Head of Department, Writing Program

**Work at VFS**:
There is no such thing as an ordinary day when you work at Vancouver Film School. It’s a creative and fast-paced environment where you’re part of recruiting and educating the next generation of actors, filmmakers, video game developers and creative thinkers. Our unique culture is all about celebrating the pure passion and unwavering perseverance of our students as they go through their own amazing personal journeys towards a career in the entertainment arts. Constantly evolving and updating to meet industry demands, VFS believes results matter, and that extends from our classrooms and experienced faculty to our hard-working marketing, admissions, and support departments — and well beyond.

**Job Scope**:
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Head of Department (HOD) for our Writing Program, will be responsible to oversee all aspects of the program, students and staff, including; developing the curriculum, administration and staffing, coordinating with the Accounting department to develop and maintain the programs budget, regular meetings to advise Admissions, and working with Marketing to create promotional opportunities and social media content. The HOD may also serve as an instructor on specified classes and workshops. The incumbent will be someone with a broad range of professional Film experience within the film and television industry. In addition, they will be highly organized, and energetic person who will be able to create a positive learning and work environment for both students and staff.

The HOD, may be asked to represent VFS as an ambassador for the department and the school as a whole at specific outward facing events with educational partners, marketing, recruitment and industry workshops both locally and internationally.

**Core Responsibilities**:

- Contribute to the formulation and implementation of general VFS policies and procedures to ensure quality education within a productive and efficient operation of the school.
- Formulate curriculum strategy for the program in conjunction with the Educational Administration departments.
- Ensure curriculum meets current and future needs of industry and students; and government regulations
- Leverages shared resources and proximity to other programs to create world-class interdisciplinary educational experiences and collaborations.
- Ensure all course outlines, resources, and assignments are up-to-date
- Ensure that instructors submit and students receive grades and feedback in a timely manner.
- Be a leader in the development of new courses on campus and online; and with Connect programs at VFS.
- Contribute to the delivery of new programs as required.
- Act as a leader in the development of annual program budget in conjunction with Leadership Team.
- Responsible for the administration of budgets aim to create the most value for VFS, students, and industry through efficient/effective budgeting.
- Co-ordinate training of new instructional staff.
- General supervision, evaluation and management of instructional staff (including team building/motivation/direction & professional development and current educational training).
- Provide guidance and directions to Program Manager on escalated student issues. As needed, together with Manager, Educational Administration, meet with particular students with escalated issues.
- Facilitates the process of working with Educational Administration and Admissions regarding student withdrawals and/or transfer to other programs, with the goal of retaining the student.
- Work with Facilities Manager on facilities and space planning to ensure appropriate infrastructure for delivery of the program.
- Innovate outreach & events with our local and international team and educational partners
- Promote the program(s) to industry to ensure VFS is viewed as a leader in training new skilled workers for the relevant industries.
- Attend industry networking events and continuous outreach to industry.
- Bring forward industry needs and requests to the Managing Director and/or Educational Administration department to further develop.

**Job Qualifications**:

- Educational background in Writing production preferred.
- Post-secondary-level teaching experience and/or a significant record of professional achievement with associated credits.
- Relevant experience that honors the duties listed above
- Ability to lead workshops, lectures, and seminars
- Skilled communication, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent project management, change management and task coordination skills.
- Familiar with Dayforce (HR system) and Moodle systems are an asset

The scope and depth of our mission is what makes it vital for us to seek out diverse perspectives, innovation, resourcefulness, and navigational expertise. This is why our team represents countless different nations, lived experience, and people of all journeys. Diversity is our number