Learning Initiatives Coordinator

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

The Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) is an innovative model for the advancement of community-based approaches to experiential learning that has been highly successful in establishing Community Service Learning (CSL) as a key pedagogy and strategic priority for UBC. Community engaged learning (CEL) including CSL and community-based research, enhances students' academic learning and their capacity for global citizenship, while strengthening civil society and advancing sustainability. Community engaged learning is one of the enriched educational experiences that is highlighted in UBC's strategic plan. Its strong connections with diverse community partners mean that CCEL is also an important embodiment of UBC's commitment to community engagement.

A core purpose of the Centre is to ensure knowledge, infrastructure, systems, and skills are firmly rooted across the University to sustain and maintain the ongoing delivery of experiential education and community engaged learning experiences for students. CCEL works closely with faculty and staff across campus to integrate community engaged and experiential education into academic courses and to ensure a range of meaningful co-curricular learning opportunities are also available. At the same time, the Centre works with diverse organizations in the community, including non-profit and for-profit organizations and public schools, to engage students in short-term community-based projects and ongoing weekly placements that contribute to the achievement of community goals. CCEL is considered a Canadian leader in the fields of university-community engagement and community engaged learning.

The Learning Initiatives Coordinator is responsible for organizing, delivering, and managing programs and services that support and enhance a student’s disciplinary learning. Specifically, the incumbent will operate in support of the University's commitment to increased opportunities for students to participate in undergraduate research and experiential education. Programs will include, but are not limited to, the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC) and Let’s Talk Science. The Coordinator will have a role in identifying additional opportunities for undergraduate research programs and experiential education opportunities that align with the University and Centre’s priorities, and may be responsible for the administration of any new programs and opportunities developed.

Developing and coordinating broadly accessible undergraduate research, community engaged learning, and experiential education programs for students, including but not limited to:

• Coordinating the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference. Responsibilities include leading a team of students to design and implement the conference; build relationships with faculty, staff, and graduate students; and collaborate with relevant campus partners.
• Overseeing the day to day operations of the UBC Let's Talk Science program including liaising with relevant community partners and University stakeholders; hiring and supervising student staff; ensuring the training, recruitment, and active engagement of Let’s Talk Science volunteers; managing the budget; and identifying opportunities for program improvement and refinement.

Advising and preparing students participating in, or seeking to participate in, CCEL initiatives or programs prior, during, and post program engagement including, but not limited to:

• Advises students on the opportunities available at the Centre.
• Recruiting and matching student participants to projects that align with their interests.
• Advising students in one on one and group settings, and responding to questions from students and partners.
• Developing and delivering relevant orientations, student preparation workshops and related resources to support students seeking to participate in undergraduate research and associated experiential education experiences.
• Facilitating and delivering workshops in classes, to student clubs, and for partners across campus.
• Suggesting modifications to workshop content to ensure the workshops are relevant and achieve the outcomes intended.
• Ensuring the website content associated with relevant programs remains up to date and highlights the current opportunities available for students, faculty, and community orgs seeking to participate and/or partner on initiatives.

Coordinating all administrative and program planning aspects of related programming including, but not limited to:

• Contributing to the creation and revision of logic models, program plans, and other relevant materials required to deliver, implement, evaluate, and assess the efficacy of opt-in, low-barrier programs; identify gaps in program needs as appropriate.
• Establishing and maintaining administrative systems; coordinate communications and regular reporting; provide updates and briefings on progress and development of partnerships; and report at the close of the program.
• Identifying additional opportunities to support and enhance undergraduate research and experiential education.
• Making recommendations for changes to programs and systems/supports as necessary.
• Process any program related HR and expenses transactions in a timely manner.
• Ensuring program budgets and financial reporting are up to date and accurate.
• Monitoring and mitigate risks associated with programming.
• Other duties as required.

• Experience demonstrating the ability to plan and coordinate is preferred.
• Experience and skills in setting goals, identifying risks and priorities to meet existing strategic directions.
• Experience working with university faculty, staff, and students is an asset.
• Experience working with staff from the non-profit sector and/or public schools is an asset.
• Experience facilitating groups and leading information, orientation, and training sessions.
• Experience in event or program organizing and promotion is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of different stakeholders.
• Ability to envision and implement innovative programs and initiatives.
• Ability to maintain connection between a long-range vision and day-to-day functions; ability to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, anticipate problems, meet deadlines, and manage time efficiently.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and to function as an effective team member.
• Ability to be organized and develop and maintain administrative systems and processes e.g., filing systems, communication systems, systems to track program participation, and office coordination.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal and relationships building skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Both goal and process-oriented.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to organize and promote events.
• Knowledge of adult education principles.
• Computer skills Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel; proficient use of the internet e.g. performing searches; proficient use of e-mail.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.