Program Specialist, Extracurricular and Extended Learning

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia, Institute for Oceans and Fisheries, is seeking a Program Specialist for Extended Learning to coordinate non-degree programming and engage with program participants, staff, and stakeholders. The role supports recruitment, orientation, logistics, and course delivery across on-campus and online platforms.

Responsibilities include developing marketing materials, coordinating budgeting for Vancouver programs, and collaborating with multiple departments to ensure

Qualifications

• High School graduation, plus two year post-secondary diploma, plus 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 equity, diversity, and inclusion

Responsibilities

• Coordinate non-degree programming: recruitment and registration of students, staff and alumni; logistics for orientation and training of project leaders and student participants.
• Coordinate online course setup and access; build online courses using Blackboard Connect with Program Managers.
• Test and update online courses; resolve login and navigation issues with UBC IT teams.
• Develop marketing materials for non-degree learning programs and assist with program evaluation including surveys and data collection.

Skills

Diversity & inclusion

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma and 2-year post-secondary diploma

Related experience or equivalent education

Job description

Job Title Program Specialist, Extracurricular and Extended Learning Job Category CUPE 2950 Job Profile CUPE 2950 Hourly - Sr Program Asst-Gen (Gr8) Job Family Group Staff - Union Department Administrative Leadership | Institute for the Ocean and Fisheries | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $33.07 - $35.61 CAD Hourly Job End Date October 30, 2026 Posting End Date October 30, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. 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

The Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries contributes to a transformative global shift toward sustainable coastal ecosystems, oceans and fisheries. It brings together a community of Canadian and international experts in ocean and freshwater species, systems, economics, and issues—and provides new insights into how our marine systems function, and the impacts of human activity on those systems. With integrated research and education programs that span the natural and social sciences; including aquatic ecology, economics, zoology, anthropology, sociology, oceanography, marine geochemistry, microbiology, resource management and international maritime law, we are leading the way to healthy and sustainable marine and freshwater systems through excellent research, inspirational education, and innovative societal engagement.

Work Performed Extended Learning Programming:

Acts as key point of contact for program development team members; organizes meetings; tracks documents; and connects team members with required on-campus resources. Acts as key point of contact for prospective and enrolled program participants; fields program-related inquiries; assists program participants with administrative and logistical requests. Coordinate elements of non-degree programming, such as: a) recruitment and registration of student, staff and alumni b) logistics for orientation and training of project leaders and student participants; c) co-facilitation of orientation and training sessions as required. Seek and facilitate the access to financial and human resources support to team, as needed. Integrates learning resources into appropriate formatting for online or other teaching platforms. Builds and sets up online courses using online learning management systems such as Blackboard Connect, in consultation with the Program Managers. Sets up student access and supports students with login and online course navigation issues. Tests and updates online courses before they go live and resolves technical glitches with the support of related UBC IT departments. Proofreads and edits course content, as requested, in the learning management system. Develops marketing materials for non-degree-granting learning programs. Assist with planning and implementing of program evaluation - including communicating with participants; running database queries; collecting and collating evaluation responses; and preparing and disseminating surveys and summary documents. Work with stakeholders on and off campus to consult them for the development of the program, to identify of potential markets for new products, and to conduct recruitment activities for participants.

Vancouver Summer Program & Future Global Leaders:

Oversees the planning and execution of both the Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) & Future Global Leaders Program (FGL), such as student outings, meetings, recruitment and budgeting. Fiscally responsible for annual budget for the program; coordinates all expenses in collaboration with Student Ambassadors (Work Learn students). Participates in hiring of all VSP & FGL faculty and student employees, training and supervising the work of the Student Ambassadors (Work Learn students). Arranges all pick up/drop off schedules, social programming and other activity timelines to ensure appropriate coverage for events. Works collaboratively with VSP & FGL central office, instructors, and Student Ambassadors (Work Learn students) to ensure successful execution of all events. Attendance at some events required (includes evenings and weekends). Carrying out other related duties as necessary.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Must exercise tact and diplomacy in interacting with students, staff, alumni and faculty from UBC, staff at community organizations, and individual community members. The Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries has a high profile in the community and engages program participants in a variety of situations. All program staff must be aware of the need to minimize risk to participants and maximize the perceived and actual sensitivity of the program and the university to community issues. As the department is handling confidential information, staff must understand and respect the principles of confidentiality. Errors in judgment or the disclosure of confidential information could have very public consequences, affecting the reputation of the Centre and/or resulting in embarrassment to the University of British Columbia and its senior administration.

Supervision Received

Functions under the management and supervision the Manager, Administration & Operations.

Supervision Given

This position supervises part time (Work-Learn) student staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduation, plus two year post-secondary diploma, plus 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

• Experience assisting with program planning and implementation.
• Experience overseeing the administrative work in a small sized office.
• Experience establishing priorities and setting and meeting deadlines in a complex, every changing environment.
• Experience building, using, and managing databases required.
• Experience developing online newsletters and other communications tools.
• Experience supporting the recruitment students for events and programs.
• Experience in event planning and promotion.
• Experience working in a university, non-profit organization, or school setting an asset.

Skills

• Knowledge of community engaged learning and the value of community and university partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs and database software; specific experience with UBC systems (e.g. Canvas, Workday) an asset.
• Ability to problem solve and refine processes for efficiency.
• Adaptive, with ability to set priorities, take initiative, meet deadlines and anticipate and solve problems.
• Both goal and process-oriented with a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to take the lead when coordinating team wide activities as required.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to organize and promote events.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.

An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].