Program Specialist, Program Development & Partnerships
Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 35
Salary Grade: 14
The base salary will be $67,680 - $96,590 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.
Please note, this is an 18-month temporary full-time contract opportunity.
Secondments are Welcome
Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.
About Western
Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.
About Us
The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) is one of four departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience.
Responsibilities
The Program Specialist, Program Development & Partnerships provides strategic leadership in identifying, evaluating, and advancing new academic and professional program opportunities within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This role is focused on advancing key strategic initiatives, including international MEng pathway development, expansion of professional program offerings, and the exploration of revenue-generating academic programming within Engineering’s largest department. The position leads the development of external partnerships with industry and international institutions, conducts market and financial analysis to assess program viability, and develops evidence-informed recommendations to support program growth and long-term sustainability. Working closely with academic leadership and external stakeholders, the role contributes to the design and advancement of innovative, industry-aligned programs that respond to evolving workforce needs, particularly in rapidly growing fields such as Artificial Intelligence.
Qualifications
Education:
- Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., MBA, Engineering Management, Data/AI-related field, Public Policy, or higher education administration) preferred
- Advanced or applied knowledge in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies, or industry innovation trends preferred
Experience:
- 5 years of progressive experience in program development, strategic initiatives, partnership development, or a related field
- Experience conducting market research, environmental scanning, and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions
- Experience developing business cases, financial models, and program viability assessments
- Experience building and managing relationships with external stakeholders, including industry and/or international partners
- Experience translating stakeholder input and market insights into actionable recommendations
- Preferred:
- Experience in a post-secondary or research-intensive environment
- Experience developing or supporting academic or professional programs (e.g., graduate or continuing education)
- Experience working with industry partners to inform program design or workforce-aligned initiatives
- Experience advancing international partnerships or pathway agreements
- Exposure to revenue-generating or market-driven program models
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information from multiple sources (market, financial, stakeholder) and develop clear, evidence-informed recommendations
- Strong knowledge of market analysis, competitive positioning, and environmental scanning, with the ability to assess program demand and viability
- Ability to develop and evaluate financial models, business cases, and revenue projections, applying sound judgment to assess risks and opportunities
- Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and advance strategic opportunities, particularly in rapidly evolving fields (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, workforce upskilling)
- Strong understanding of industry trends and workforce needs, with the ability to translate these into relevant academic program concepts
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and evolving environments
- Strong relationship-building, influencing, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders, industry partners, and academic stakeholders
- Ability to design and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities (e.g., advisory panels, consultations) and synthesize insights into actionable outcomes
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, tailoring messaging to diverse audiences to support decision-making
- Demonstrated ability to lead and advance complex initiatives, managing competing priorities while maintaining alignment with strategic objectives
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and discretion, establishing priorities and approaches with minimal direction
- Strong understanding of the post-secondary environment, program approval processes, and institutional structures
- Ability to establish rapport with people from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the Department’s events and activities
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to learn and use new software
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.
Please Note:
This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
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