Director of Career Affairs

**

The Director of Career Affairs provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta’s (PAA) career-related programming, professional development initiatives, continuing education activities, and extended benefits program, including mental health services for members. This position enhances the professional growth, job satisfaction, and career sustainability of Alberta psychologists through evidence-informed programming, mentorship, and member engagement.

As a senior leadership role, the Director ensures PAA’s career affairs initiatives align with the association’s mission and strategic priorities, contributing to the advancement of the profession and well-being of members across all stages of their careers.

Required Qualification: Masters degree and/or doctoral degree in psychology (e.g., clinical, counselling, or school psychology). Preferred Qualification: Registered Psychologist (RPsych) in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists with demonstrated experience and expertise in career development, job satisfaction, burnout prevention, continuing education programming, and non-profit-related fund raising/sponsorships.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- **Strategic Leadership in Career Affairs**_

Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive career support programs for members, including psychology students, provisional psychologists, early career, mid-career, and late-career psychologists.

Develop initiatives addressing topics related to psychologists’ stress, such as job satisfaction and burnout.

Develop a leadership development program that strengthens the profession’s capacity as community leaders, including media presence.

Oversee PAA’s Career Support hubs.

Collaborate with the Director of Professional Affairs (DPA) to oversee PAA’s Communities of Practice and Mentorship programs.

Collaborate with PAA committees, task forces, and CEO to align programming with organizational strategy.

Collaborate with PAA’s DPA and CEO on member benefits and resource library.
- **Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Oversight**_

Plan, organize, and evaluate PAA continuing education workshops, conferences, and training events.

Collaborate with PAA’s DPA on all CPD events related to ethical practice.

Help coordinate venue booking, budgets, registrations, and materials preparation.

Oversee CE credit processing, evaluations, and the preparation of reports for the Canadian Psychological Association’s Continuing Education Sponsorship Program.

Ensure CPD offerings are largely foundational in nature (e.g., foundational competencies in psychology). Also ensure they address emerging trends, ethical practice, and member needs.
- **Career Development and Private Practice Enhancements**_

Develop and maintain career resources for psychologists and the public (e.g., pathways to registration, supervision, and professional advancement supports).

Co-lead initiatives to support members through all stages of their careers, including from students and provisional psychologists to retirees.

Co-lead initiatives to support the mental health needs of practicing psychologists and psychologists undergoing professional conduct investigations.

Facilitate practice enhancement through study circles, supervision resources, and cultural competency initiatives.

Promote diversity and accessibility within all PAA career programming.
- **Administration, Collaboration, and Evaluation**_

Co-supervise and mentor staff within the Career Affairs, CPD, & Member service areas.

Maintain accurate program records, budgets, and reports.

Assist Communications Officer with marketing materials, updates for PAA publications (e.g., Psymposium), and general communications with members.

Special projects assigned by the CEO (e.g., media, staff and policy development)

Represent PAA professionally in all interactions with members, partners, and the public.

**PERFORMANCE CRITERIA**
- Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and networking ability.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Competence in technology platforms for online learning and community engagement.
- Clear, professional communication and high attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities and potential conflicts.
- Professionalism, diplomacy, and commitment to confidentiality.
- Strong strategic mindset.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Graduate degree in psychology with experience and expertise in career development, occupational health, or related specialty area.
- Experience in continuing education programming, career development, or professional association leadership.
- Demonstrated understanding of ethical, legal, and practice standards governing Alberta psychologists.
- Project management experience and supervisory experience.

Preferred qualification: Registered Psychologist in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists.

**Reports to**: Chief Executive Office