Manager, MEL & MHLP Programs

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

Job summary

A renowned educational institution in Vancouver is seeking a Manager for the MEL & MHLP Programs. The role involves overseeing all program operations, enhancing student advising, and ensuring exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, a solid educational background, and experience in a post-secondary setting. This role is critical in developing relationships with faculty, students, and industry partners, contributing to the successful growth of the programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three to four years of related experience.
• Experience in advising at a post-secondary institution preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi-faceted work environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations, activities, and administration of MEL & MHLP programs.
• Advising students on academic planning and progression.
• Conduct research to inform student experience improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship management

Problem solving

University policy interpretation

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Management computer software

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level B Job Title Manager, MEL & MHLP Programs 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

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Ongoing

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.

UBC Professional Leadership Master’s Degrees in the Faculty of Applied Science are a suite of master degrees for professionals combining technical and leadership skills. The target audience of the MEL and MHLP programs, are working professionals and therefore demands exceptional, high quality customer service, and additional value add extra curriculum opportunities. The team works closely with multiple and distinct stakeholders – faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners. The programs have been positioned to align with industry trends, and with the high performing culture we operate at a fast paced and dynamic environment.

The Manager, MEL & MHLP Programs is critical to maintaining the success and growth of the MEL & MHLP programs. The Manager is responsible for the planning and management of activities, administration, and operations of the MEL and MHLP programs including academic advising, finance, admissions, student engagement, industry partnerships, and alumni relations. The Manager will hold a pivotal role in the relationship with UBC Sauder Robert H. Lee Graduate School to organize and deliver the business leadership courses and activities of the MEL & MHLP program.

Working 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, the Manager is expected to lead evidence‑informed improvements to student experience by conducting research, analyzing date, 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, MEL & MHLP Programs reports to the Director, APSC Student Services and works closely with the Academic Director, MEL/MHLP. This role works closely with the leadership team in APSC Student Services and across the Faculty and University. The Manager will work with MEL & MHLP students, alumni, APSC faculty and staff, internal and external stakeholders to ensure effectiveness of the MEL and MHLP programs and develop positive relationships with members of the Student Executive Committee to ensure a stellar student experience. The role will work closely and collaboratively with the Manager, Graduate Academic Programs & Services, to provide coverage and ensure the delivery of academic services to other professional Master programs across Applied Science.

Work Performed

Program Management & Development

• Responsible for all operational aspects of the MEL & MHLP programs, adapting processes to meeting evolving needs and targets.
• With the Director, APSC Student Services and Academic Director, contributes to the program’s strategic plans, goals and objectives by identifying issues and opportunities, evaluating organizational impact and developing strategies and initiatives to address issues.
• Leads program development in partnership with Program Directors, ensuring quality, equity, and consistency across MEL and MHLP offerings; making recommendations for change to the Academic Director and Director, APSC Student Services.
• Responsible for nurturing cross faculty relationships involving the delivery of MEL & MHLP teaching resources and expertise.
• Manages application processing and admissions decisions, ensuring clear communication and coordinated responsibilities.
• Works with Academic Systems team to manage complex course scheduling and negotiate with departments and faculties to resolve registration restrictions and optimize seat availability.
• Designs, develops, implements, and regularly assesses administrative policies and procedures facilitating the efficient and effective operation of the programs.
• Manages program curriculum changes in an efficient, and cohesive manner across all specializations. Ensures changes are passed through appropriate approvals within the school and at UBC.
• Works closely with UBC Sauder Robert H. Lee Graduate School on the operations, scheduling, and delivery of the business courses for the MEL & MHLP students.

Student Advising

• Oversees course planning, registration processes, student record management and standard operating procedures related to student-facing academic services and activities with the Manager, Graduate Programs & Services and the Associate Director, Academic Systems.
• Designs, implements and evaluates a comprehensive advising model to support the academic and personal success of professional Master students from departments across the Faculty. When relevant, attends and presents at conferences and workshops, and maintains membership in academic advising organizations.
• Advises students on academic planning and progression, integrating complex knowledge of UBC and international educational systems, University tools and systems, and degree requirements.
• Develops, assesses, and delivers interventions and outreach for students at risk of academic failure and special population advising.
• Investigates 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. Authorizes changes when appropriate.
• Identifies and supports students facing academic or personal crises, fostering a safe environment for students to seek help and acknowledge difficulties. Guides students in developing action plans and connects them with appropriate academic options and campus resources. Resolves complex cases through collaboration with multiple campus stakeholders.
• Develops in‑depth knowledge of UBC and Faculty policies and procedures and applies them to individual student circumstances, determining when an exception to policy may be warranted.
• Guides students towards a holistic and balanced approach to academics, personal and professional development, and health and wellbeing, encouraging active engagement in learning and scholarly pursuits, campus life, and community engagement.
• Represents the Faculty at recruitment fairs and yield events; supports prospective students advising and builds advising processes to ensure retention.

Operational and Financial Activity Management

• With the Director, APSC Student Services contributes to the preparation of the annual budgets for the MEL MHLP Programs.
• Provides oversight and leadership on the day‑to‑day budget management, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, compliance, and proactive adjustments to optimize resource allocation. Leads budget reconciliation to enhance cost‑efficiency and financial sustainability.
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of the CRM system.
• Develops and implements comprehensive communications strategies for improving student experience and increasing student satisfaction on surveys against benchmarks.
• Identifies and recommends appropriate technologies for streamlining processes within the program including an effective alumni tracking system.

Student Experience, Professional Development and Alumni Engagement

• Responsible for planning and managing all aspects of delivering a student experience to current MEL & MHLP students, including orientation, field trips, workshops, and activities.
• Develops and implements professional development initiatives, including alumni engagement, industry guest speakers, networking events and mentoring opportunities that engage current students, alumni and industry partners.
• Oversees the design, administration, and analysis of student and alumni surveys, providing the leadership team with strategic insights on satisfaction trends and recommendations for continuous program improvement.
• Explores ways to share resources and implement joint programming and opportunities for students across professional Master programs in Applied Science.
• Oversees industry specific advisory committees who advise the academic program directors on program and curriculum changes and improvements to meet the demand of the BC, Canadian, and international workforces.

Additional Duties

• Assumes responsibility for special projects assigned by the Associate Dean, EDI and Student Success, Academic Director and Director, APSC Student Services
• Provides coverage for the Manager, Graduate Academic Services & Programs, in the event of planned or unplanned absence.
• May represent the University, the Faculty of Applied Science, and MEL & MHLP programs at internal/external meetings and conferences.
• Undertakes other related duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Makes recommendations and decisions regarding the design, management and effective delivery of programs and services to ensure objectives are met. This position has a direct impact on the quality of the programs and services to students and faculty. Inability to work cooperatively with students, staff and faculty would jeopardize the effective provision of programs and services to students. This position has the complex task of coordinating and balancing the distinct objectives of various stakeholders, often with conflicting interests. Misinterpretation of policies or program requirements could cause serious repercussions for students in reaching their educational objectives, may delay advancement and graduation, and damage the reputation of the department. Decisions must be in line with program goals, the Faculty’s strategic plan and integrate with the vision and direction of the university. Decisions impact the quality of academic programs and influence the student experience. Poor decisions will have a long‑term negative effect on the Applied Science reputation and brand.

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
• Ability to work occasionally evenings and weekends. Position may require occasional travel