Skills Translation Advisor

Job Summary:

The Skills Translation Advisor supports the University through the identification and integration of career-related skills and program specific competencies including undergraduate and graduate degree level expectations (DLEs). The position liaises with staff, faculty, departments, and senior administration to identify program specific competencies in relation to career skills and the translation of academic learning to the workplace.

Responsibilities:

Skills Translation Project Management and Curricular Integration:

• Liaise with, and advise staff, faculty, and leadership across the University to identify specific competencies in relation to career skills.
• Liaise with external partners and other post-secondary institutions to understand and monitor established competencies and processes.
• Identify and map specific competencies to assist in the translation of academic learning.
• Develop competency language that aligns with specific faculty goals and translates to the workplace in a meaningful way.
• Lead various competency-based projects and priorities in collaboration with internal and external colleagues.
• Develop, maintain, and revise materials, resources, instructional/programming activities and content.
• Facilitate training for CEELCD staff on career ready skills, competencies and emerging practices/research related to competency-based reflection practices.

Career Competency Project Management:

• Conduct review of existing career competency frameworks and best practices in higher education.
• Gather input and requirements from key stakeholders across the university through interviews, focus groups, etc.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify core competencies vital for career readiness.
• Develop career competency framework defining knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors for student career preparedness.
• Collaborate with faculty, career services, and employers to pilot and integrate framework into programs.
• Design assessment methods to measure student competency development and framework effectiveness.
• Produce documentation, training materials, and communication plans for framework implementation.
• Provide guidance to ensure consistent application and continuous improvement of the competency model.
• Lead integration of Ontario Tech Competencies into co-curricular and curricular reflection practices including technical and instructional systems.
• Integrating competencies into existing technology platforms utilized by students, staff, and faculty and leveraging technology to increase access to competency resources.

Relationship Management and Leadership:

• Establish, foster and maintain relationships with staff and faculty across the university to identify specific competencies in relation to career skills.
• Consult with internal colleagues to support student engagement in competency reflection, skills translation and provide recommendations in relation to career development and curriculum practices.
• Provide thought leadership and expertise to support team members with understanding the direction, priorities, implementation and integration of competency projects.

Research, Grant Writing and Special Projects:

• Maintain, compile, and analyze data for reporting; analyze and make recommendations, as required.
• Research current trends and remain current on recruitment/selection trends, student employment issues, employment trends, workplace issues, and post-secondary education skills/competencies;
• Prepare reports and make recommendations on program/service enhancements and new initiatives to support skills translation, competency articulation and reflection, career readiness and employment outcomes;
• Develop and track project progress and success;
• Explore opportunities to develop relationships with faculty in research initiatives related to career education and employment;
• Identify funding opportunities and complete grant applications related to skills translation, competency-based programming and career readiness;
• Serve on campus and industry committees, as directed.

Education:

• A four year university degree in higher education or related field (Adult Education, Career Development, Education, etc.) with a research component.
• Preference given to candidates with a graduate degree in education or formal training in adult education or career development.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience providing career education support to students in a postsecondary setting.
• Demonstrated experience researching best practices, labour market trends, competency-based education.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of labour market trends and information, competency-based education, career readiness skills, career development theories, and higher education employment trends;
• Knowledge of academic programs, departments, and postsecondary environment;
• Strong research and assessment skills including designing surveys, research methods, analyzing qualitative and quantitative information, and interpreting research results;
• Strong knowledge of the principles of adult education and experiential learning models;
• Solid computer competency including word processing, spreadsheet, database, web applications and web maintenance, social media, internet search engines, Microsoft 365 (e.g. SharePoint, OneDrive), virtual collaboration tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom).

Skills:

• Clear and open communication, consultation, collaboration and, where possible, consensus with all stakeholder groups both internal and external to the University;
• Strong conflict resolution skills;
• Ability to transmit ideas and information with clarity and brevity.
• Ability to coach, mentor and motivate individuals, providing feedback and advice in an effective manner;
• Patience, compassion and understanding with the ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically;
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups at all levels;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks/requests;
• Ability to translate competencies to academic and employability skills;
• Strong research skills, to remain current on trends and best practices;
• Excellent judgment, problem solving, and attention to detail skills;
• Flexible and adaptable;
• Ability to research/learn and disseminate information.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.