Academic Program Development Specialist, Future Cities Institute

About the role

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. Job Requisition ID: 2026-00140 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Academic Program Administration Employment Type: Temporary Department: Faculty of Environment - Dean of Environment Office - Future Cities Institute Operations Hiring Range: $65,973.33 - $82,466.66 Posting Information: Term: 20 months This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity. The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday , February 12, 2026, 11:59PM. Job Description: Primary Purpose The Academic Program Development Specialist reports to the Managing Director, Future Cities Institute (FCI) to support and manage the administration of the future cities programming. Significant aspects of this position include coordination with central university administration (e.g. registrar's office), course and lab scheduling of the academic programs, developing and maintaining administrative processes, and curriculum review and deployment. The Academic Program Development Specialist works closely with the leadership group of the Future Cities Institute (FCI), the Director, and the Managing Director FCI to manage the design, development and delivery of new collaborative academic and life-long learning programs in future cities. The incumbent is responsible for program and curriculum development, partnership development, program promotions, program management and administration, and program tracking, evaluation and reporting for FCI programs. The position is also responsible for supporting curriculum development, updates and approvals for new programs. This unique position will contribute directly to shaping the evolution of Waterloo's future cities educational programming. Key Accountabilities Future cities programming development and coordination - Support the Director, FCI (and/or their delegate), in the program approval process, including development of required documentation and undertaking background research and information gathering - Work closely with the Director, Managing Director and (when appropriate) a cross-Faculty program advisory committee to design and develop the course content for the future cities graduate and undergraduate course content - Undertake a comprehensive review of the course calendar to identify courses that could be linked to the future cities in each Faculty, and identify gaps where new course offerings may be developed - As needed, support the coordination of the Master of Future Cities, Faculty of Environment and Master of Engineering, Future Cities graduate degree programs, including budgeting, managing logistics, tracking milestones, reporting, and supporting instructors and students - Identify opportunities to integrate experiential learning activities and research taking place in the Future Cities Institute to programs/diplomas - Coordinate events for students to engage in academic program enrichment opportunities - Design and manage a high-profile annual lecture series and associated interactive events for students and the broader community that align with learning objectives and supports network building and exposure to complementary experts and ideas - Coordinate with the Faculty and University level marketing, recruitment and communications teams to develop marketing and recruitment plans and materials to promote the future cities programs - Coordinate the adjudication of FCI scholarships Development and Management of the Life-long Learning Program - Apply best practices and innovative approaches to design new and unique life-long learning courses, seminars and workshops for private and public sector professionals that draw on Future Cities Institute experts and leverage existing curriculum - Apply expertise in pedagogy and life-long learning to design effective learning outcomes, teaching strategies, learning activities and tasks, and assessment strategies - Maintain effective input into program development from relevant Faculties, departments, schools and other support units through the establishment and coordination of an advisory committee to ensure program buy-in, alignment with strategic institutional objectives, and value - Undertake structured market research to identify opportunities for new life-long learning program offerings related to future cities - Develop and manage a partnership strategy to actively engage external groups, organizations, and companies to promote the programs and gain an understanding of their training needs - Work closely with the Future Cities Institute Communicati

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