Academic Program Manager Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Who we are

At Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, we believe education is more than the pursuit of knowledge – it is a catalyst for transformation. Our mission, grounded in democratizing education, is to create access for learners from every background and empower them to achieve their aspirations and advance their careers.

We are committed to delivering rigorous, flexible programs that are both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding, while contributing to the betterment of society. Since 2004, Yorkville has been among Canada’s few private, for-profit, fully accredited degree-granting universities, with campuses in Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick. Together with Toronto Film School, we offer creative and academic pathways at both the college and university levels, cultivating a multidisciplinary environment where innovation and the arts converge.

Our community is vibrant and diverse. Many of our learners are adults balancing education with careers and personal commitments. Every member of our team – whether in teaching, operations, or technology – is dedicated to removing barriers and expanding access. Together, we deliver flexible, industry-informed learning that leads to meaningful opportunities. 

At our core is human connection – guiding people to reimagine their futures in a community defined by opportunity, creativity, and growth.

Who we need

Reporting to the Director, New Program Development, we are looking for a Project Manager, Academic New Program Development. As our new Project Manager, you will play a critical role in Yorkville’s growth strategy, leading the development and launch of new programs from initial planning and proposal development through government approval, launch, and project close. You will manage multiple concurrent projects, lead cross-functional collaboration, navigate regulatory requirements, and work with senior internal and external stakeholders to keep complex initiatives moving forward. You will bring structure, sound judgment, and momentum to each project while contributing to the continuous improvement of project management processes and best practices.

This is a full-time, one-year contract role, working onsite three days per week at our downtown Toronto campus, until spring 2027 and then from our 120 Bloor Street West location.

What is in it for you

Impact. You will help bring new programs to life at an institution that supports over 1,000 faculty and staff and impacts 17,000 students across three provinces. You will take ownership of projects across the full new program development lifecycle, helping move new programs from initial planning and proposal development through government approval and launch. You will also contribute to improving the processes and best practices that support Yorkville’s continued growth.

Ownership and exposure. You will manage multiple complex projects at once, working across academic and business teams and with senior leaders, external experts, and regulatory stakeholders. You will have the autonomy to bring structure to evolving priorities, navigate challenges, influence without direct authority, and keep high-visibility initiatives moving forward.

Professional growth. You will deepen your project management expertise in a complex, highly regulated environment, gaining exposure to academic program development, government submissions, cross-functional leadership, and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to broaden the scope of projects and interest holders you manage while strengthening your ability to lead complex initiatives from development through launch.

As our Project Manager, Academic New Program Development, you will: 

• Lead projects from development through launch. You will take ownership of multiple concurrent new program development projects across the full lifecycle, from initiation and planning through proposal development, government review and approval, launch, and project close. You will develop and manage project plans, timelines, resources, dependencies, and deliverables, keeping work moving forward across multiple priorities.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration. You will bring together stakeholders across academic and business teams to drive projects forward, establish clarity around responsibilities and next steps, and maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle. You will facilitate effective meetings, navigate competing priorities and perspectives, and influence stakeholders at all levels without direct authority.
• Navigate approvals and regulatory requirements. You will lead the development of new program proposals for internal governing bodies and relevant provincial ministries. Working closely with internal teams, subject matter experts, consultants, advisory committees, and external reviewers, you will coordinate the information and input required to move programs successfully through review and approval.
• Track progress, risks, and financials. You will provide leadership with clear, timely updates on project status, KPIs, risks, issues, changes, and upcoming priorities. You will proactively identify roadblocks, develop mitigation plans, and manage project financials, including expense tracking, invoices, contracts, vendors, and project resources.
• Improve how projects are delivered. You will identify opportunities to strengthen and streamline project management processes, tools, and templates. You will apply lessons learned across projects, introduce practical improvements, and help build consistent PMO practices that support quality, efficiency, and Yorkville’s continued growth.
• Champion a collaborative and inclusive culture. You will contribute to a positive team environment and a culture of equity, respect, and transparency.

You have:

• The project management experience. You have successfully led complex, multi-phase projects with long timelines, multiple contributors, formal approvals, and changing requirements. You can manage projects concurrently, keeping deliverables, dependencies, risks, and timelines on track while coordinating people who are balancing project commitments with their day-to-day responsibilities.
• The ability to lead through influence. You know how to move work forward when the people contributing to a project do not report to you. You can build credibility with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and colleagues across academic and business teams, establish clear expectations, and hold people accountable for deliverables and timelines. You bring the emotional intelligence to navigate different personalities and priorities while maintaining productive working relationships.
• The critical thinking and judgment. You are comfortable working through ambiguity, changing requirements, and situations where there may not be an immediate or obvious answer. You can assess what is happening, identify gaps and risks, ask the right questions, and determine a practical path forward. You know when to adapt, when to challenge, and when an issue needs to be escalated.
• The experience working within complex processes. You understand how to manage projects where formal reviews, approvals, documentation, and compliance requirements shape how and when work moves forward. Experience in post-secondary education, government approval processes, academic program development, or another regulated environment would be an asset. 
• The technical and organizational skills. You are highly organized and comfortable managing detailed project plans, documentation, reporting, budgets, resources, contracts, and competing deadlines. You are proficient with MS Office and project management tools such as Smartsheet or MS Project. A PMP designation is considered an asset.

Why work at Yorkville University?

At Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, we are united by a shared purpose: placing the student experience at the heart of everything we do. Whether you are teaching, designing curriculum, advising students, advancing technology, or supporting operations, your work directly fuels learning potential, strengthens inclusive communities, and fosters purposeful curiosity.

Here, professional growth is part of our culture. In your role, you will have opportunities to help the launch of career-relevant programs, expand your expertise, and access tuition-free courses across our institutions - from certificates to master’s degrees. Curiosity, initiative, and innovation are encouraged, and your ideas can move from vision to reality.

Our scale offers the best of both worlds: the reach and stability of a national institution combined with the agility of a mid-sized organization, where contributions are visible and valued. You will be part of a diverse and inclusive community where authenticity is celebrated, collaboration is expected, and impact is shared - on students, colleagues, and your own professional journey.

At Yorkville and Toronto Film School, your work does more than make a difference. It empowers others to achieve their possible, while giving you the opportunity to realize yours.

Compensation philosophy

At Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, we believe compensation should be fair, straightforward, and supportive of your growth. Our salary ranges reflect progression from learning in the role to excelling, with each offer based on skills, experience, and role complexity.

This position offers a minimum annual salary of $80,000, a midpoint of $84,000 and a maximum of $87,000. Established hires typically start near the midpoint, while the upper range is reserved for those with deep expertise and sustained contributions. Offers below the midpoint recognize strong potential with room to grow.

We strive for equitable, consistent pay, though rates may vary within the same role based on performance, specialized knowledge, and impact.

We welcome conversations about compensation throughout the hiring process.

Join us

We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we seek, express your interest. 

What you can expect from our hiring process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor to discuss your interest in joining the company and in the role. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
• An in-person virtual interview with the Director, New Program Development, focused on your project management experience, approach to managing complex and competing priorities, and ability to influence and move projects forward through ambiguity. You will complete a short live exercise designed to explore how you think through a project scenario, approach problem-solving, and communicate your recommendations.
• A final virtual panel interview with members of the team and senior leaders. This conversation will focus on how you build relationships, collaborate across teams, navigate differing perspectives, and communicate with influence. You will also have an opportunity to learn more about the team, the broader organization, and the impact you can make in the role.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical components of life at Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, and we are committed to making these values an integral part of our culture. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including women, persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual + (LGBTQ2SIA+) community and other equity-seeking groups.

Yorkville University is committed to providing accessible employment practices that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability, please notify Human Resources at 1-877-429-4029.

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