Work Integrated Learning Specialist

Description:

MacEwan University is seeking a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Specialist to provide guidance and support in the area of work-integrated and experiential learning. This full-time, continuing position is responsible for connecting students with hands-on learning opportunities, supporting faculty, alumni, industry partners, and community organizations, and ensuring the integration of work-integrated learning practices into academic programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Primary Contact for Collaboration: Initiate and manage collaboration between faculty, students, alumni, industry partners, and community organizations for WIL/EL experiences.

• Develop Connections: Build relationships with faculty, businesses, alumni, and civic organizations to support student engagement.

• Curriculum Integration: Advise on WIL/EL policies and best practices and help with curriculum integration.

• Promote Experiential Learning: Actively promote experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus.

• Coordination of WIL Experiences: Design and manage WIL experiences including internships, externships, and mentoring programs.

• Logistics & Platform Management: Ensure the effective use of WIL platforms like Symplicity/Orbis and Riipen, ensuring compliance with policies.

• Faculty Development: Promote faculty development in experiential learning and ensure alignment with accreditation standards.

• Tracking & Coaching: Track and document student and faculty participation in WIL experiences, while providing resources and coaching.

• Ongoing Engagement: Develop processes for ongoing engagement between MacEwan’s academic programs and community partners.

Skills:

• Knowledge of trends and best practices in experiential learning and adult learning.

• Awareness of labour market trends and workforce needs.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presenting.

• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Google Docs, and willingness to learn new technology platforms.

• Service-oriented and able to build professional relationships.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in education, career development, business administration, or a related field.

• 3 years of experience coordinating work-integrated learning, experiential learning, co-op programs, or career development programming in a post-secondary environment.

• Experience working with industry partners and employers.

• Familiarity with Simplicity, Riipen, and other WIL platforms.

• Experience with PeopleSoft is a plus.

• Training in project management is an asset.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Benefits:

• Competitive base pay.

• Generous vacation time.

• Secure pension plan.

• Flexible benefits package.

• A culture of continuous learning.

• Opportunities for career growth.