Learning and Development Lead: Indigenous Programming
COMPETITION NUMBER: 1312
CLOSING DATE:
RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC INNOVATION
The mission of the Research and Development portfolio is to continually improve the learning product and experience by evolving the curriculum, developing faculty, leading new educational technologies implementation, and fostering applied research.
This position plays a key role in supporting the achievement of the college’s strategic goals, and is specifically accountable for teaching and learning focused support for: 1) the program life-cycle of credit programming, 2) academic quality assurance, and ongoing program quality review, and 3) Government of Alberta grant proposal calls relevant to expanding programs or enrolment. Additionally, the Learning and Development Lead supports the successful development and implementation of a new academic strategy and process: the NorQuest Quality Assurance Framework & Roadmap.
Reporting to the APM of AQPD, this position maintains internal liaison functions, supports integrated planning, and the achievement of the college’s strategic goals in NorQuest 2030: We are who we include and academic strategy Reimagine Higher Education: NorQuest 2030. The LDL works with the APM, Manager and team to support the implementation of college-wide and R&D quality assurance goals and objectives.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
- Lead community engagement and community-based research to drive forward Indigenous program development, and facilitate mutual understanding, respect, and learning between Indigenous Peoples and others
- Undertake a regional environmental scan of Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving programs across Canada, with emphasis on sectors such as entrepreneurship, trades, media and communications, technology, health, land stewardship, cultural revitalization, and governance.
- Engage with communities through sharing circles, conferences, and learning opportunities to build relationships and gather insights from Indigenous communities, grassroots innovators, and post-secondary institutions.
- Disseminate findings to the Program Development team.
- Develop and launch new credit programming and alternative credentials at the college by providing expertise and guidance in new program development to program founders, faculty, staff, and subject matter experts engaged in program development
- Work with program founders to plan, develop and implement sustainable, innovative programs that meet the needs of learners, the College and the wider community
- Mediate the process to include planning which is systematic and accounts for the need to be flexible within existing College and Government systems
- Promote a culture of collaboration and consultation in program development by communicating the processes and statuses of programs to departments, divisions, and executive, by seeking feedback and partnership with faculty, staff, and subject matter experts, and by carrying out needs assessments and consultations with community, business and industry, and government stakeholders.
- Attend Collegewide teaching and learning events to maintain connection to the wider priorities of the Programming Faculties
- Engage in Collegewide teaching and learning initiatives that impact new program development
- Collaborate with NorQuest’s internal teams, including Research and Academic Innovation and the Indigenous House of Learning, to align Indigenous program recommendations with broader institutional goals and initiatives.
- Contribute to the development of culturally-informed program proposals, concept briefs, and strategic recommendations that support Indigenous innovation and transformation within post-secondary education programs at NorQuest.
WHAT YOU BRING:
- Graduate degree in adult education or related field
- Accreditation in related professional field (for example ATA, TESL Canada, CLPNA, CPA) an asset
- 3-5 years’ experience in a post-secondary program environment[JL1] [JL2] , which includes responsibility for program development.
- Direct experience in Indigenous program development, strategy, or community-based research in post-secondary, social enterprise, or community development contexts
- Ability to liaise with diverse groups to promote programming that is innovative, culturally grounded, and aligned with Indigenous community priorities
- Demonstrated contributions to institution-wide Indigenous engagement initiatives, including community consultation, visioning, and culturally responsive programming
- History of collaboration with Indigenous communities to co-create programming that is accessible, equitable, and rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being
- Experience conducting community engagement, interviews, and relational research to inform culturally-relevant program design, with respect for OCAP principles safeguarding Indigenous and local knowledge
- Demonstrated insight into Indigenous education pathways, community-defined priorities, and programming gaps or opportunities
- Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, communities, and organizations
- Experience facilitating between Indigenous communities, NorQuest leadership, and the program development team to help all stakeholders understand and hear one another
- Knowledge of decolonizing research and education methodologies
- Ability to critically analyze environmental scan findings, community feedback, and labour market trends to develop actionable program recommendations
- Excellent research, analytical, and culturally-informed problem-solving skills
- Experience with diverse program delivery models (e.g., community-based, hybrid, micro-credentials) and their fit for Indigenous learners in both urban and rural settings
- Be self-motivated and able to exercise a high level of sound and independent judgment, cultural humility, and discretion; a trustworthy representative of NorQuest in the communities that we serve
WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER:
As a difference maker you bring:
- Strategic leadership and guidance to College divisions involved in Quality Assurance reviews and major program changes.
- Academic insight and mentorship to the Program Development and Quality Assurance (PDQA) Team.
- A collaborative spirit that contributes to high-level recommendations on new program proposals and significant academic changes.
- A deep commitment to respectful, relationship-based communication with Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and grassroots innovators.
- A strong network of connections with Indigenous-serving post-secondary institutions and community partners across Canada.
- Cultural sensitivity and trust-building skills that support co-creation, consent-seeking, and accurate representation of community priorities in institutional planning.
- A results-driven mindset, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes aligned with the goals of the Research and Development Division.
- Independence and sound judgment in decision-making, with the ability to work autonomously while knowing when to consult on high-impact issues.
- A solid understanding of and alignment with Government of Alberta policies and NorQuest College procedures.
SALARY: Reflective upon what you bring, AKA your education and experience. This is a Faculty role therefore the pay range is quite large, the Faculty Association agreement Appendix A outlines how pay is determined.
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:
- 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, 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.