Apply now »

Academic Program Manager, Trades and Entrepreneurship

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 1477
CLOSING DATE: October 20, 2025 11:59 PM MDT

 

The Academic Program Manager, Trades and Entrepreneurship, serves as a visionary leader within the Faculty of Skills and Foundational Learning, driving the execution of the college’s strategic priorities and academic innovation to elevate skilled trades education and ignite entrepreneurial growth. This role delivers transformative impact on individual lives and fuels economic vitality across the region.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

  • Provide visionary academic and operational leadership for trades and entrepreneurship training across the college

  • Lead the development and continuous improvement of learner-centered, industry-responsive training models aligned with institutional goals

  • Champion inclusive, employment-driven training strategies, including program development, evaluation, and innovation

  • Drive academic excellence through integration of experiential learning, applied research, work-integrated learning (WIL), and community service learning (CSL)

  • Build and maintain strategic internal and external partnerships to enhance programming and secure funding

  • Oversee financial planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness, including grant and contract management

  • Foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in programming, team leadership, and student engagement

  • Represent the Faculty on key institutional committees to influence strategy and drive future-focused education initiatives

WHAT YOU BRING

  • Master’s degree with a relevant trades certification, apprenticeship training, or Red Seal designation

  • Minimum 8+ years of experience in adult education or industry, with progressive leadership roles

  • Proven leadership experience managing academic operations, faculty teams, and learner success initiatives in post-secondary settings

  • Strong background in trades, entrepreneurship, and workforce development with industry-aligned program oversight

  • Demonstrated success in securing and managing grants, contracts, and large-scale training initiatives

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER

As a difference maker, you bring:

  • Experience designing and delivering high-impact training programs that bridge academic learning with real-world industry demands

  • Expertise in leading multi-service, cross-functional teams through change, growth, and innovation in educational settings

  • A strong track record of integrating inclusive principles into curriculum, instructional design, and faculty culture

  • Skill in driving strategic program planning and operations using a systems-thinking approach

  • Proficiency in developing and managing funding proposals, business incubation projects, and entrepreneurship initiatives

  • Ability to use data and performance metrics to measure impact and drive continuous improvement

  • Experience representing the institution with government, industry, and community stakeholders to advocate for trades and entrepreneurship education

  • Strong financial and contract management capabilities

SALARY: $117,993 - 147,521 annually, reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a term position. 

 

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.

Apply now »