Director, Masters Programs

Work Performed

Strategic Planning and Program Development

1. As a key member of the leadership team, participates in the development of the graduate school’s strategic plan, policies and processes and in leading the graduate school in its objectives.
2. In collaboration with the Assistant Dean, develops strategies for the Graduate School, which align with the UBC Sauder strategic plan.
3. Determines the most appropriate supporting organizational structures to deliver the programs within the graduate school to meet strategic objectives.
4. Oversees and manages the delivery of a portfolio of graduate professional programs. Identifies student demands and service needs and determines appropriate enhancements.
5. Develops and leads faculty service model and planning.
6. Performs needs analyses to improve existing offerings and develops and implements new program initiatives and enhancements.
7. Develops and implements program administrative policies and procedures for students and faculty.
8. Develops and oversees launch plans for new graduate programs, working closely with faculty and other key stakeholders.

Student Satisfaction and Learning Experience Management

1. Develops and implements a student satisfaction tracking system, and provides the Assistant Dean with periodic updates on satisfaction trends and improvement strategies.
2. Identifies program needs and makes decisions regarding implementation of new initiatives.
3. Develops and streamlines programming to improve the quality of student programs and experience.
4. Participates on curriculum review and design committees as required. Oversees implementation of changes to the academic degree programs. Ensures changes are passed through appropriate approvals within the school and at UBC.
5. Participates in student academic discipline and appeals; represents the school in investigating, resolving and imposing penalties for academic misconduct. Gives advice to instructors regarding suspected cases of academic misconduct.
6. Oversees registration process and enrolment for their portfolio of graduate programs.
7. Coaches Student Experience Managers in the delivery of student advising. Acts as a senior advisor, assisting graduate students with academic planning, program changes and issues of a complex nature which require exceptions to existing school policies.
8. Develops and implements comprehensive communications strategies for improving student experience, and increasing student satisfaction on surveys against benchmarks.
9. Advises faculty members on programs policies and procedures. May be required to act as a liaison between faculty members and students during unusual circumstances.

Systems Management

1. Identifies technological developments in education, business and related fields, and oversees the implementation of relevant developments into the professional graduate degree programs.
2. Leads the management of all student records and registration, including program scheduling, Student Information System (SIS) registration, awards and graduation.
3. Works with the management team of the University s central functions on the development and implementation of new and existing initiatives.

Human Resources Management

1. Manages a team of the student experience managers. Indirectly manages program assistants and part-time or contract student workers. Hires, develops, trains, disciplines, terminates and conducts performance appraisals as required.
2. Delegates, supervises and assesses staff workload and work assignments. Recommends and implements modifications to meet operational requirements.
3. Regularly reviews the organizational structure for the unit; makes recommendations for new staffing, develops new job descriptions.
4. Ensures all staff members are aware of and understand goals and objectives, and have the right skills and tools to perform at optimal levels.

Financial Management

1. Prepares annual budgets for their program portfolio.
2. Monitors expenditure within budgeted guidelines including a quarterly process of reconciliation.
3. Develops and manages operational budgets as required for specific activities.
4. Works with managers and team leaders to ensure effective management of costs. Identifies process improvements to lower costs as necessary.

Other

1. Develops and enhances relations with faculty and employees in numerous campus departments with respect to graduate student initiatives, and with international partners.
2. Represents Robert H. Lee Graduate School and UBC Sauder School of Business at public functions and on external committees.
3. Assumes responsibility for special projects assigned by the Dean, Senior Associate Deans or Assistant Dean.
4. Provides coverage for the Director, MBA Programs, in the event of planned or unplanned absence.
5. Performs other duties as required within the scope of the role.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

1. The Director plays a key role in the management of the UBC Sauder’s elite degree programs and has a direct impact on the quality of the programs and services to the students as clients. Decisions must be in line with school goals and integrate with the vision and direction of the university.
2. The incumbent makes recommendations and decisions regarding the design, management and effective delivery of programs and services to ensure faculty-specific student experience objectives are met. Inability to work cooperatively with students, employees and faculty would jeopardize the effective provision of programs and services to students. Poor management of employees or volunteers may lead to inefficiency, discontent or grievances. Poor decision-making or judgement would compromise the integrity and the marketability of the programs as well as jeopardize the UBC Sauder’s and UBC’s reputation.
3. The Director has the complex task of coordinating and balancing the distinct objectives of various stakeholders, often with conflicting interests. Errors in judgement and failure to meet students’ expectations may negatively impact the overall image of the school as an institute for superior management educations and/or loss of exceptional students to competitor schools. Failure to provide sound decisions could result in a loss of confidence of the school and undermine the Dean’s efforts to raise the school’s global ranking and reputation to ensure sustained access to resources and success of the school.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of five to six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
3. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated supervisory abilities.
2. Experience in university student development and services is required.
3. Demonstrated experience in strong customer service.
4. Strong familiarity with the competitive nature of business schools and professional graduate programs in business is desirable.
5. Some experience in the management of union personnel.
6. Ability to thrive in a complex, interrelated organizational setting.
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills (includes public speaking and media relations), superb organizational skills and good judgement are required.

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