Manager, Graduate Academic Programs & Services

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Canada is seeking a Manager for Graduate Academic Programs & Services. This role is responsible for strategic leadership and operational oversight across professional master's programs. The ideal candidate will develop academic policies, enhance student advising frameworks, and lead projects to improve student services. Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree, 3-4 years of relevant experience, and strong leadership and analytical skills. The position offers a monthly compensation range of $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD and is located in Vancouver.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-4 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working at a post-secondary institution preferred.
• Technical proficiency in management computer software is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for academic policy implementation.
• Develop and enhance academic policies and advising frameworks.
• Lead strategic projects advancing student services.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Student advising

Project management

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

CRM systems

Management software

Job description

The Staff - Non Union Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level B Job Title Manager, Graduate Academic Programs & Services Department Experiential Learning & Academic Services | Dean's Office | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date December 27, 2025
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date Ongoing

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

Applied Science Central Student Services is a shared service unit across the Faculty of Applied Science (APSC) including Engineering, the School of Community and Regional Planning, the School of Biomedical Engineering, and the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. The unit is dedicated to being an efficient and consistent source of academic, career, and professional development services and support for students through their academic journey in APSC. APSC Central Student Services unit has 4 teams; the APSC Co‑op, Experiential Learning and Professional Development team, the Undergraduate Academic Advising Team, the Graduate Academic Programs and Advising Team, and the Academic Systems Team all under the leadership of the Director, APSC Student Services.

The Manager, Graduate Academic Programs & Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for academic policy implementation, student advising, and program delivery across the Faculty’s professional master’s programs in Engineering (MEng), the School of Community & Regional Planning, and the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Under the general direction of the Director, APSC Student Services and working closely with the Manager, MEL/MHLP, this role will apply deep cross‑disciplinary knowledge to develop and enhance academic policies, advising frameworks, and program evaluation processes that support student success and align with best practice in graduate education. The Manager exercises independent judgment in resolving complex academic and operational challenges, ensuring consistency and responsiveness across program areas.

This role is expected to lead evidence‑informed improvements to student experience by conducting research, analyzing data, and translating insights into actionable strategies; collaborating with faculty, staff, and university stakeholders to implement initiatives that enhance advising, streamline academic processes, and support student retention and success. This work is integral to a responsible, student‑centred learning environment aligned with Faculty goals and best practices in graduate education.

Organizational Status

The Manager, Graduate Academic Programs & Services works closely with and reports to the Director, APSC Student Services. This role works closely with the leadership team in APSC Student Services and departments across the Faculty of Applied Science. The role liaises with numerous central UBC services such as Graduate & Post‑Doctoral Studies, Enrolment Services, Centre for Accessibility, Early Alert, International Student Development, other UBC Faculties and program offices. They will work closely and collaboratively with the MEL MHLP Student Services team to ensure the delivery of a stellar student experience.

Work Performed

Academic Policy & Program Management

• Develops and executes academic policies and procedures across MEng and APSC Professional Masters programs, ensuring consistent interpretation and equitable application in areas such as concessions, withdrawals, program change.
• Designs and oversees systems and workflows to manage academic progression, special student statuses, leaves and exceptions in collaboration with other faculty and university partners.
• Analyzes student progression and performance data to inform early intervention strategies and drive evidence‑based continuous policy improvement.
• Anticipates emerging academic issues and proactively recommends policy adjustments.
• Leads the academic completion (graduation) for all Professional Masters Programs.
• Supports articulation of policy for programs that sit outside of G+PS (EG. MEng Programs).
• Manages all aspects of academic cycle for professional masters students including tuition installment changes (students on summer leave), leaves of absences, concessions; ensuring students are meeting their graduation requirements, academic progress tracking.
• Makes decisions on academic concessions including back‑dated course drops, late withdrawals and SD exam requests.
• Manages the team responsible for application processing and admissions coordination for professional master’s programs; ensuring consistency and clarity across programs.
• Manages the MEng award strategy and administration, aligning with Faculty and university standards.

Academic Advising and Student Retention

• Develops, executes, and evaluates a comprehensive advising model that supports the academic, personal, and professional success of students across multiple programs and diverse disciplines.
• Provides expert academic advising integrating knowledge of UBC and international educational systems, university tools, and degree requirements.
• Designs and delivers targeted interventions and outreach for students at risk of academic failure and special population advising.
• Investigates and resolves complex student issues and works to facilitate appropriate resolution, including queries received from faculty members and campus colleagues.
• Investigates, evaluates, and resolves discrepancies in student records; authorises changes when appropriate.
• Identifies and supports students in crisis by facilitation action plans and connecting them with appropriate academic and/or wellness resources across campus.
• Promotes holistic student development, encouraging active engagement in learning, scholarly pursuits, campus life, and community engagement.
• Represents the Faculty at recruitment and yield events; develops advising strategies to support prospective students and support conversion and retention efforts.

Project Management

• Responsible for leading strategic projects that advance the priorities of the unit and Faculty and contribute to the continuous improvement of student services and academic processes.
• Manages full‑cycle of project execution such as graduation adjudication and program completion, academic advising and records process refinement, and workflow development by conducting research, building stakeholder consensus, implementation, evaluating outcomes, and recommending improvements.
• Acts as an advisor and subject‑matter expert on university‑wide student systems and service development initiatives.
• Leads special projects assigned by the Associate Dean or Director.
• Provides coverage for the Manager, MEL & MHLP Programs, in the event of planned or unplanned absence.
• Undertakes other related duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Manager, Graduate Academic Programs and Services is responsible for complex and mission‑critical decisions and strategic recommendations regarding the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of academic program delivery and student services across multiple professional master’s programs. These decisions directly influence the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of services provided to students and faculty, and have measurable impact on student success, reputation, and institutional compliance.

This role requires balance the distinct and sometimes conflicting objectives of various stakeholders, including students, faculty, leadership and external accreditation bodies, while ensuring alignment with unit and Faculty goals, university policies, and national standards such as those set by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. Misinterpretation or misapplication of academic policies, program requirements, or advising decisions could result in delayed student progression, compromised graduation outcomes and reputational harm to the Faculty and university. Inaccurate advising or policy decisions may also jeopardise accreditation with potential for long‑term consequences to program viability. Poor or ill‑informed decisions at this level could have lasting negative effects on student outcomes, institutional credibility and the Faculty’s reputation.

Supervision Received

Reporting to the Director, APSC Student Services, the Manager operates with a high degree of autonomy and discretion and is expected to exercise sound judgment, strategic foresight, and collaborative leadership. Decision making must reflect a deep understanding of academic systems, policy frameworks, and student development principles. Work is reviewed based on the identification of and achievement of specific goals and objectives.

Supervision Given

Manages CUPE level staff and when required temporary staff members to ensure the effective delivery and high‑quality service to professional Master degrees. May provide work direction to colleagues. Provides direction, guidance and project supervision to less experienced staff members. Is expected to lead and manage projects that involve other colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of three to four 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 leader with the ability to engage others in the delivery of exceptional student services.
• Ability to analyze and interpret university policies and regulations related to programs and students.
• Advising experience at a post‑secondary institution preferred.
• Ability to manage the complexity inherent within a multi‑faced work environment focused on broad outcomes for students.
• Ability to communicate in a tactful and sensitive manner, particularly when working to resolve emotionally charged issues or when mediating a complex issue.
• Experience working both independently and on cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information, and make decisions independently.
• Exceptional skills required: oral, listening, and written communication, judgement, interpersonal skills, cross‑cultural sensitivity, organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
• Technical proficiency in using management computer software is required.
• Excellent communication, presentation, public speaking skills, interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to lead others and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of different stakeholders.
• Experience in a Windows‑based environment and CRM systems is essential, and a willingness to learn to use new systems.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends. Position may require occasional travel.

EEO Statement

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