Director, Masters Programs

UBC Sauder School of Business is one of the world’s leading business faculties. The school consistently ranks among the top 100 in the world and is recognized internationally for excellence in research and learning, an outstanding faculty and unmatched global partnerships. A collaborative and respectful culture within which all members of our community can thrive is a key principle in our strategic plan, and one that underpins our educational mission.

We acknowledge that UBC Sauder at the Vancouver Campus is situated within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam. We acknowledge that UBC Sauder at the UBC Robson Square is situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh.

UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee (RHL) Graduate School delivers all aspects of a portfolio of six professional graduate degrees in business, independent of Graduate + Postdoctoral Studies. Our MBA programs and specialized Master’s programs operate within a highly competitive international environment. The RHL works closely with multiple and distinct stakeholders - faculty, employees, students, business community and alumni - to remain competitive through the delivery of an exceptional student experience. We thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong service culture and a commitment to continuously innovate and improve all aspects of our work. We are proud of our transformational programs and our students - the next generation of changemakers.

The Director, Masters Programs is responsible for student experience services of the UBC Sauder’s elite degree programs. The incumbent is accountable for excellence in service delivery to all professional graduate degree program student groups through managing a team and working with faculty members both in and outside of the classroom learning environment. The Director ensures that the RHL Graduate School delivers the highest quality learning experience for its students, while achieving financial viability through effective cost management. The Director also takes a lead in the developing and maintaining cross-campus partnerships on behalf of the RHL Graduate School.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Assistant Dean, Robert H. Lee Graduate School, and assumes full responsibility for the management of the professional graduate degree program portfolio in the Assistant Dean’s absence.

Works closely and collaboratively with other members of the school’s senior management team, as well as with senior-level managers and administrators in the University. Develops positive relationships with faculty members teaching in graduate professional degree programs, as well as with executive members of the relevant student societies to ensure a stellar student experience. Works with faculty and external constituencies and develops and maintains strong positive relationships with partners on behalf of the school.

Work Performed

Strategic Planning and Program Development

• As a key member of the RHL 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.

• In collaboration with the Assistant Dean, develops strategies for the RHL Graduate School, which align with the UBC Sauder strategic plan.

• Determines the most appropriate supporting organizational structures to deliver the programs within the graduate school to meet strategic objectives.

• Oversees and manages the delivery of a portfolio of graduate professional programs. Identifies student demands and service needs and determines appropriate enhancements.

• Develops and leads faculty service model and planning.

• Performs needs analyses to improve existing offerings and develops and implements new program initiatives and enhancements.

• Develops and implements program administrative policies and procedures for students and faculty.

• Develops and oversees launch plans for new graduate programs, working closely with faculty and other key stakeholders.

Student Satisfaction and Learning Experience Management

• Develops and implements a student satisfaction tracking system, and provides the Assistant Dean with periodic updates on satisfaction trends and improvement strategies.

• Identifies program needs and makes decisions regarding implementation of new initiatives.

• Develops and streamlines programming to improve the quality of student programs and experience.

• 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.

• 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.

• Oversees registration process and enrolment for their portfolio of graduate programs.

• 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.

• Develops and implements comprehensive communications strategies for improving student experience, and increasing student satisfaction on surveys against benchmarks.

• 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

• Identifies technological developments in education, business and related fields, and oversees the implementation of relevant developments into the professional graduate degree programs.

• Leads the management of all student records and registration, including program scheduling, Student Information System (SIS) registration, awards and graduation.

• Works with the management team of the University s central functions on the development and implementation of new and existing initiatives.

Human Resources Management

• 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.

• Delegates, supervises and assesses staff workload and work assignments. Recommends and implements modifications to meet operational requirements.

• Regularly reviews the organizational structure for the unit; makes recommendations for new staffing, develops new job descriptions.

• 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

• Prepares annual budgets for their program portfolio.

• Monitors expenditure within budgeted guidelines including a quarterly process of reconciliation.

• Develops and manages operational budgets as required for specific activities.

• Works with managers and team leaders to ensure effective management of costs. Identifies process improvements to lower costs as necessary.

Other

• Develops and enhances relations with faculty and employees in numerous campus departments with respect to graduate student initiatives, and with international partners.

• Represents Robert H. Lee Graduate School and UBC Sauder School of Business at public functions and on external committees.

• Assumes responsibility for special projects assigned by the Dean, Senior Associate Deans or Assistant Dean.

• Provides coverage for the Director, MBA Programs, in the event of planned or unplanned absence.

• Performs other duties as required within the scope of the role.
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement

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.

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.

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.

Supervision Received
Reports to the Assistant Dean, Robert H. Lee Graduate School, working independently under general directives. Decision-making is based on a thorough knowledge of the policies and procedures of the University and the school. The incumbent exercises considerable judgement and must demonstrate tact and discretion.

Supervision Given
Manages a team and provides indirect supervision to support employees.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of five to six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated supervisory abilities.

• Experience in university student development and services is required.

• Demonstrated experience in strong customer service.

• Strong familiarity with the competitive nature of business schools and professional graduate programs in business is desirable.

• Some experience in the management of union personnel.

• Ability to thrive in a complex, interrelated organizational setting.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (includes public speaking and media relations), superb organizational skills and good judgement are required.