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
Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service.
Reporting to the Manager, Business Strategy, the Program Development Specialist develops non-credit learning opportunities that highlight the value and increase the 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, national and 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 OCAD U.
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 segments that hold strategic value to OCAD U
- Work closely with international partners to develop and deliver short courses, workshops and residencies
- Support the delivery of existing non-credit programs, including supporting incoming participants with registrations, drafting and distributing relevant communications, and general support, through the CRM and Registrations systems
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Work closely with the Manager to ensure 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 as required
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Assess and advise on the viability and feasibility of new learning opportunities as consulted
- Prepare budget proposals, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility in accordance with university 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 the Manager and Director, Learning Pathways, to research, identify and 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 existing learner-centred frameworks and design thinking principles to invite and develop emerging, market-relevant learning opportunities.
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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 clear value proposition, and are viable
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Work closely with Marketing & Communications to create communication and marketing materials that are relevant to 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, advisory activities, and guest lectures
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Collaborate with the Alumni Relations team to ensure alumni relationships are cultivated at an institutional level
- Support the development and implementation of the strategic development plan by coordinating and facilitating engagement activities with key partners through events, public engagements, workshops, and co-design sessions
Student-Centred Advising and Support
- Provide support and guidance to learners for program selection, application, and registration as needed, including 1:1 advising, presentations and review of supplemental application material (ie. portfolios, written statements).
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Work with the Manager to determine the admissibility and readiness of learners to enrol in application-based programs.
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Contribute to the development of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies throughout all programs, services and communications
- Support marketing and recruitment events, activities and initiatives as needed, which may include occasional weekend and evening hours.
Support the Manager and Director in other related projects that contribute to the successful operation of the Admissions, Recruitment and Continuing Studies departments.
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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
- Demonstrated expertise in developing and delivering educational programs tailored to mid-career professionals
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Demonstrated research and analytical skills, including the ability to assess market trends, learner needs, and emerging opportunities
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Experience with the LMS; experience with the CRM and registration system is required
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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
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Experience developing and sustaining strategic partnerships that support program development, learner engagement, and organizational objectives
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Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment
- Commitment 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
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Compensation: OPSEU Unit I, Appendix B, Grade B2; $66,925.74 to $87,958.44 per annum
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week. 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.
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.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Interested internal permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 or temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service applicants are invited to submit an updated *resume and cover letter (PDF) , no later than Tuesday July 21st, 2026.
- Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code
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.
OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities.
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.
