Director, Continuing Education

OverviewHR Specialist, Employee Recruitment and EDI at Vancouver Island UniversityWe are seeking an experienced visionary leader to serve as the Director of Continuing Education. This role is responsible for the strategic development, administration, and expansion of non-credit, professional development, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning courses and programs at the institution. Reporting to the Campus Administrator, Cowichan, the Director will collaborate with faculty and staff, industry leaders, and community partners to create high-quality and accessible learning opportunities for diverse audiences.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and StrategyDevelop and implement a strategic vision for Continuing Education aligned with the University’s mission, values, goals, and priorities and in collaboration with other key stakeholders across the UniversityUnderstand the unique needs of VIU’s regional campuses and their surrounding areas to build and develop innovative and relevant opportunities that serve these communitiesRepresent the Continuing Education unit on institutional committees and contribute to broader initiatives that ensure services are complementary and communication is robust and transparentAdvocate for Continuing Education to the university community and external stakeholdersDevelop and implement systems, policies and processes to create standardization and consistency across the Continuing Education unitDemonstrate cultural competency and acumen to ensure diverse perspectives are embedded across the unit’s activitiesBudget and Resource AllocationUse entrepreneurial strategies to find opportunities to offer programming that will recover program costs and generate revenue for the institutionCreate annual budgets and multi-year financial plans based on projected enrolment, tuition revenues and expenditures to meet targets, operating margins and program deliverablesConduct ongoing financial analyses, including monitoring actuals, establishing and comparing benchmarks and performance indicators, and conducting on-going resource and cost-benefit analysisEnsure the sustainability of lifelong learning courses/programs through budget management, financial planning, and revenue generation strategiesOversee budget proposals for grant applications and contracts and report on grant fundingProgram Planning and OversightLead the development of infrastructure, registration and fee collection systems, resources and staffing to support program delivery, expansion and revenue generationConduct regular market research and needs assessments to identify emerging industry trends to create relevant and innovative learning opportunitiesOversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of professional development, certificate and lifelong learning courses and programs using a data-driven, evidence-based approachEnsure compliance with university policies and accreditation standardsSupervise and support a dynamic team to review, develop and deliver high-quality continuing education programming, while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellenceIdentify, recruit, supervise and support subject matter experts to provide relevant content and high-quality learning experiencesLead marketing and outreach efforts through a variety of platforms to promote continuing education programs and attract learnersModify programming, staffing, materials and financial resources to support strategic priorities and changing stakeholder needsFoster and maintain partnerships with businesses, professional associations, government agencies, advisory committees, Indigenous partners and community organizations to develop and enhance program offeringsMaintain and update resources on prior learning recognition and other specialty areas of assessment appropriate for lifelong learnersHuman Resource ManagementImplement effective change management strategies to move the current Continuing Education model from decentralized to centralized under the leadership of the Campus Administrator, CowichanManage, coach and supervise a team of administrative and academic professionals and additional project staff, including direct and indirect supervision of both unionized and non-unionized workersWork with the Continuing Education team to set performance expectations and provide ongoing professional development as requiredOversee human resource matters including recruitment processes, hiring, performance management, disciplinary activities, dismissals, staff development and allocation of work assignmentsManage sensitive student and instructor issues and connect them to appropriate resources as necessarySet performance expectations for employees in the unit to ensure strategic, academic, service and financial goals are achievedProfessional DevelopmentParticipate in educational research and professional development related to lifelong learning, use of innovative technologies in education and other related topicsSupport professional development and ongoing learning of the Continuing Education TeamNote: This position is a multi-site role based at both our Cowichan and Nanaimo locations. The successful candidate will be required to work at either site, depending on operational needs.Required QualificationsMaster's Degree in Higher Education Leadership, Adult Education, Education Administration, or related discipline. Minimum five years' experience in continuing education, adult learning and/or professional development programming. An equivalent combination of education and senior-level administrative experience may be considered.Significant experience in change managementSignificant experience in management skills in strategic and financial planning and human resourcesDynamic and innovative entrepreneurial approach in creating new models, structures or systemsExperience creating and implementing revenue-generating activitiesDemonstrated capacity to initiate and respond to local, provincial and national opportunities in continuing educationProven ability to develop and manage educational programs, including curriculum design, instructional delivery and ongoing reviewKnowledge of current trends in adult education, workforce development and lifelong learningSeniority levelDirectorEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionEducation and TrainingIndustriesHigher EducationReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Vancouver Island University by 2xWe’re removing boilerplate and ensuring the description focuses on the role and qualifications. 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