the Executive Director and other senior leaders
Minimum Qualifications
Experience of leading teams in the education sector
Knowledge of the needs of international students
A demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
A strong and demonstrable commitment to student and customer-centered delivery
Excellent relationship management, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
Strong leadership and management skills, with a willingness and ability to lead inclusively
Experience in managing resources and budgets and good financial planning skills
Excellent teamwork skills, both as a leader and as a member of different teams
A commitment to, and proven track record of, improving and enhancing performance of teams and operations
Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification
Authorized to work in Canada
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Requirements
Sitting/Standing
Lifting up to 20+ pounds
Carrying
Grasping
Reaching
Visual Acuity
Writing
Speaking
Listening
Location
Remote/Nationwide, CAN
Employee Type
Employee
Job Functional Area
Operations
Kaplan lnternational is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any adjustments or additional support within the recruitment process, please contact us directly.
