Academic Quality Assurance Specialist

Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean, Academic Innovation, the Academic Quality Assurance (AQA) Specialist supports the College's commitment to academic excellence through the coordination, development, and continuous improvement of academic program quality assurance processes. This role plays a key part in demonstrating organizational readiness and maintaining the requirements associated with degree-granting status through Alberta Advanced Education and the Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC).

Working closely with the Office of the Vice President Academic, Deans, Directors, Associate Deans, Program Chairs, and government representatives, the AQA Specialist leads institutional reporting, monitors academic quality metrics, coordinates program reviews, and supports the development and implementation of policies, procedures, tools, and processes that strengthen academic accountability and continuous improvement.

This position combines analytical expertise, project coordination, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. It requires sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage complex institutional priorities independently while ensuring academic quality assurance activities align with College standards and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Be Doing:

Academic Program Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

Lead and coordinate academic program quality assurance activities across the College, supporting initial program and curriculum development, curriculum reviews, annual program reviews, cyclical program reviews, and reviews required by external accreditation bodies. Work with academic leaders, curriculum development teams, and committees to embed quality assurance practices throughout program development and review processes, with a focus on curriculum quality and the student experience.

Develop, implement, evaluate, and refine the College's quality assurance framework, including the policies, processes, templates, tools, and guidelines needed to support consistent practices and continuous improvement. Maintain review schedules and program records, communicate upcoming requirements to academic departments, and ensure recommendations arising from program reviews are tracked and implemented effectively.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating quality assurance activities and reporting for credit programming in collaboration with Deans, Associate Deans, Program Chairs, and other academic stakeholders.
• Leading the coordination of course quality, work-integrated learning course assessment, and the evaluation of pedagogical and curriculum practices in collaboration with the Associate Dean, Academic Innovation.
• Reviewing annual program performance data and comprehensive program quality reviews, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing insight to support action planning, including associated costs and Annual Program Scorecards.
• Preparing recommendations from program reviews for appropriate governance bodies and monitoring follow-through, including potential corrective measures or program suspension where warranted.
• Providing information sessions, orientation, and guidance to support stakeholders throughout program development, curriculum review, and quality assurance cycles.
• Researching national and international best practices and participating in provincial program quality assurance committees and relevant professional learning activities.

Academic Quality Analytics, Reporting, and Performance Monitoring

Track and report on academic quality metrics and performance indicators to support evidence-informed decision-making across the academic division. Coordinate the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data used to monitor program performance, assess curriculum quality, and inform academic program development and reviews.

Prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and other decision-support materials in response to institutional and stakeholder needs. Coordinate annual reporting requirements related to CAQC and degree-granting status, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and submitted within established timelines.

Maintain and enhance the tools, records, documentation, and communication channels used to support academic quality assurance. Ensure relevant guidance and documentation related to CAQC and degree-granting program development are accessible through the College's intranet and other established channels.

Degree-Granting Status and CAQC Coordination

Coordinate, develop, and support institutional processes and standard practices related to CAQC requirements and degree-granting status. Conduct comprehensive reviews of relevant documentation and institutional materials to inform planning, evaluation, and implementation, working across College departments to support successful outcomes.

Provide consultative advice on CAQC and degree-granting matters, considering regulatory requirements, institutional priorities, and potential risks. Support the ongoing review, development, and implementation of related policies and procedures, identifying gaps in the existing academic quality assurance framework and recommending improvements.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the preparation of the Organizational Self-Study narrative and submission package for CAQC, including organizing the application process in accordance with Organizational Evaluation requirements.
• Compiling information, preparing draft correspondence and reports, and coordinating responses related to CAQC and degree-granting status.
• Supporting policy and procedure development, review, and implementation across the College.
• Advising on committee structures, proposals, and decision items, including identifying potential implications for other committees and institutional priorities.
• Supporting budget preparation and financial controls related to CAQC and degree-granting activities.
• Liaising with College departments, Alberta Advanced Education, and the CAQC Secretariat to facilitate communication, coordinate requirements, and meet regulatory deadlines.

Institutional Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Build effective working relationships across academic and non-academic portfolios to promote a shared understanding of academic quality assurance, institutional accountability, and continuous improvement. Coordinate cross-portfolio initiatives and academic matters, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and provide guidance on processes and requirements.

Work under the general direction of the Dean, Academic Innovation, exercising initiative, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills to manage priorities, recommend solutions, develop new processes, and ensure established practices remain effective and compliant with College and regulatory requirements.

What Sets You Apart

You bring strong analytical, research, and organizational skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, evaluate performance data, and translate findings into meaningful recommendations. You are experienced in developing reports, briefing materials, policies, procedures, and process documentation that support evidence-informed decisions, institutional accountability, and continuous improvement.

You are an effective project coordinator and relationship builder who can bring together diverse stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and guide complex processes from planning through implementation. Your communication and consultation skills allow you to explain requirements clearly, facilitate collaboration, and provide sound advice to academic leaders and institutional partners. You are comfortable working independently, exercising initiative, and identifying risks or gaps before they become larger issues.

You also demonstrate a strong commitment to academic quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. You approach your work with attention to detail, critical thinking, and a practical mindset, balancing institutional objectives with established policies and external requirements. Your ability to develop effective tools and processes, monitor progress, and support the implementation of recommendations helps strengthen academic program quality and the student experience across the College.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters - In a related field (e.g. MBA in Public Admin/Education).
• 3 years of related experience.
• An equivalent combination of directly related education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Several years' experience providing professional support in program quality assurance in a post-secondary institution.
• PowerBI skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to respond in a professional manner suited to the target audience.
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook.
• Knowledge of computerized application systems.
• Requires tact, and a knowledge and understanding of College programs, academic policy, College governance, and the College political environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior management.
• Strong analytical, decision making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work strategically and comfortably in highly ambiguous situations.
• Able to work in time sensitive, dynamic work environment with changing priorities.
• Experience in academic program development and/or program evaluation and review.
• Proven effective and positive management style for people and resolution of issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building capabilities, including the ability to foster teamwork and collaborative working relationships; facilitation and mediation skills; and the ability to influence and build consensus among diverse groups and individuals.
• Proven capacity to manage change.
• Creativity and analytical ability.
• Ability to develop internal and external partnerships.
• Ability to influence.

Compensation: $72,744 - $93,444

Closing Date: Nov 6, 2026

This opening is a continuous (AUPE) position. Please note all successful candidates will be required to provide copies of government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and may be required to provide an enhanced police information check. If your education was received internationally, we will require you to provide an international education assessment through IQAS, WES, or one of the other nationally designated organizations upon hire.

Union :
AUPE