Program Manager, Black Student Initiatives

University of British Columbia; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Program Manager for Black Student Initiatives in Kelowna. The role is crucial in supporting Black-identifying students through tailored programs and services aimed at fostering equity and inclusion. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in working with diverse communities and a commitment to enhancing the student experience. This position involves advising, program development, and collaboration with campus partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and group advising for Beyond Tomorrow Scholars.
• Develop referral pathways for Black-identifying students.
• Design and lead culturally responsive workshops.

Skills

Experience with Black communities

Advising skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Program design

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Staff - Non Union | Job Category: M&P - AAPS | Job Profile: AAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level B | Job Title: Program Manager, Black Student Initiatives | Department: UBCO | Program Support | Student Engagement and Learning

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: October 15, 2025

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

Job End Date: Ongoing

In alignment with a Special Program approved under BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, the Student Experience Office will be restricting the hiring of this position to an individual who self-identifies as Black. In your cover letter, please explain your interest in this position, outline your previous experience and indicate whether you self-identify as Black.

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

Aligned with UBC’s Student Strategic Plan and the institutional priorities outlined in the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) report, the Program Manager, Black Student Initiatives position plays a critical role in supporting two distinct but intersecting student populations: Black-identifying students and Beyond Tomorrow Scholars. The Program Manager works to advance equity, inclusion, and student success by providing tailored support to both graduate and undergraduate students within these communities. Reporting to the Director, Student Engagement and Learning at UBC Okanagan, with a dotted-line report of partnership and collaboration to the Program Manager, Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program at UBC Vancouver, the Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a range of wrap-around support services, student success programs, and community-building initiatives. These services promote holistic personal growth, create conditions for full participation, and support academic and professional development for Black-identifying students. This is not a formal advocacy position.

The Program Manager collaborates with campus partners to build supportive and inclusive environments and referral pathways for all Black-identifying students—including those not affiliated with the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program—while also coordinating the wraparound supports and programming unique to Beyond Tomorrow Scholars. Programming reflects student feedback and leverages evidence-informed practices to help all students thrive in alignment with UBC’s institutional commitments.

Organizational Status

This position is based at UBC Okanagan and works as a member of the Student Experience Office (SEO) within the Student Engagement & Transition portfolio. The Program Manager collaborates closely with the Equity & Inclusion Office, Academic and Career Development, Wellbeing and Accessibility Services, Enrolment Services, the College of Graduate Studies, faculty partners, and the Program Manager, Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program (based in Vancouver). The Program Manager engages in collaborative work across both UBC campuses to ensure strategic coordination and cultural relevance in all supports offered.

Work Performed

• Provide one-on-one and group advising and case management for Beyond Tomorrow Scholars, supporting academic progress, personal wellness, and institutional navigation.
• Develop referral pathways for Black-identifying students to specialized resources across both campuses, including mental health, accessibility, academic, career, leadership, human rights, and financial support services.
• Design, coordinate, and lead culturally responsive workshops and dialogue spaces focused on identity development, community healing, and resilience.
• Establish and maintain relationships with Black-affiliated student clubs and groups; support their student-led initiatives and leadership development.
• Initiate and nurture relationships with community organizations to support the goals of Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program and the Black student population.
• Design, plan and implement pre-arrival, orientation, and transitional programming for Beyond Tomorrow Scholars and the Black student population.
• Design and administer mentorship programs that connect students with faculty, staff, alumni, or community mentors who reflect their identities and professional interests.
• Collaborate with the BTSP Vancouver team on shared initiatives, student support structures, and long-term engagement plans for program alumni.
• Manage the operations of the Black Student Space including scheduling, programming, staffing, resource curation, and physical environment.
• Conduct needs assessments and implement program evaluation frameworks, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to inform ongoing improvements.
• Hire, train, and supervise a team of student staff and volunteers, supporting their professional growth and capacity to serve their peers.
• Lead or contribute to campus committees focused on equity, anti-racism, or student inclusion, ensuring Black student needs and priorities are considered.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Program Manager exercises judgment in complex and sensitive situations involving student wellbeing and identity. Failure to support students effectively or to follow institutional policy may result in harm to individuals, loss of trust among Black-identifying communities, and reputational damage to the university. Errors in program delivery or advising may impact student persistence and satisfaction.

Supervision

Supervision Received: Works independently under the general direction of the Director, Student Engagement and Learning, with a dotted-line report of partnership and collaboration to the Program Manager, Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program at UBC Vancouver (for functional purposes).

Supervision Given: May supervise professional staff. Provides supervision to student staff, volunteers, and peer mentors. Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management. Supports leadership development of student staff.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of 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 experience working with Black communities and a nuanced understanding of the diverse experiences of Black-identifying students in Canada.
• Advanced advising skills with a strong foundation in case management and support planning within a university setting.
• Proficiency in program development that centers identity, cultural affirmation, and inclusion, including experience using frameworks in designing multi-session series and co-curricular learning pathways.
• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices in equity and anti-oppression frameworks.
• Familiarity with academic and student support structures for both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience with community engagement, including building external partnerships with Black-led organizations and alumni networks.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills - planning and managing programs and events from inception to follow-through.
• Demonstrated proficiency in program design and development.
• Demonstrated ability to design program assessment plans using mixed methods approaches and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Strong written communication skills, including preparing proposals, assessment reports, and briefing documents.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Experience working across multiple institutional units and with community organizations.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, adjust prioritization, and apply critical thinking to work with evolving scope.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across a multi-campus environment
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries.
• Familiarity with university student systems (e.g., Workday), and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and digital communication tools.
• Though not frequently required, must be able to travel within British Columbia and to other national/international locations, and to work in evenings and on weekends.