• Job Description

  Req#: JR14374
  Staff - Non Union

  Job Category

  M&P - AAPS

  Job Profile

  AAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level A

  Job Title

  Graduate Program Manager

  Department

  Student Academic Services | School of Public Policy and Global Affairs

  Compensation Range

  $4,688.67 - $6,754.00 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

  September 27, 2023

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

  Job End Date

  Overview
  

  The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) seeks to be a leading centre for innovation in governance and global public policy. The School is home to the Liu Institute for Global Issues (Liu), the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI), the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE), and the Institute of Asian Research (IAR) which includes 5 distinct research centres focusing on Southeast Asia, India and South Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. With a university-wide mandate, the school offers a wide range of non-degree and non-academic educational programming for students at all levels, faculty, staff, and the community to engage in. These include activities such as the Institute for Future Legislators (IFL), the Women in House Program, the Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP), the Lind Initiative speaker series, and the Policy@UBC series among others.

  SPPGA’s flagship academic program, the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA), is a rigorous professional global public policy program with particular expertise in Asia Pacific and sustainability policy. The MPPGA and specialized programs run by the school operate within a highly competitive international market; we compete for top Canadian and international students against highly-ranked global schools. This competitive environment, combined with high student expectations, demands the highest service levels. The program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to examine complex political, socioeconomic, environmental and cultural issues from a global perspective while taking into account important regional and local dynamics. Academic work is complemented by a suite of supports for early and mid-career professionals such as career advising, work-integrated learning, skill development workshops, and networking opportunities to ready them for the next step in their careers as global change makers.

  Job Summary
  
  The Graduate Program Manager has operational oversight and shared strategic leadership for all professional graduate programs in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. The Graduate Program Manager is responsible for all aspects of program administration and student programming from admissions to graduation including developing, providing, evaluating and managing the academic, professional development , and experiential learning offerings, program policies and procedures advising for students, and liaising with alumni and faculty in SPPGA’s professional graduate programs. The incumbent leads the MPPGA Student Experience team to create, implement, manage and evaluate programs/initiatives that increase student engagement and satisfaction and support student success. The Manager also supports recruitment efforts to attract and retain students throughout the admissions process.
  
  Organizational Status
  
  Reports to the Manager, Student Academic Services and takes direction from the Graduate Program Director. Works collaboratively with the MPPGA Career & Co-op Manager. Works closely with senior-level managers in SPPGA, the Faculty of Arts, and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and across the University. Develops positive relationships with faculty from across the University, and works closely with student societies to ensure an excellent student experience in line with professional school requirements. Supervises the MPPGA Program Coordinator and MPPGA Program Assistant as well as temporary staff and student workers as required.
  
  Work Performed
  
  Major responsibilities fall under Program Development, Management & Advising; Student Development & Engagement, Recruitment & Admissions , Student Awards & Financial Management, and Alumni Engagement. The Graduate Program Manager evaluates the effectiveness of programs, services and service-delivery, policies, and processes; determines and implements changes required to improve the experience of domestic and international students.

  
  PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT & ADVISING

  Assumes operational responsibility for all graduate programs in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and supports strategy development. Leads the development and implementation of annual and multi-year program plans to meet the goals of the School and aligned with the UBC-wide strategic plan and supporting plans including the Inclusion Action Plan and the Indigenous Strategic Plan. Designs and implements an advising program to address the unique social and academic integration needs of students to ensure their success and retention. Develops relationships with and advises students on academic planning, course selection, continuation and graduation, stream requirements, and program changes. Investigates and resolves complex student cases, escalating them when needed. Provides career and/or professional development advice to students as needed. Evaluates student requests for academic concession and provides appropriate advice, action and follow-up. Identifies students in crisis, either personal or academic, counselling students on available academic options and making appropriate referrals to relevant university support units. Investigates and evaluates discrepancies in student records (e.g. Un-graded courses, year levels, program specializations, changes in registration, credit loads). Advises students accordingly and authorize changes where appropriate. Interprets and advises on University and SPPGA policies and procedures. Designs and implements program orientation and preparation activities for all incoming students. Develops pre-arrival resources for incoming students to improve readiness for academic success. Establishes strong working relationships with student leaders and the general student population. Develops initiatives and attends student events to build relationships with students. Manages faculty engagement with program activities such as onboarding, course-related issues, mentorship programs, and event participation. Represents the program and liaises with partners/units across campus and within the School. Provides program-related feedback and input into faculty-led committees. Responsible for implementing the MPPGA components of the SPPGA partnership strategy Provides feedback regarding needed/proposed curriculum changes. Works closely with the Dean s Office, faculty, students and central UBC to ensure curriculum changes are accurate and timely. Implements curriculum changes and communicates new offerings/requirements to students. Represents the MPPGA program to external stakeholders, potential mentors, industry professionals and other units within the University. Provides expertise, advice and knowledge of University policies and procedures to faculty, the MPPGA Graduate Program Director and the MPPGA Admissions Committee. Conducts regular evaluation of all aspects of the program to identify areas for improvement.

  STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Leads the design , implementation, and evaluation of annual and multi-year plans to enhance student development including for equity seeking groups and indigenous students. Designs, develops and delivers innovative activities and services for students to support their learning experience and develop their personal and professional skills. Includes material and resource development, managing the hiring of facilitators, and ensuring the right balance is struck between academic and professional development demands Works closely and collaboratively with the MPPGA Careers and Co-op Manager by contributing to the career strategy development and liaising on professional development activities. Responsible for developing and managing the MPPGA mentorship programs and student peer programs. Acts as a primary contact for various student groups and student-led programming (including the MPPGA Student Association) to identify synergies for the effective delivery of peer programs and leadership opportunities for students at SPPGA. Meets regularly with student leaders and participates in student committees where appropriate. Collaborates with student groups to effectively deliver programs and activities that encourage student involvement and engagement in the SPPGA and UBC community and beyond. Collaborates with other student service areas across UBC to build resources and develop programs to enhance the professional program student experience; also leads on coordinating support for graduate program committees. Manages international exchange opportunities for incoming and outgoing students to the MPPGA. Includes researching new opportunities and awards, advising students on and promoting opportunities, facilitating course approvals and registration in conjunction with the Program Coordinator, facilitating the review of incoming applications, and ensuring students are complying with the UBC safety abroad policy. Coordinates info sessions, and pre-departure training for outgoing international exchange opportunities and orientation for incoming students in partnership with Go Global and Faculty members. Coordinates transfer credit for exchange students.

  STUDENT AWARDS, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, ADMINSTRATION

  Oversees the coordination of MPPGA Domestic and International scholarships and program award distribution and adjudication. Leads on the design, implementation and evaluation of mechanisms to allocate SPPGA-funded student opportunities, conferences and awards in an effective and equitable way. Monitors sub-budgets for various program activities and oversees day-to-day spending ensuring that expenses fall within budgeted guidelines conjunction with the SPPGA Manager Administration and the Manager, Student Academic Services. Oversees the allocation of the MPPGA Student Association budget and advises them on use of funds that are fiscally responsible with guidance from the SPPGA Admin Manager. Ensures that SA spending enhances the academic experience and furthers the SPPGA brand. Oversee communications with external vendors to procure and purchase goods and services for program activities.

  
  SCHEDULING

  Oversees all course, exam, and co-curricular programming scheduling requirements for the Coordinates with instructors in SPPGA and with other departments across campus regarding the allocation of teaching schedules and other teaching requirements including the timing, number, and size of course sections for SPPGA programs. Manages the course registration process for all professional graduate course offerings.

  RECRUITMENT & ADMISSIONS

  Works with the Recruitment Specialist to provide input on and support the implementation of the MPPGA Recruitment strategy including representing the program at various recruitment events. Meets with prospective students to discuss program requirements, fit and eligibility. Provides advice on transferable credits for admission to UBC and oversees and directs the assessment of all transfer credits. Manages the admissions process including overseeing timelines, evaluation, and the work of the Program Coordinator who collects, collates and provides admission materials in a timely manner to faculty members on the Graduate Admissions Committee. Manages the hiring, workload, and performance of the Program Coordinator and Program Assistant, student staff and temporary staff as needed.

  ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

  Provides input to and implements various aspects of the School’s Graduate Alumni Strategy such as the organization of special or annual events. Oversees and coordinates program communication with alumni such as; emails, newsletters, surveys and the collection of information for program purposes. Engages with marketing and events team in providing strategic advice on student stories and potential leads for future collaborations for promotional and development purposes.

  CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

  The incumbent exercises considerable judgment and must demonstrate tact and discretion. This position interacts directly with students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as the academic and professional community on issues concerning professional development, registration, graduation, academic progress, admissions, and funding. The incumbent's work directly affects the reputation of the School and University. Incorrect or inappropriate decisions may jeopardize students' academic progress, the quality of a students' experience, SPPGA funding, as well as reflect negatively on the reputation of the School, academic programs or UBC. Breaches of confidentiality in handling student issues could lead to legal and financial problems and could hinder a student's academic or professional progress.

  
  This position has a direct impact on the quality of the programs and services to students and faculty. Inability to work cooperatively with students, staff and faculty would jeopardize the effective provision of programs and services to students. Poor management of staff or volunteers may lead to inefficiency, discontent or grievances.

  
  The incumbent manages relationships within a multi-cultural and ethnically diverse student body. This position has the complex task of coordinating and balancing the distinct objectives of various stakeholders, often with conflicting interests. Decisions must be in line with SPPGA goals and integrated with the vision and direction of the university.

  
  Decisions impact the quality of academic programs and influence the effectiveness of student management. Poor decisions will have a long-term negative effect on the marketability of the program and adversely impact the reputation of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs as well as the integrity of SPPGA graduate programs. Errors in judgement and failure to meet students' expectations may negatively impact the overall image of the School as an institute for superior public policy education and/or result in a loss of exceptional students to competitor schools. Decision-making is based on a thorough knowledge of the policies and procedures of the University and SPPGA. The incumbent exercises considerable judgement and must demonstrate tact and discretion.

  SUPERVISION RECEIVED

  Reports to the Manager, Student Academic Services. Works independently under general direction from the Manager, Student Academic Services and the Graduate Program Director.

  SUPERVISION GIVEN

  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.

  Manages and oversees the work of the Program Coordinator and Program Assistant. Manages the hiring, workload, and performance of a temporary staff and student staff. Hires, trains, develops, and reviews the performance of staff as required.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of one to two 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 in student advising considered an asset. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of student affairs and practices including issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Competence or interest in developing competence in working with Indigenous students and colleagues.

  Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and workshops. Ability to exercise sound judgment and make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions. Ability to exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy when dealing with faculty, students, and staff. Cross cultural experience an asset. Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people in a courteous, calm manner. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.

  Must be able to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to be thorough, maintain accuracy and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail. Ability to anticipate problems and issues and plan ahead. Ability to analyze problems, identify key information, and effectively resolve issues. Effective policy interpretation and implementation skills. Experience supervising unionized staff preferred. Ability to work flexibly on weekends or weeknights may be required. Off-campus travel required, domestic and international travel may be requested.

• About the company

  25306 The University of British Columbia is a public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia.

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