Programme Facilitator/Instructor

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Programme Facilitator/Instructor for its Humanities 101 Community Programme. This position requires designing writing courses for non-traditional adult learners and providing support within a diverse educational environment. Applicants should possess a university degree and experience working with marginalized communities, along with strong facilitation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.
• Experience with non-traditional adult learners.
• Teaching skills and experience coordinating volunteers are major assets.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Writing 101 and 201 curriculum.
• Supervise volunteer teachers and tutor students 1-on-1.
• Manage classroom dynamics and ensure a safe environment.

Skills

Classroom management

Group facilitation

Communication

Conflict resolution

Feedback provision

Education

University degree

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category Miscellaneous Staff Job ProfileMisc Staff Hourly - Non-credit Instructor Job Title Programme Facilitator/Instructor Department Program Support | Humanities 101| Faculty of Arts Compensation Range See details below. Posting End Date June 22, 2025

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

Job End Date

Jun 30, 2027

The hourly rate is $39-41/hour.

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.

This is a two year term position with an end date of June 30, 2027. The hourly rate is $39-41/hour.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Academic Director and Programme Manager of the Humanities 101 Community Programme (Hum), the Writing Coordinator plans and facilitates Hum’s Writing 101 and Writing 201 courses. Provides guidance and support for students, staff, volunteer teachers and alumni by creating and sustaining an encouraging and respectful classroom environment and Programme office.

This position requires the knowledge and ability to work effectively with non-traditional adult students who are passionate life-long learners living in or near Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and Downtown South, on very low incomes and with considerable challenges and strengths, including mental and physical health concerns. It requires a good knowledge of university procedures and policies, computer and classroom technologies, the ability to work closely with Programme faculty and staff, and to work independently and with good judgment.

Organizational Status
This position is a Part Time role, encompassing 15 hours per week: 7.5 hours on-campus on class day from 1:30 - 9:00pm; 7.5 hours self-directed, and/or facilitating Downtown Eastside/South community centre programming and events.

Work Performed

- Designs and implements Writing 101 and Writing 201 curriculum in collaboration with Academic Director

- Secures the services of 10–12 volunteer teachers who teach one class per semester
- Coordinates volunteer teachers, confirms teaching dates, collects and distributes relevant course materials
- Teaches one class per semester and substitutes for teachers if they are unable to make class
- Attends all Writing 101/201 classes and is responsible for classroom management and dynamics
- Facilitates a 30-minute group discussion and writing activity at the beginning of each weekly class
- Crafts weekly homework assignments
- Collects, assesses and comments on student assignments
- Tutors students 1-on-1 before class times
- Supervises volunteer writing tutor
- Supervises the classroom Work-Learn assistant

- Orients and delivers relevant information and guidance to students and instructors during class

- Ensures a safe and respectful classroom dynamic
- According to established Hum practices, respectfully encourages non-traditional students to participate to their level of comfort while enhancing their university experience.
- Consults with Academic Director and Programme Coordinator to identify contentious issues, and respond with tact and discretion. Uses Hum’s established practices for dealing with sensitive situations
- Participates in Hum’s Public Programme series, specifically facilitating summer study groups that take place in the Downtown Eastside/South Community Centres
- Attends regular course planning meetings—including steering committee—contributing ideas to the discussion and ensures follow-up on deliverables and initiatives pertaining to the Writing 101 and Writing 201 courses

- Supports student recruitment by attending and presenting at Writing 101 and Writing 201 information/application sessions bi-annually
- Facilitates work-preparations for the annual publication: collects and edits essays from contributors
- Maintains accessible and updated files of all course readings and materials, and uploads to online learning platform
- Compiles yearly course binders and materials
- Distributes regularly-scheduled course evaluations
- Follows and improves procedures in Programme manual and keeps manual updated
- Assists and supports Programme Manager and Academic Director with their duties as required
- Ensures staff are informed and updated on Writing course business
- Advocates for Programme concerns, protects privacy & confidentiality
- Other duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Misrepresentation of University and Faculty policies could cause students serious difficulty in attaining their educational objectives. Errors in providing information, support and guidance can directly affect the quality of student experience. Culturally, socially and personally inept interactions with Humanities 101 students and community members damage the credibility of the Programme and university in their respective communities and the ability of the Programme, staff, and university to sustain respectful relations with and effectively involve students living in those communities.

Supervision Received
The position has a dual reporting relationship to the Humanities 101 Programme Manager, and Academic Director. The position also works closely with the Hum volunteer instructors, staff, UBC volunteers, students, and alumni.

Supervision Given
Supervises the UBC Work Learn student assistant and coordinates volunteer Writing tutors.

Minimum Qualifications

- 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

University degree required. 3 years of relevant UBC experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Assets include:
- Teaching and discussion facilitation skills are major assets
- Experience working with non-traditional adult learners, institutions and marginalized communities
- Experience coordinating volunteers
- First Aid certified (Hum will provide professional First Aid training upon hiring)

SKILLS

- Excellent classroom management skills
- Excellent speaking and listening skills
- Excellent group facilitation skills
- Ability to give leadership and direction
- Ability to work well with students and give creative and critical feedback on their writing and presentations in a non-hierarchical manner
- Ability to resolve conflict in a sensitive and appropriate manner
- Ability to represent the Programme in public forums, like community events
- Ability to identify contentious issues and respond with tact and discretion
- Ability to communicate sensitive information in a clear and concise manner