Primary Purpose
The Academic Programs and Operations Specialist serves as a senior operational and administrative partner within the Academic Dean's Office (ADO), providing leadership and expertise in the planning, coordination, and execution of academic programs and initiatives across the College of Dentistry. Reporting to the Associate Dean Academic (or designate, including academic directors), this role plays a critical function in advancing the college's academic priorities through oversight of governance processes, accreditation activities, admissions, quality assurance initiatives, policy implementation, and operational excellence across undergraduate and graduate programming.
As a trusted resource to academic leadership, the incumbent contributes to strategic decision-making, facilitates institutional compliance, and supports the continuous enhancement of academic programs in alignment with university objectives and accreditation requirements.
Nature of Work
Operating within a highly complex and dynamic academic environment, the Academic Programs and Operations Specialist exercises a high degree of independence, judgment, and discretion. The role requires the ability to navigate competing priorities, manage confidential information, and support multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.
The incumbent collaborates extensively with faculty, students, senior university leaders, professional staff, and external stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of academic programs and the integrity of academic operations. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and operational effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Program Administration and Operations
- Provide leadership and coordination for academic administrative processes across the College's undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Support admissions-related initiatives in collaboration with the Admissions Coordinator, including applicant communications, recruitment activities, process management, and administrative support.
- Oversee workflow planning, records management, documentation, reporting, and deadline monitoring to ensure efficient and compliant program operations.
- Provide operational oversight and support for academic programming activities, including course scheduling, examination administration, student records management, and academic cycle processes.
- Lead and coordinate the development of course timetables and completion of Class Build processes.
- Provide comprehensive administrative support for collegial and academic program processes across the College.
Academic Leadership and Executive Support
- Provide senior-level administrative and operational support to College leadership, ensuring comprehensive preparation for meetings, initiatives, and strategic commitments through the development of briefing materials, background documentation, analyses, and reports.
- Support academic leadership in advancing key strategic priorities, ensuring timely execution of objectives and alignment with institutional goals.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, environmental scans, and strategic briefing materials for senior leadership, identifying trends, opportunities, risks, and areas for program enhancement.
Academic Governance and Committee Administration
- Serve as a key resource supporting academic governance and collegial processes within the College of Dentistry.
- Coordinate and administer committees and working groups by partnering with chairs to develop agendas, prepare supporting materials, document proceedings, and monitor follow-up actions to ensure accountability and progress.
- Facilitate effective communication and coordination among committee members and stakeholders to support informed decision-making and policy development.
Accreditation, Quality Assurance, and Compliance
- Coordinate and support accreditation reviews and quality assurance activities by leading the collection, analysis, and documentation of evidence required for institutional and professional accreditation processes.
- Ensure academic operations, policies, and practices align with university regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices.
- Monitor and support compliance-related activities while identifying opportunities to strengthen quality assurance processes and reporting mechanisms.
- Serve as a subject matter resource regarding academic policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements across programs.
Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement
- Partner with faculty and academic leaders to support the planning and implementation of curricular enhancements, academic innovations, and program development initiatives.
- Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements that enhance operational effectiveness, service delivery, compliance, and stakeholder experience.
- Analyze academic and operational data to support evidence-informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Contribute to the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of policies, procedures, and best practices that strengthen academic operations.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a strategic liaison among academic programs, administrative units, faculty, and support services to advance collaboration and alignment of academic priorities.
- Support major academic initiatives, admissions events, workshops, faculty development activities, and student engagement programs.
- Foster productive working relationships across the College and University by providing timely, accurate, and responsive service.
- Share knowledge, information, and expertise to support transparency, collaboration, and informed decision-making.
Professional Accountability
- Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and problem-solving abilities to address complex issues and ensure operational priorities and deadlines are achieved.
- Anticipate emerging needs and proactively develop solutions to support future academic and operational requirements.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, positivity, and a strong commitment to teamwork and organizational success.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean Academic Office.
Qualifications
Education:
Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., education administration, health sciences, business). An equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered.
Experience:
Minimum two to five years of experience in a post-secondary academic setting is preferred. Demonstrated expertise in academic program coordination and policy implementation. Familiarity with accreditation, quality assurance, and academic data systems are a strong asset. Experience working within health sciences or professional college is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
- High-level critical thinking and analytical abilities to assess and report on academic data.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and institutional systems such as Banner, Degree Works, RMS Recruit, and PAWS.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines under pressure.
- Proven discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
- High-level of professionalism
- A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with commitment to continuous improvement.
Department: College of Dentistry
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm, with occasional evening or weekend hours required
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 9/1/2026
Closing Date: 9/28/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.
