Job Summary:
The Office of the Vice Provost & AVP Academic invites applications for the Associate Director, Program Review and Quality Assurance position. Faculty secondment may be considered.
The Associate Director, Program Review and Quality Assurance develops strategies to champion new academic direction and innovation in support of the University’s academic goals. The incumbent develops and implements policies, procedures, standards, and criteria, and leads quality assurance in support of academic program excellence.
The Associate Director advises working groups and committees to ensure programs are aligned with the Institute’s academic framework and follow Ministry requirements, leads institute-wide initiatives in support of academic quality, and advises on collaborations across faculties and schools or with external educational partners. This role liaises with internal and external stakeholders, acting as an advisor and key resource on academic program planning and quality assurance.
The Associate Director:
- Provides guidance on institutional procedures and B.C. Ministry standards related to program development and approval
- Supports faculty-led Program Working Groups and curriculum committees in conceptualizing and developing program proposals, including curricular structure and budget development
- Undertakes research on similar programs at other institutions and on program viability (including student and employer demand)
- Ensures communication of up to date information on program development and quality assurance to the UFV community, including through the PDQA website
- Develops and implements university policies and procedures related to course and program approval in light of Ministerial standards, institutional priorities and best practices in the field of curricular design
- Reviews and revises policies and procedures related to course and program approval and academic quality assurance
- Contributes and provides leadership to university-wide academic initiatives, particularly in relation to inter-disciplinary and cross-faculty curricular development
- Provides leadership for the review and revision of existing programs as well as institutional initiatives aimed at curricular and program development and renewal in alignment with documented best practices in curriculum design and with Iyaqawtxw (House of Transformation): UFV’s 2021-2026 Integrated Strategic Plan, Indigenizing the Academy, Internationalization Goals, and other foundational plans
- Liaises with relevant committees and areas, including Senate and Senate committees, Faculty Councils, Deans’ Council, Senior Academic Leadership Team, Research, Engagement and Graduate Studies, Institutional Research and Integrated Planning, Finance, UFV International, and external bodies and organizations as required
- Provides leadership to the process of suspension, and discontinuance of existing programs in alignment with documented policies and practices
- Conducts best practice research and analysis and recommends innovative models and frameworks to ensure academic integrity, and position the University of the Fraser Valley as a leader in quality programs and processes
- Takes a lead role in the recruitment, selection and training of new team members
- Provides effective leadership and direction the Program Review Office employees by establishing objectives and priorities, and fostering effective communication and cooperation of the team
- Evaluates and supervises employees in accordance with the collective agreement and university policies; ensures proper training and opportunities for professional development
- Manages performance and labour relations issues related to the employees supervised, including liaising with Human Resources to resolve confidential labour relations issues
- Infuses Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, leads by example, valuing differing perspectives and backgrounds and promoting equity, inclusion and respect in a diverse work environment
- Creates the conditions for people with Indigenous and diverse backgrounds to succeed at UFV
- Includes equity deserving groups in opportunities and decision-making
- Builds inclusive and diverse teams who have different perspectives, abilities, experiences, races, backgrounds, identities, and/or styles
- Invites and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement
- Demonstrates respect for all members of the UFV community and proactively works to create an environment of inclusivity and accessibility
- Engages in learning and activities related to actioning indigenization and understanding the impact of colonialism and the purpose of reconciliation
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree required
- Seven (7) years’ experience with and knowledge of curriculum development and academic planning in the post-secondary environment
- Previous supervisory experience is required
- A thorough understanding of UFV and its program and course development processes
- An understanding of the relationship between institutional priorities and program development
- Expert knowledge of academic/educational systems, standards, and best practices, particularly as they pertain to program and accreditation review, curriculum development, and academic quality assurance
- Advanced knowledge of Ministry guidelines and requirements
- Leadership skills with ability to provide advice, direction, and guidance, while influencing change and improvement
- Solid project and time management skills with the ability to build and work with high performing teams in carrying out major initiatives
- Advanced communication skills and interpersonal skills, including ability to interact with all levels of internal and external stakeholders, build relationships, establish rapport, influence outcomes, and resolve conflict
- Familiarity with regional/community needs and issues plus knowledge of the provincial, national, and global context and trends in post-secondary education
- Excellent research, analytical, presentation, and organizational skills
UFV Leadership Proficiencies
Create and implement plans - shape, align and execute the strategic priorities to meet student and community needs
Lead change – Remain flexible, adjusting to changing circumstances and lead positive change by balancing innovation and calculated risk taking
Cultivate collaborative relationships – Build effective working relationships internally and externally and collaborate to achieve mutually beneficial goals
Inspire and develop talent - Invest in developing yourself, staff and faculty, effective teams, and our culture of excellence
Make effective decisions - Make sound and timely decisions that benefit UFV in both straightforward and ambiguous circumstance
Infuse Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – Lead by example, valuing differing perspectives and backgrounds and promote equity, inclusion and respect in a diverse environment
About UFV:
The University of the Fraser Valley is located on the traditional territory of the Halq'eméylem-speaking peoples. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in Stó:lo Tém:éxw (Stó:lo Land; Stó:lo World). In all that we do, UFV strives to support and honour the Stó:lo peoples goals of self-determination and well-being on these lands. A commitment to Indigenization and Reconciliation is core to our institutional Vision and Integrated Strategic Plan: IYAQAWTXW — which means House of Transformation. This commitment includes the goal of centering Indigenous ways of knowing throughout our organization, recognizing our responsibilities to community, and a multi-year plan to increase the number of Indigenous faculty, staff, and administrators working at UFV.
UFV has four campus locations within the beautiful Fraser Valley in British Columbia. Recognized as one of BC's top employers, UFV offers a combination of career and lifestyle benefits. Join a team of 1,400 passionate professionals who value integrity, inclusivity and excellence. At UFV, you will serve a vibrant community, and shape the future of 15,000 students.
Indigenization, equity, and diversity are essential to our work as a university. A diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized. At UFV, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we proudly serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, members of groups that experience discrimination due to race, colour, place of origin, ancestry, and/or religion, persons who identify as women and 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities. We invite applicants to complete a confidential self-identification survey as part of the application process. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. Information will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the recruitment process, and results are not shared with the selection committee. Inquiries about the survey may be directed to careers@ufv.ca. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In an effort to be both environmentally and fiscally responsible, UFV will contact only candidates receiving an interview. We thank all applicants for considering UFV for employment. Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/ or a verification of their education credentials.
UFV is committed to the principle of equity in employment.
