Work Integrated Learning Specialist

at  Macewan University

CAREERS AND EXPERIENCE, RESEARCH

Competition No. 24.11.334

ABOUT US

MacEwan University is where caring faculty help people connect their passions to their future paths. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s diverse and dynamic downtown community, and on the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and homelands of the Métis people, MacEwan is known for exceptional undergraduate learning. With its dedication to teaching excellence, informed by scholarly research, innovation, and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for community engagement. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for all peoples, cultures, and identities.
Our comprehensive undergraduate university offers 55 programs to more than 19,000 full- and part-time students in business, communications, community and human services, design, fine and performing arts, health, humanities, natural science, nursing, public safety, and social science. Through a wide array of experiential learning opportunities, and strategic relationships in the community, we partner with others to produce graduates of stature. Along with a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines, MacEwan students are given durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world.

OPPORTUNITY

MacEwan University is seeking a Work Integrated Learning Specialist for a full-time continuing opportunity with our Careers and Experience department.
You will support work integrated learning (WIL) and other experiential learning (EL) experiences to help MacEwan students gain meaningful, hands-on, opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings in their chosen fields. You will provide guidance, best-practice, and resources to the instructors and students. This position is integral to MacEwan’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that enhance their skills, employability, and readiness for the workforce.

SKILLS

You will have:

• Knowledge and experience in trends, theories, principles, and best practices in experiential learning and adult learning;
• Awareness of current labour market trends and workforce needs;
• Thorough knowledge of university policies and procedures, including those relating to student conduct, work integrated learning, and academic integrity, with the ability to explain and interpret policy;
• Excellent detail-oriented organizational, time and project management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a proven commitment to customer service;
• The demonstrated ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously;
• The aptitude to be service-oriented with the capability to build and maintain professional relationships;
• Strong public speaking, presentation, active listening and written communication skills;
• The ability to work effectively under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and to remain calm and professional in challenging, and fast-paced circumstances;
• The ability to have self-motivation, work independently and in a team environment;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a collaborative working and learning environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Google Docs; and
• The willingness and ability to learn technology platforms and embrace new technology.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in education, career development, business administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience coordinating work integrated learning, experiential learning, co-op programs, and/or career development programming within a post-secondary environment.
• Experience working with industry partners and employers.
• Experience with Simplicity (or similar platforms), social media, Google, Riipen, and other WIL and career management platforms.
• Experience with PeopleSoft would be considered an asset.
• Training in project management is a strong asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Acting as the primary contact and initiator for collaboration between faculty, students, alumni, industry partners, and community organizations in work-integrated and experiential learning;
• Building and sustaining connections with faculty, staff, businesses, alumni, and civic organizations to support students;
• Developing sustainable engagement processes between MacEwan’s academic programs and community partners, while advising on WIL/EL, policies, best practices, and curriculum integration;
• Actively promoting experiential learning both on and off campus through departmental activities, resources, and services to the campus community and external partners;
• Coordinating internal partnership requests, supporting curriculum development, and assisting in creating EL opportunities such as internships, externships, and mentoring;
• Managing the logistics and design of WIL experiences, ensuring the effective use of platforms like MacEwan Life and Riipen, and compliance with workplace learning polices;
• Promoting faculty development in experiential learning, supporting accreditation processes, and ensuring alignment with curriculum and accreditation standards across programs;
• Facilitating course-based WIL experiences by providing resources, tools, tracking and coaching for students and faculty, while tracking and documenting activities and mitigating compliance issues;
• Educating faculty, staff, students, and alumni on using WIL platforms (MacEwan Life, Riipen) to support experiential learning;
• Creating and updating training materials for volunteers, contract staff, and student workers; and
• Developing processes for ongoing engagement between MacEwan’s academic programs and community partners.