Special Projects Officer, Teaching Initiatives

Date Posted: 09/09/2024

Req ID: 39633

Faculty/Division: Vice-President & Provost

Department: Office of the Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Position Summary: 

Working under the general direction of the Manager, Teaching Initiatives in the Office of the Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education (OVPIUE), the Special Projects Officer (SPO) is responsible for identifying issues, advising on strategy options, recommending solutions, implementing project plans, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the OVPIUE and the Office of the Vice-President and Provost. 

The SPO, Teaching Initiatives will lead, coordinate and support initiatives relating to experiential learning and undergraduate research (including program design and administration and theoretical frameworks), models and practices to support faculty pedagogical development and knowledge transfer (including proposal development, project implementation, and establishing communities of practice), and the undergraduate academic experience. Additional responsibilities will be focused on supporting the enhancement of the University’s teaching awards and grants.

Such project management and implementation includes: (a) providing strategic advice and administrative support on undergraduate education initiatives, policy matters and other related teaching and learning issues, with a focus on impactful teaching practices, experiential learning, curriculum design, and pedagogical innovation, (b) leading, coordinating and facilitating project work, including project working groups and advisory bodies, to ensure deliverables are met within the required timeline, (c) advising on draft policies and proposals, (d) undertaking detailed research on a wide variety of issues and topics and maintaining understanding of current trends in both literature and practices relating to experiential learning, undergraduate research, and theories and practices to support faculty pedagogical development (e) developing draft communications such as reports, remarks, presentations, and correspondence, (f) ensuring maintenance of program and project web resources (WordPress and Sharepoint websites and associated materials) and supporting development of new web resources as required , and (g) ensuring ongoing maintenance of the highest level of pro-activity and service for the portfolio. 

Reviews and/or develops undergraduate academic continuity plans in conjunction with academic administrators in the event of a disruption such as labour disputes, pandemic health emergencies, and natural disasters. Ensures plans address feasibility of on-going provision of services indirectly related to academic continuity such as student services, registration, academic advising, financial aid, human resources and payroll, and information technology during a disruption and its aftermath.

The Special Projects Officer will coordinate, assist with and advance projects, initiatives and daily activities within the Office of the Vice-President & Provost that require knowledge of confidential information about Faculty staffing, priorities, new academic directions at the undergraduate level, and other strategic institutional initiatives. The role of the Special Projects Officer will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Qualifications Required:

Education:

• University degree required, post graduate degree (Master’s or Ph.D) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a university setting in progressively senior positions.
• Extensive experience within the University of Toronto, knowledge of University policies and procedures, governance structure, educational priorities, policy formation, and an understanding of the University’s organizational structure.
• Experience leading complex and multi-stakeholder projects.
• Knowledge about media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy, and an excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community.
• Demonstrated success in the design and implementation of new initiatives and processes.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with senior administrators, responding to and handling matters of a complex, confidential and sensitive nature.
• Demonstrated professional experience in understanding complex issues related to institutional policies and practices.
• Proven effective leadership and participation in committee work.
• Understanding of and experience engaging with and supporting impactful and experiential learning educational practices preferred. 

Skills:

• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets including complex formulas, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations) and scheduling software.
• Design and maintenance of Microsoft Access databases and other database software.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Sharepoint an asset.
• Web design skills such as content management software and Wordpress preferred.
• Familiarity with Acrobat and other Adobe software an asset.

Other:

• Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative statistical analysis procedures.
• High degree of political acuity and judgment.
• Ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination.
• Flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities. 

Closing Date: 09/23/2024, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: Salaried

Appointment Type: Budget – Continuing

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 — Hiring Zone: $91,937 – $107,259 — Broadband Salary Range: $91,937 – $153,227

Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

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