OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

OCAD University , Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.

It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.

Reporting to the Manager, Business Strategy, the Program Development Specialist develops non-credit learning opportunities that highlight the value andincreasethe profile of OCAD University’s (OCAD U) community of artists and designers. The incumbent supports the development of market-driven, innovative non-credit learning opportunities in art & design that meet the aspirations of learners and emerging creatives, while enhancing OCAD U’s local,nationaland global impact. This role emphasizes the engagement of alumni, industry and community partners in program development and special projects and works within a business development context to ensure programs are sustainable and return value to OCADU.

Summary of Responsibilities :

Program Development, Research,and Admin

Collaborate closely with faculty, industry professionals, and stakeholders to develop specialized non-credit programs and courses tailored to the needs and aspirations of mid-career, emerging professionals in art and design and other potential learner segmentsthat hold strategic value to OCAD U

Work closely with international partners to develop and deliver short courses,workshopsand residencies

Supportthe delivery ofexistingnon-credit programs, including supporting incoming participantswithregistrations,draftinganddistributing relevantcommunications, andgeneral support,throughtheCRM and Registrations systems

Work closely with the Manager toensure programs are financially sustainable and are relevant to new and emerging markets

Lead the development and submission of grant applications and other external funding opportunities,



serving as the primary point of contact and consulting with the Manager asrequired

Assess and advise on theviabilityand feasibility of new learning opportunities as consulted

Prepare budget proposals,monitorexpenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibilityin accordance withuniversity policies; provide administrative support in managing program budgets, financial resources, and procurement processes

Recruit, onboard, and support a diverse team of instructors and industry experts who bring practical experience and specialized knowledge to the classroom; ensure programs integrate opportunities for alumni engagement

Provide insights, data,and reports to inform strategic marketing, branding, and advertising opportunities

Work closely with theManager andDirector, Learning Pathways,toresearch,identifyand propose networks, partnerships and relationships that enhance the relevance of art & design education for lifelong learners and workforce development across various sectors

Develop and advance new and existinglearner-centredframeworksand design thinking principlestoinvite and developemerging, market-relevantlearning opportunities.

Work with campus stakeholders (e.g., School of Continuing Studies, Admissions, Recruitment) to map program proposals against other offerings, policies, and procedures to ensure they are distinct, have a explicit value proposition, and areviable

Work closely withMarketing&Communications; to create communicationand marketingmaterials that arerelevantto learners,promote enrolment in special programs, increase program visibility, and attract prospective learners, as needed

Relationship Development

Cultivate relationships with alumni to encourage their participation in non-credit program development, advisoryactivities,and guest lectures

Collaborate with the Alumni Relations team to ensure alumni relationships are cultivated at an institutional level

Support the development and implementation ofthestrategicdevelopment planby coordinating andfacilitatingengagement activitieswith key partners through events, public engagements, workshops,and co-design sessions

Student-Centred Advising and Support

Providesupportandguidance tolearnersforprogramselection, application,and registration as needed,including1:1advising, presentations andreview ofsupplementalapplication material(ie.portfolios, written statements).

Work with the Manager todeterminethe admissibilityand readiness of learnersto enrol inapplication-based programs.

Contribute to the development of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility (DEIA)



strategies throughout all programs,servicesand communications

Supportmarketing and recruitmentevents,activities and initiativesas needed, which may include occasional weekend andeveninghours.

Support the Manager and Director in other related projects that contribute to the successful operation of the Admissions,Recruitmentand Continuing Studies departments.

Qualifications :

Master’s degree in Art, Design, Education, or a related field

Four (4) years of experience in program management, preferably in adult learning environments

Demonstratedexpertisein developing and delivering educational programs tailored to mid-career professionals

Demonstrated research and analytical skills, including the ability to assess market trends, learner needs, and emerging opportunities

Experience with the LMS; experience with the CRM and registration system isrequired

Strong understanding of curriculum development, instructional design, and educational best practices

Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and build strong partnerships

Experience developing and sustaining strategic partnerships that support program development, learner engagement, and organizational objectives

Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environmentCommitment to support research-driven projects in cross functional teams

Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for student, staff,and faculty

Mode of Work: On campus, 3 days per week. This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements; however, a minimum of four days per week of on-campus work is required, with flexibility to adjust on-campus days and hours to meet department needs. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required, with shift premiums applied in accordance with the Collective Agreement. All flexibility and scheduling provisions are subject to the terms outlined in the Collective Agreement.

Compensation: Hiring Range - $66,925.74 to $76,724.74 per annum, commensurate with experience, plus benefits; Salary Range - $66,925.74 to $87,958.44 per annum.

Hours of Work : Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.

This posting is for an existing position.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons,persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.

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📌 Program Development Specialist (Ontario)
🏢 OCAD University
📍 Ontario