Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Professional Development

Description:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Working in coordination with the Dean, various Vice-Deans and Associate Deans (including but not limited to: Undergraduate, Graduate Education; Strategic Initiatives and Academic Planning, Research, Student Affairs, and Teaching & Learning) and reporting to the CAO, the Executive Director, Experiential Learning and Professional Development is responsible for strategic leadership in the planning, development, implementation, operation, successful management, and evaluation of the experiential learning, professional education, upskilling, and integrated academic program development in support of future-ready student outcomes for the Faculty of Arts & Science.

The incumbent will oversee a team of full-time professionals who ensure that:

• programming focused on the Faculty of Arts and Science provides exemplary support to departments and programs in the development and delivery of programming focused on experiential learning, including undergraduate and graduate curricular experiential opportunities, research and international opportunities, and co-curricular career-engaged learning initiatives.
• the Faculty is a leading partner in the U of T Co-op program, leveraging the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) and business and community relationships for student internships, while developing and expanding academic and departmental engagements with ASIP.
• the Faculty provides exemplary programming and support services to graduate students for learning, supports, and outreach aimed at promoting excellence in graduate professional development and academic success
• the Faculty provides flexible and future-ready programming innovations in support of the University’s mission for career ready student success.

The role of the Executive Director will focus on 5 critical areas:

1. Program leadership, strategy and business development to grow and enhance experiential learning opportunities (including practica, community-engaged learning, organization-partnered projects, field placements, research and international opportunities, and co-curricular career-engaged learning) across all A&S departments and undergraduate & graduate programs, and, where appropriate, Colleges.
2. Program leadership, strategy, and business development to grow and enhance the Arts & Science Internship Program, providing specialized professional development training and paid work-integrated learning opportunities to Arts & Science students, with a focus on preparing students for lifelong success in the labour market, and deepening relationships with local partners in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
3. Program leadership and strategy in the development of graduate student success supports and programming.
4. Leadership and management of growing and evolving teams, including developing optimal organizational structures which allow for coordination and alignment of activities between teams wherever possible, without duplication, and operation of growing units in relation to human resources, finance, space planning, facilities management and information technology;
5. Serving as a senior representative of the Office of Experiential Learning and Outreach Support, the U of T Co-op Executive Committee, and the Office of Graduate Professional Development & Student Success to engage and build positive relations with community partners and employers, university partners, alumni, and current and prospective learners.

The Executive Director is also responsible for developing and implementing strategies for marketing and communications related to their portfolio to attract and retain excellent students; ensure close connections between the Offices and academic departments; create a seamless integration of services with other services and education providers at UTSG, UTM and UTSC; and oversee the development of suitable experiential opportunities for students. The Executive Director promotes a team-based model of staffing whereby each member knows, respects and supports the work of their colleagues and the department as a whole.

The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the budget for the Office of Experiential Learning & Outreach Support, the Arts & Science Internship Program, and the Office of Graduate Professional Development & Student Success including revenue generation and developing evaluation measures to assess the effectiveness of the work of these offices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Minimum post-graduate degree at a Masters level, with a PhD preferred, in an Arts and Science Discipline, with expertise designing and directing academically-linked experiential learning, programming and outreach opportunities, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education and experience should include a focus on experiential learning principles, academically-linked program planning and evaluation, resolving related issues in higher education, and leadership.

Experience:

A minimum of 8 years’ experience of progressively senior administrative experience as a leader and manager of a mid-sized team; demonstrated experience in a role committed to excellence in meeting the needs of students, preferably in a post-secondary environment.

Significant program management experience, and experience developing and executing a departmental strategic plan is required.

Experience successfully leading and managing change in a complex setting that necessitates a dynamic and responsive action-oriented approach.

Experience with and an understanding of the increasingly important role of employment services to students within the post-secondary setting is crucial.

Extensive knowledge of educational services and public policy in the field of education in Canada and internationally.

Extensive knowledge and experience implementing strategic partnerships and new business opportunities in a University setting.

Must have the ability to articulate a vision and formulate action plans for the strong development of experiential learning and outreach support, and have a strong understanding of business and client development.

Strong management experience in a unionized environment and managing a team with multiple areas of expertise.

Demonstrated experience in transformative and innovative leadership and in successfully managing significant change initiatives.

Skills:

Demonstrated skills and interest in using technology in increase efficiencies. Must have strong analytical skills; experience with strategic budgeting, budget forecasting and financial analysis; adept with using critical analysis of date (including admissions, employment and survey data) to inform strategic decision-making. A creative and pragmatic, strategic thinker with strong implementation skills; proven marketing and networking talents. Demonstrated commitment to excellence in leading a diverse, professional team to achieve results and meet multiple stakeholder needs.

Other:

Must have high initiative, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and be a strong leader who is nimble and able to embrace and manage change. Must be politically astute with the ability to undertake sensitive discussions and advocate for the portfolio. Highly developed skills in oral and written communication, including effective presentation skills for small and large audiences. Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution abilities are required. Consummate professional with an ability to exercise sound judgment, tact and diplomacy under stressful circumstances.

Closing Date: 10/30/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried 
Personnel Subarea: PM
Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  PM 7 -- Hiring Zone: $151,028 - $176,200 -- Broadband Salary Range: $151,028 - $251,713
Job Category: Student Services