About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, Ministry of Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary Education (STEPS), the Director of Academic Operations provides strategic and operational leadership to advance the vision, mandate, and priorities of the Métis-led College. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing, implementing, and sustaining the governance structures, operational systems, policies, processes, and institutional capacity required for the successful launch, growth, and long-term sustainability of the College.

The Director oversees implementation of the College Business Plan and leads day-to-day operations, including academic programming, continuing education, student services, operational functions, and the recruitment and supervision of College staff and contractors. The role ensures the College fulfills its strategic, funding, regulatory, and institutional commitments while fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The Director plays a key role in advancing Métis-focused education, building strategic partnerships, and creating a culturally grounded learning environment that reflects Métis values, culture, and ways of knowing. The role supports the long-term growth and sustainability of the College while ensuring programs and services respond to the evolving needs of Métis citizens and learners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership

- Leads the establishment, implementation, and ongoing operations of the College in alignment with MNBC’s strategic priorities, values, governance, and objectives.
- Oversees implementation of the College Business Plan to support institutional growth, sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
- Leads the development and delivery of programs, initiatives, and projects aligned with funding agreements and strategic priorities.
- Provides strategic advice, recommendations, and updates to the Executive Director to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Supports financial planning, forecasting, reporting, risk management, and operational performance monitoring.
- Identifies opportunities to enhance innovation, efficiency, and the learner experience.

Policy Development and Institutional Planning
- Leads the development, implementation, and review of College policies, procedures, standards, and operational frameworks.
- Monitors legislation, government priorities, post-secondary trends, and Indigenous education practices to inform institutional planning.
- Conducts research and analysis related to post-secondary education, workforce development, and leading practices.
- Supports evidence-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Academic Program Development and Student Services




- Provides leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of academic and continuing education programs.
- Ensures programming aligns with Métis values, reconciliation goals, community needs, regulatory requirements, and institutional priorities.
- Oversees academic operations including program planning, scheduling, admissions, registration, student records, instructional delivery, and quality assurance.
- Collaborates with partners to develop programs that respond to learner, community, and labour market needs.
- Uses data, performance measures, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Oversees systems supporting admissions, registration, student records, program delivery, and learner experience.

Staff Leadership and Organizational Development
- Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and mentorship to College staff and contractors.
- Leads recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning, performance management, and professional development activities.
- Establishes performance objectives, evaluates outcomes, and ensures effective resource allocation.
- Fosters an inclusive, respectful, and culturally secure workplace grounded in Métis values.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
- Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with governments, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous organizations, Métis Chartered Communities, employers, industry partners, funding organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Represents the College on committees, working groups, and sector organizations.
- Leads engagement, communications, and student recruitment strategies to increase awareness and participation in College programs.
- Builds collaborative relationships across MNBC ministries to support integrated service delivery.
- Supports government relations and strategic engagement activities on behalf of the College.
- Maintains knowledge of programs, services, funding opportunities, and sector developments.

Compliance, Reporting, and Funding
- Ensures compliance with legislation, regulatory requirements, funding agreements, institutional policies, and quality assurance standards, including PTIRU requirements.
- Oversees preparation of reports, briefing notes, proposals, and documentation for regulators, funding partners, and MNBC leadership.
- Monitors institutional performance, identifies risks,



and implements corrective actions.
- Supports funding development through grant applications, proposals, and partnership opportunities.

Supervision Given Provides leadership and oversight to Registrar’s Office, Academic Support, and Student Support services, including enrollment, registration, academic programming, instructors, regional coordination, learner supports, accessibility services, communications, IT services, and financial aid.

Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution required.
- Master’s degree in Education, Education Administration, or a related field considered an asset.
- Training in Indigenous education, culturally responsive pedagogy, decolonizing education frameworks, instructional design, learning management systems, adult education methodologies, or project management considered an asset.

Experience
- Minimum seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in post-secondary education, higher education administration, or a related field.
- Minimum four (4) years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams, including supervision, coaching, and performance management.
- Demonstrated experience in academic administration, institutional operations, and post-secondary program development.
- Experience in strategic planning, policy development, project management, financial management, and operating budget development.
- Experience developing funding proposals, managing funding agreements, and preparing complex reports and policy documents.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, and learners considered an asset.
- A combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge and awareness of the historical and contemporary contributions of Métis people in British Columbia.
- Commitment to reconciliation and advancing culturally safe, learner-centred educational environments.
- Strong understanding of post-secondary education systems, institutional governance, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong leadership, organizational, financial, and project management skills.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, solve complex problems, manage conflict, and balance competing priorities.

Additional Requirements
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class 5 driver’s licence may be required.
- Ability to travel throughout British Columbia as required.
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

📌 26-123 - Director, Academic Operations (British Columbia)
🏢 Métis Nation British Columbia
📍 British Columbia