Manager, Global Partnerships & Internationalization

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Olds; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology in Alberta is seeking a Manager, Global Partnerships & Internationalization to lead the implementation of its international strategy and transform strategic partnerships into sustainable, revenue-generating initiatives that support OC Global.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership for international partnerships, transnational education, customized training, and global programming, coordinating across Academic Schools, the Office of the

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in international education, international partnerships, or related field.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience negotiating and managing relationships with post-secondary institutions, governments, industry partners, and international organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of strategic international partnerships and transnational education.
• Coordinate customized training initiatives and international programming across Academic Schools and support units.
• Monitor portfolio performance, budgets, and timelines, ensuring quality and delivery.

Skills

Project management

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-cultural communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Graduate degree asset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Project management tools

Job description

About Olds College Of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Manager, Global Partnerships & Internationalization (full-time, permanent)

The overall purpose of this position is to lead the implementation and operational delivery of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology's internationalization strategy by transforming strategic partnerships and international opportunities into sustainable, high-quality, revenue-generating initiatives that advance the priorities of OC Global.

Working collaboratively across the College, the Manager, Global Partnerships & Internationalization provides strategic and operational leadership for international partnerships, transnational education, customized training, international programming, and other global engagement initiatives. The position leads cross-functional implementation, oversees institutional processes, partnership implementation, and quality assurance, and provides strategic advice to the Vice President, Growth & Operations on the advancement of the College's international portfolio.

The incumbent serves as a key institutional contact with organizations including CICan, ABIE, and CBIE, maintains a strong understanding of the federal immigration environment, and ensures international initiatives are successfully implemented in support of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology's reputation as a global leader in applied agriculture and technology education.

Key Job Functions

Strategic Partnership Implementation & Portfolio Leadership

• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of strategic international partnerships, articulation agreements, customized training initiatives, transnational education projects, and other global engagement activities.
• Translate partnership opportunities, memoranda of understanding, and strategic discussions into sustainable, revenue-generating initiatives by establishing implementation plans, coordinating institutional resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring deliverables are achieved.

Institutional Integration & Internationalization Leadership

• Provide institutional leadership for the implementation of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology's internationalization strategy by coordinating and aligning international initiatives across the College.
• Build collaborative relationships with Academic Schools, Industry Training & Continuing Education, the Office of the Registrar, Student Services, Business Services, Marketing & Communications, Conference Services, Research, and other departments to ensure international opportunities are effectively prioritized, operationalized, and integrated into existing institutional processes.
• Work collaboratively with functional leaders to:
• Advance international enrolment initiatives through the Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) framework.
• Develop customized training opportunities with Industry Training & Continuing Education.
• Support transnational education initiatives with Academic Schools.
• Coordinate summer institutes and international programming with Research and Conference Services.
• Ensure admissions, Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), compliance, and student supports are effectively aligned with international initiatives.
• Resolve cross-functional challenges while balancing institutional priorities.

International Project & Program Leadership

Lead complex international projects and programs, including customized training, transnational education initiatives, delegation visits, international programming, mobility initiatives, and other strategic projects. Establish project plans, coordinate resources, manage risks, monitor budgets and timelines, and ensure successful project delivery.

Strategic Planning, Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

Support the continuous advancement of OC Global by monitoring portfolio performance, developing key performance indicators, identifying risks and opportunities, supporting annual planning and reporting, and recommending strategic improvements that enhance quality, sustainability, and long-term growth. Maintain strong working relationships with organizations including CICan, CBIE, ABIE, and other strategic partners while monitoring changes to the international education and immigration environment.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required

• A degree in Business Administration, International Education, International Business, Public Administration, Project Management, Higher Education Leadership, Agriculture, or a related field is required. A graduate degree is considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Professional designations or certifications related to project management (e.g., PMP), international education, immigration advising (e.g., RISIA), change management, or business analysis are considered assets.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in international education, international partnerships, project management, institutional collaboration, higher education administration, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience implementing international partnerships, customized training, transnational education initiatives, articulation agreements, or other international programs.
• Experience leading organizational projects requiring collaboration across academic and administrative departments.
• Experience negotiating and managing relationships with post-secondary institutions, governments, industry partners, and international organizations.
• Experience developing operational frameworks, policies, processes, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple priorities, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder groups.
• Experience working within a post-secondary institution, preferably in international education or institutional strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex institutional initiatives through collaboration, influence, and relationship-building rather than direct authority.
• Exceptional project and portfolio management skills with the ability to translate strategic priorities into successful operational outcomes.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and organizational change management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and intercultural communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Demonstrated political acumen and sound judgment when working with senior institutional leaders, government officials, and international partners.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify risks, recommend solutions, and support executive decision-making.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and complex organizational relationships in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to develop scalable operational processes that improve institutional effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with project management methodologies, reporting tools, Microsoft Office / Google applications, and technologies supporting international education and institutional collaboration.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture while representing Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with professionalism and integrity.

Conditions Of Employment

• Current Criminal Reference check with a Vulnerable Sector Check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

Olds College Offers a Competitive Benefit Plan

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.