Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Lead

Competition 2137

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff Agreement, this position has an initial term length of two years and has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $63,090 - $105,189.

Location -This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate engineering programs, creating the opportunity to pursue exceptional, high quality educational experiences.

Our vision is to be the most daring engineering community on the planet. We are engineers united by our unwavering dedication to solving the world’s greatest challenges and building a better future for society. We are: Driven. Trailblazing. Curious. Supportive. Grounded. Considerate.

Position Summary

The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Lead is accountable for recruiting, developing and managing the relationship with research-focused employers in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering co-op office, as well as working with community-based WIL partners. They are also responsible for ensuring high ethical and professional standards are followed by the employers/partners during their relationship with the students. The Work Integrated Learning Lead assesses WIL opportunities from partners and evaluates the positions offered to students in order to confirm adequacy and tangible learning potential.

The WIL Lead prepares and supports students participating in research and community-based WIL experiences, facilitating student education on community engagement, career and professional development, and networking and employment opportunities. The WIL Lead will also establish relationships throughout local Edmonton community organizations, the Faculty, the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, the University of Alberta, and research-related industries to develop WIL and/or employment opportunities for all undergraduate engineering students.

The WIL Lead works both independently and collaboratively to attain high levels of measurable achievement by providing service to students and maintaining partnerships which result in fulfillment of mutual goals for all students and employer/community partners.

Engineering is committed to a culture of trust, effectiveness, and innovation. Please ensure that your cover letter includes how you would support this culture.

Duties 

Relationship Management: Leads the functions for marketing, relationship building, community engagement, and job development to meet the objectives of the Faculty by establishing community-based WIL experiences, summer employment, and research opportunities as well as other unconventional work-integrated learning opportunities for students.

Student Support: Contributes to student engagement and success by supporting students in their unconventional WIL experiences, developing and providing resources and training, as well as providing coaching and mentorship to maximize the student experience.

Program Management, Development and Delivery: Coordinates the recruitment system and process for work-integrated learning positions (i.e. research internships and community-based WIL experiences) for students, developing and managing quality job postings/experiences and promoting opportunities to students. Also works to facilitate, build and support a strong undergraduate research community

Project Work: Participates in various WIL-related projects and initiatives that emerge, including serving as a research and community-based WIL contact within the faculty, chairing committees, supporting and participating in initiatives targeted at engaging alumni, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Engineering, Business, Education, Social Sciences, humanities or related discipline
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in post-secondary

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge:

• University of Alberta and Faculty of Engineering programs, general knowledge of engineering within the context of academia, industry, community and employment
• Best practices with respect to work-integrated learning, with knowledge of research career and community-based pathways
• Local, provincial, national and international economics, employment trends and business markets to ensure job development opportunities are maximized while risks are mitigated
• Community engagement, including experience working directly with indigenous communities and elders
• Adult education and experiential education philosophy, theory and practice within the context of work-integrated learning
• Provincial and federal (and potentially international) employment standards and human rights legislation
• Orbis campusBRIDGE, VMock, Google Suite
• Academic or industry research experience

Skills & Abilities:

• Communication skills, both verbal and written, to perform functions of promotion, advising, education and collaboration 
• Ability to work both collaboratively with a variety of partners to achieve goals as well as independently with a significant requirement for self-direction and self-motivation
• Ability to delegate effectively to Administrative staff
• Ability to handle multiple demands and skills to assess priorities in a time-sensitive environment
• Initiative and drive to develop and maintain relationships with employers, academic and student stakeholders
• Possess judgment to understand and analyze interpersonal relationships, and ability to facilitate communication, resolve conflict and refer externally as required
• Analytical ability to identify trends and develop job opportunities in changing or emerging climates / economic conditions that support students’ interests and align with Faculty curricular objectives
• Self-motivated, high-energy individual who loves to develop new opportunities, network and immerse in an array of forums such as conferences, industry nights, and advisory boards and is available for evening and weekend events