Programming Specialist, Industry Training & Continuing Education

Olds College; Olds; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Alberta is seeking a full-time Programming Specialist to develop and coordinate industry training and continuing education programs. This role involves collaboration with subject matter experts to ensure programs meet the needs of learners and industry partners. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, experience in curriculum development, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity. Benefits include a competitive pension plan and generous vacation leave.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)

Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits

Generous Vacation Leave

Paid Holiday Closure

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in continuing education and curriculum development is an asset.
• Excellent communication skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of courses and programs.
• Collaborate with experts to design curriculum that reflects industry trends.
• Evaluate feedback to enhance program quality and effectiveness.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Budget management

Innovative thinking

Organizational skills

Education

Post-secondary education in animal science, business, or related discipline

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

About Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

Purpose of Position :

The Programming Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination, continuous improvement, and financial performance of Industry Training & Continuing Education programs, ensuring they meet the needs of learners, industry partners and the community. This position works closely with subject matter experts, external partners and other institutional stakeholders.

The Opportunity :

The Olds College Industry Training & Continuing Education department has an exciting opportunity available for a full-time Programming Specialist. This position is responsible for a portfolio that currently includes programs and courses in the areas of Animal Science and Business. This position is the lead role in our Professional Racetrack and Exercise Rider and Groom courses, various Industry Training programs, online Dual Credit programming, and our popular Veterinary Practice Management Certificate.

Key Responsibilities :

Program Development

• Lead the development, planning, and implementation of courses and programs, ensuring alignment with institutional and industry needs.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to design and update curriculum, incorporating the latest industry trends and innovations.
• Facilitate the hiring of contract instructors and Subject Matter Experts.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop recommendations for potential new programs, expanded programing and services.
• Develop program proposals based on needs assessments as identified by Industry.
• Create and monitor program budgets, and lead financial planning for new and existing initiatives.
• Evaluate and analyze feedback from participants, instructors, and industry partners to enhance program quality and effectiveness.

Student, Faculty and Staff Support

Provide customer service and information to internal and external clients, students and instructors regarding courses and programs.

Respond to requests for proposals for internal and external business training by drafting proposals or contracts.

Program Coordination & Administration

Lead annual program scheduling, budgeting, and instructor selection.

Coordinate the development and delivery of courses by working with various college stakeholders.

Monitor the performance of courses / programs, identifying potential opportunities and risks and developing plans to address them.

Monitor enrolments and program performance and develop program promotion through media channels, including social media, print, and events.

Stakeholder Engagement

Create and build upon industry connections to increase opportunities and customize training.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, faculty, and community organizations to identify opportunities for new programming.

Act as a liaison between Olds College and Industry clients to develop customized training solutions.

Support faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts in the development and delivery of programs and courses.

Marketing and Events

Develop and maintain communications and marketing plans and activities to support recruitment strategies and plans for prospective students.

Maintain stakeholders’ engagement initiatives for business development with market strategy for continuing education learners, employers with training needs and professional associations / regulators of occupational competencies.

Attend trade shows and other special events to promote Olds College Industry Training & Continuing Education offerings and services to potential students and industry contacts.

Education / Experience / Skills / Knowledge Required

A post-secondary education in animal science, business, curriculum development, education or a related discipline is required along with experience and / or formal education in Animal Science, Business, or Education. Bachelor’s Degree is an asset.

Previous experience in continuing education, online learning, and / or curriculum development is a definite asset.

Experience working with subject matter experts and instructors to develop and deliver programming.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This includes actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding.

Experience creating and managing budgets, creating reports, and tracking financials is key

Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

Proficient computer skills and experience with web-based tools and software such as Microsoft Office and Google.

Ability to solve complex problems that demonstrate innovative thinking, flexibility, collaboration, and a student-centric approach.

Highly organized with a great attention to detail.

Strong commitment to customer service.

The ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Conditions of Employment :

Current Criminal Reference check with a vulnerable sector check that is free of any offenses.

Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan :

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)

Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits

Health / Personal Spending Account

Generous Vacation Leave

Paid Holiday Closure

Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave

Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

Open until suitable candidate found

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.