Program Development Manager Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

COMPETITION NUMBER: 1758
CLOSING DATE: September 20, 2026 @ 11:59PM MDT

ACADEMIC QUALITY AND INNOVATION

NorQuesters are difference makers, and we're searching for someone dedicated to making a difference to join our Academic Quality and Innovation team as a Manager, Programs and Pathways.

Reporting to the Associate Dean, Academic Development, the Manager, Pathways and Program development is a strategic and operational leadership role responsible for advancing the design, development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of academic programs and learner pathways. This role ensures programs are innovative, responsive to workforce and community needs, and aligned with regulatory and institutional requirements.

The Manager leads program lifecycle processes-from development through review and renewal-while supporting accreditation activities, strengthening learner mobility, and enabling high-quality, accessible educational pathways. Through leadership of a specialized team and collaboration with internal and external partners, this role enhances NorQuest's ability to deliver integrated, evidence-informed programming that supports student success and institutional priorities.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Provide leadership and direction to the Pathways and Program Development team, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing environment.
• Lead the operational coordination of new academic program development, including workflows, templates, and approvals.
• Oversee internal academic program review processes to ensure continuous improvement, evidence-informed decision-making, and quality assurance.
• Support external academic program reviews, accreditation activities, and regulatory compliance, ensuring readiness and mitigating institutional risk.
• Develop and advance learner pathways, including transfer, laddering, and partnership agreements with post-secondary institutions and external partners.
• Collaborate with academic leadership, institutional research, program operations, and external stakeholders to align programming with institutional priorities.
• Apply expertise in Advanced Education guidelines, provincial frameworks, and PAPRS (Provider and Program Registry System) submission processes to ensure programs meet all regulatory and approval requirements.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that support program innovation, student mobility, and institutional effectiveness.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor's degree in education, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in post-secondary education, academic program development, quality assurance, or academic administration.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory processes.
• Experience managing teams, coaching staff, and supporting performance and development.
• Experience working with accreditation bodies, government approval processes, or academic governance structures.
• Experience drafting partnership or transfer agreements between post-secondary institutions is considered an asset.

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?
As a difference maker, you bring:

• Strong knowledge of program development, program architecture, and academic approval processes in post-secondary education.
• Expertise in program review, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of learner pathways, transfer systems, and student mobility within the post-secondary landscape.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment in interpreting policies, data, and risk.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to develop formal documentation, reports, and agreements.
• A collaborative, relationship-focused approach to working with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

SALARY: $3639.10 - $4550.14 bi-weekly reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time, 2 year term position, requiring a minimum of 2 days a week on campus, that offers immediate access to comprehensive pension and benefits programs, generous vacation entitlements, a flexible benefits package, and a strong culture of continuous learning. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures.

We offer flexible work options, please refer to our Flexible Workstyles Procedure. This role  will require a minimum of 2 days a week on campus. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities. 

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate's suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

• International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
• World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers - we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution's work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we'll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.