Department Head, Applied Politics and Public Affairs

MaKami College; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Spending & Lifestyle Accounts

Educational Allowance for Professional

Emergency Allowance for Unexpected

Free Massages at Our Student Clinic

Discounts on College Programs &

Staff Discount in College Store

On-Site Gym Access

Free Parking

Job summary

MaKami College is seeking a program manager to oversee the AP diploma, coordinate practicum partnerships, and lead curriculum updates. You will supervise instructors, manage payroll-related submissions, and ensure compliance with government and industry standards across campuses.

The role involves occasional teaching of short courses, collaboration with Student Services, Enrollment, Finance/Payroll, and HR, and driving program quality in a blended learning environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, business, or related field.
• Experience as a manager or leader in a post-secondary or education setting is preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years in Alberta government and public relations roles.
• Previous teaching experience in a post-secondary environment is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the AP diploma, including student welfare, classroom and staff concerns, and student progression.
• Teach classes occasionally (short courses 1–4 weeks, two evenings per week).
• Develop and maintain an exceptional team of instructors for the program.
• Manage contract instructor engagement, contracts, documentation and invoicing.

Skills

Leadership

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team motivation

Policy knowledge

Flexibility

Education expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, business, or related

Experience as a manager or leader

5+ years in Alberta government/public relations

Teaching experience in post-secondary (asset)

Job description

Brief Description

Work in a purpose driven career with MaKami College, a public post-secondary college that has been helping students for over 20 years, with locations in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.

Brief Description

Work in a purpose driven career with MaKami College, a public post-secondary college that has been helping students for over 20 years, with locations in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.

MaKami College offers students in-person, online, and blended programs in Massage Therapy, Health Care Aide, Business Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, and more. Rapidly growing, we are working to expand our campuses and are continuously working to add programs to our course catalogue. We work with our team to grow and develop in areas they are passionate about, focusing on our MaKami Pillars - Leadership, Professionalism, Helpfulness, and Inspiration. MaKami team members are provided with many opportunities for professional career growth in a fulfilling and dynamic work environment.

This position is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Applied Politics & Public Affairs Specialist (AP) diploma, including occasional instruction of specific short courses, developing and maintaining community partnerships for practicum placements, overseeing the engagement of contract instructors (including contracts and invoicing), and leading curriculum development changes or updates to the AP diploma program.

Works closely with Student Services, Enrollment, Finance/Payroll, and HR; coordinates with contract instructors and internal stakeholders to support program delivery across campuses.

Major Accountabilities/Responsibilities (Including But Not Limited To The Following)

Diploma & Instructional Oversight Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the AP diploma, including student welfare, classroom and staff concerns, and student progression.
• Teach classes occasionally, as assigned for specific short courses (typically 1–4 weeks; two weekday evenings per week).
• Develop and maintain an exceptional team of instructors to teach in the program.
• Manage contract instructor engagement, including coordinating contracts, collecting required documentation, and reviewing/approving invoices in alignment with College processes.
• Foster community partnerships and collaborations for practicums and job placements, alongside the Career Pathways Manager.
• Collaborate on curriculum development, identify areas for improvement, and lead any curriculum changes or updates in collaboration with the Instructional Design team and faculty.
• Report to internal stakeholders on the status of the program.
• Coordinate instructor scheduling and support accurate, timely payroll-related submissions (in collaboration with Finance/Payroll).
• Participate in faculty observations, feedback sessions, meetings and other coaching/development activities.
• Participate in meetings, conversations and tasks as required to ensure curriculum and program delivery complies with government and industry standards and requirements.
• Support faculty in the development of engaging lesson plans that capture the attention of students and keep them motivated to learn in a blended learning environment and meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Ensure a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fosters open communication and respectful dialogue among students and staff.
• Facilitate accurate records of student grades, attendance, and behavior, and use this information to inform instructional suggestions and decisions.

General Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the department that align with MaKami College goals and priorities.
• Maintain open communication with faculty members, staff in various departments, students, and other stakeholders to ensure the program is delivered effectively.
• Manage the department's budget and resources, including personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Other duties as assigned, which are deemed necessary to support colleagues in their roles or support the College in achieving its goals and objectives.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in political science, business, or related.
• Experience as a manager or leader required. Experience as a manager in a post-secondary, education, or adult learning environment an asset.
• 5+ years of experience in Alberta government and public relations roles.
• Previous teaching experience in a post-secondary environment is an asset.

Skills And Competencies

• Outstanding leadership skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to motivate and inspire a team
• Knowledge of College policies and procedures as they relate to students’ education
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships
• Highly flexible with ability to adjust to changing work needs
• Expertise in the subject matter being taught, as well as knowledge of current trends and developments in education.

Personal Characteristics

• Always display a professional appearance and demeanor
• Is approachable, positive, respectful and courteous
• Able to build strong relationships
• Passion for education and commitment to providing high-quality programs that meet the needs of students. Has a passion for sharing knowledge and desire to see students succeed
• Able to use initiative
• Calm and supportive

Role Expectations

• Support MaKami’s vision of providing a positive learning environment for all students, and a culture of supporting and valuing each other as a member of the MaKami ‘family’
• Continually seek the most effective ways to streamline daily activities, reduce costs or improve the quality of the program and services
• Be respectful of others, proactively communicating with a high degree of transparency, respect and professionalism
• Work collaboratively with others through the sharing of ideas and knowledge
• Provide timely and constructive feedback for staff and students and answer questions
• Communicate expectations of the program
• Provide students with educational support and effective study strategies
• Motivate students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process
• Monitor progress of students in individual courses, ensuring their successful attainment of learning outcomes and completion of the program

Perks & Benefits

• Health Spending & Lifestyle Accounts
• Educational Allowance for Professional Development
• Emergency Allowance for Unexpected Needs
• Free Massages at Our Student Clinic
• Discounts on College Programs & Courses
• Staff Discount in College Store
• On-Site Gym Access
• Free Parking