Academic Program and Planning Specialist, Office Provost and Vice-President Academic

Position: Academic Program and Planning Specialist, Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic
Academic Program and Planning Specialist, Office of the Provost and Vice‑President Academic
The Academic Program and Planning Specialist is responsible for driving multiple complex project‑based initiatives across the university that may include resolution of business issues, strategic and academic planning, and process development and improvement. This is achieved through coordination, analysis, assessment, and reporting. A large focus of this role is supporting academic program analysis as well as the university’s tuition and fee strategy, including annual tuition consultation and rate‑setting processes and committees, in alignment with the institution’s strategic enrolment and growth plans.

The academic program and planning specialist excels in all areas of project management, business analysis, problem solving, and change management. The position is driven by the university’s planning cycles, and resultant annual processes, as well as projects. The incumbent coordinates between the university’s decision‑making and governing bodies, including committees, administrative offices, and academic units.

Duties and Responsibilities

Drafts, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates a wide variety of organizational analysis projects associated with annual and multi‑year plans.

Conducts comparative and case‑study research, competitor analysis, institutional analysis, and outcomes‑based assessments of plan implementation and planning processes in higher education with a focus on tuition and fees.

Compiles, interprets and presents large volumes of complex qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic decision making.

Coordinates and improves processes and projects of varying size and scope as they relate to academic plans.

Fosters relationships with key internal stakeholders, including working with university leadership and peers to coordinate planning activities, including plan development, resourcing, implementation, and monitoring.

Provides support on assigned projects, project teams, task forces, working groups, committees, colleges, schools and administrative units.

Prepares reports and other documentation for the office, other university governing bodies, committees, and senior leaders to inform and support decision‑making, coordination, and implementation of planning priorities and initiatives.

Collaborates with project teams and a variety of stakeholders across campus in preparing current and future state maps, drafting, developing and implementing project charters and proposals.

Develops briefing notes, correspondence, communications and reports in a time‑sensitive and confidential manner.

Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.

Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non‑judgement.

Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree; a master’s would be considered an asset.

A minimum of five years of directly related experience in data analysis and planning in higher education or similarly large, complex organization.

Experience developing or implementing business plans that achieve expected outcomes.

Thorough understanding of planning strategies, process improvement principles and practices.

Knowledge of university operations, processes, governance, timelines, culture and strategic priorities.

Experience in university‑level decision‑making processes, including committee participation or support.

Strong leadership, interpersonal, and consensus building skills.

Polished written communication and presentation skills to effectively present information.

Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Strong ability to take initiative, be…