Associate Director, Strategic Projects & Partnership Development – York University – Toronto, ON Freelance

Purpose:
The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is a large and complex revenue-generating education enterprise designed to provide English language instruction and continuing professional education programs to students in the GTA, nationally and internationally. The School serves the diverse needs of international students seeking to obtain language and post-secondary education to excel in Canada. It also serves domestic students seeking to upgrade their professional education, change careers or obtain a Canadian education or credential, as well as the needs for upskilling and reskilling of the Canadian workforce. It is expected to generate revenue for York University and to generate a funnel of undergraduate as well as graduate students for York University in order to meet the enrolment targets. The School has two main divisions: (a) the English Language Institute (YUELI), and (b) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs. Reporting to the Director, Continuing Professional Education, the Associate Director (AD) leads partnership development, business development, and projects of strategic importance to the SCS. The AD is responsible for overall strategy and planning of Business to Business (B2B) sales, including the development of a contract training business line and development of new business opportunities in the GTA and beyond and the successful planning and execution of exceptional learning experiences for private, public and not-for-profit clients and partners. Partnerships with other organizations, including other universities and the planning and execution of special projects round out this portfolio. The incumbent works closely with various members of SCS leadership, the CPE team in addition to instructors and subject matter experts to achieve these aims. The AD leads a small sales and program team to develop, deliver and evaluate modular public training programs and contract training. The AD is a key member of the CPE management team and is responsible for establishing and achieving financial targets, quality standards, business development and account management strategies and targets, other key performance indicators, resource requirements, related policy requirements of these programs. The AD also acts as the Designate Director, as requested.

Education:
Master’s degree in a relevant field, Business, Adult Education, Marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Professional Sales Training and/or Project Management training would be considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of relevant, progressively more senior work experience in adult education with experience in development of custom programs and/or contract training, relationship management, project management and management of diverse clientele. Proven business development and sales experience with senior level prospects and clients required. Demonstrated experience in developing new business and managing new and existing business relationships. Demonstrated experience managing sales function and sales/account executive staff and performance. Hands on experience in adult educational setting would be an asset.

Skills:
Effective written communication, for sales and grant proposal. Sales planning, management, sales and account management. Ability to effectively evaluate business opportunities, prepare proposals and negotiate contracts. Ability to develop and manage budgets. Demonstrated ability to manage large complex projects. Facilitation of cross-cultural interactions and training. Demonstrated understanding of the Canadian continuing education sector. Strategic thinking and business planning skills. Highly adept at building business relationships. Business and financial acumen – experience working with large scale budgets and limited resources. Solid organizational skills and sound judgment. Proactive in coordinating program development and delivery activities. Team-based, inclusive work environment and collaborative, consultative approach. Advanced level of computer literacy and knowledge of best practice, blended learning delivery models. Experience in entrepreneurial roles requiring creativity, complex problem solving, rigorous financial negotiation and model building and a sustained commitment to securing new business contracts. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and superb presentation skills. A strategic leader with demonstrated decision-making skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Ability and experience working collaboratively with teams. Ability to exercise independent sound judgment and critical thinking. Political acumen, negotiation and persuasion skills. Strong organizational abilities, ability to set priorities and meet deadlines. Maturity and professionalism to deal with senior executives is essential. Customer service oriented with sensitivity to stakeholders needs and expectations. The incumbent must be able to effectively engage corporate clients, business partners, university administrators, faculty, staff, alumni and students. Track record of securing new revenue and business in contract training would be an asset. Knowledge and understanding of contract training, program design, and delivery.

Additional Notes:
There are no unusual physical or environmental demands while at York.

This position will require significant evening and weekend work as well as potentially some domestic/ international travel, as needed.

Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credentials(s), or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview.

• Compensation:

York implemented a revised CPM Compensation Framework in 2019. The Framework is a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Merit Incentive Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a performance lump sum Merit Incentive Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York’s CPM Compensation Program.