Academic Operations and Systems Specialist

COMPETITION NUMBER: 1680
CLOSING DATE: APRIL 28, 2026 @ 11:59PM MDT

 

 ACADEMIC OPERATIONS – PROGRAMS & BUSINESS OPERATIONS

We are seeking an Academic Operations & Systems Specialist to play a key role in strengthening and modernizing academic administrative operations. This position provides operational leadership across academic support functions by reviewing, improving, standardizing, and automating processes that support high‑quality service delivery.

Working closely with Academic Operations leaders, Program Administration teams, and institutional partners, the Specialist drives continuous improvement initiatives, supports system adoption, and ensures administrative processes remain efficient, compliant, and sustainable in a changing post‑secondary environment.

This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys analyzing how things work, improving systems and workflows, and partnering with diverse stakeholders to turn ideas into practical, scalable solutions.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

  • Conduct ongoing reviews of academic administrative processes within Programs & Business Operations
  • Map current‑state processes to identify inefficiencies, duplication, bottlenecks, and gaps
  • Recommend and design future‑state processes to improve service quality, consistency, and efficiency
  • Collect and analyze operational data to support evidence‑based decision‑making
  • Develop and monitor performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of process improvements
  • Maintain process documentation, standards, and controls as systems, policies, and needs evolve
  • Identify manual or repetitive tasks suitable for automation
  • Design and support workflow automation using available institutional technologies (e.g., Microsoft 365, Power Platform)
  • Support the full lifecycle of process and automation improvements, including adoption and sustainability
  • Ensure processes align with academic policy, institutional requirements, and best practices
  • Support change management through communication, feedback collection, and adoption evaluation
  • Present updates and recommendations to leadership and stakeholder groups

WHAT YOU BRING:

  • Diploma in Business Administration, Operations Management, Process Improvement, or a related field
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in process improvement, business analysis, operations, or a related field
  • Experience in a post‑secondary or complex administrative environment is preferred
  • Training or certification in Lean, Six Sigma, project management (e.g., CAPM, PMP), or similar is an asset
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
  • Demonstrated experience mapping and documenting processes and implementing improvements
  • Experience with automation and digital tools, including Microsoft 365, Copilot, Microsoft Power Platform, or similar technologies
  • Proficiency with workflow and process‑mapping tools (e.g., Visio, Miro, Microsoft 365)

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?

As a difference maker, you bring:

• Strong understanding of process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex processes and explain them clearly

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to present information clearly, facilitate discussions, and then implement changes.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and collaborate effectively

• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and service excellence

SALARY: AUPE Band Level 7 | Advisor I | $57,318 - $74,468 reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time permanent position with immediate access to our great pension and benefit programs. For more information regarding the AUPE Collective Agreement, please check out this link.    

We offer flexible work options. 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:

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, Métis, 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.