Program Specialist, Leadership Programs - Haskayne School of Business

Description

The Haskayne School of Business is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Program Specialist, Leadership Programs for approximately 24 months.

The Program Specialist, Leadership Programs is a valued member of the Haskayne Centres team within the Haskayne School of Business (HSB). Reporting to the Manager, Leadership Programs, this position coordinates curricular and co-curricular leadership initiatives and collaborates with faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry partners and community volunteers to advance the priorities and objectives of the Haskayne Centres in alignment with the HSB Strategic Plan.

The Haskayne Centres deliver impactful student experiences through thought leadership, learning opportunities and meaningful engagement with the community on campus, in Calgary and beyond. The portfolio currently includes the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business, the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies and the Trico Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Centre as well as centre-agnostic programs such as Propel and Real Deal. Established through philanthropy and community investment, the Centres provide unique and transformative experiences at the intersection of students, faculty and the business community. Within this portfolio, the Program Specialist, Leadership Programs works primarily within the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business (CCAL) and has primary responsibility for coordinating the BMO Mentorship Program and Haskayne Adventure Leadership program, while supporting the Jarislowsky Fellowship in Business Management and other leadership initiatives as required.

This is a highly collaborative position and requires an individual who excels in stakeholder engagement, program coordination and event logistics, with a strong ability to balance multiple priorities and maintain effective communication during periods of increased activity. This role requires discretionary decision-making, sound judgement within established strategic direction, and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Due to operational requirements, this position works predominantly in-office. The primary hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M, 7 hours per day (35 hours per week), although extended or alternative (evenings and weekends) may be required. This role is a member of the AUPE Bargaining Unit.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

The Program Specialist is responsible for the successful execution of existing programs and initiatives, and continuous improvement of programs and initiatives under the direction of the Manager, Leadership Programs. This position coordinates programs through the entire programming cycle, including the following phases: needs assessment/diagnostic, delivery, evaluation and reporting. This work requires effective project management, relationship management, data collection and analysis, sound judgment and coordination across multiple concurrent initiatives.

Program and Project Management

• Consult with the Manager, Leadership Programs, the Haskayne Centres team and stakeholders to identify programming objectives and take responsibility for planning the scope and format of said programming
• Coordinate the planning and execution of multiple initiatives, including large-scale events and programming that are evolving and long-term in nature; the focus is on relevant, meaningful community engagement and impactful student experiences connected to these opportunities
• Maintain detailed annual program plans, timelines, processes and supporting documentation for assigned programs
• Act as a liaison with individuals and groups in the school on behalf of the relevant centres, across all relevant programs
• Ensure that program and logistics and preparations (such as venue arrangements, catering, signage, invitations, accommodations, transportation, etc.) are organized, documented, communicated and implemented
• Create, update and distribute timelines, supports the preparation of collateral (program brief, speaking notes, presentations, invitations, logistical information related to programs and initiatives etc.) and provides information to all relevant stakeholders prior to and throughout the program
• Coordinate the collection and analysis of participant feedback, program outcomes and stakeholder insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Recommend and implement improvements to program processes, participant experience and delivery based on program data, stakeholder feedback and emerging practices
• Exercise sound judgement and decision-making within the University guidelines to ensure the successful delivery of initiatives, events and activities
• Responsive and innovative troubleshooting to address changes and problems as they arise, including involving all appropriate stakeholders
  
  

Program Engagement

• Guide students, faculty, mentors, alumni, facilitators and community partners through relevant Haskayne Centres and leadership experiential-learning programs, program expectations and participation requirements
• Coordinate the annual participant lifecycle for the BMO Mentorship Program, including student and mentor recruitment, onboarding, orientation, matching processes, ongoing engagement, communications and program completion
• Serve as a key point of contact for students and mentors throughout the BMO Mentorship Program and respond to program questions, challenges and participant concerns, escalating significant issues as appropriate
• Coordinate participant recruitment, communications, preparation and engagement for Haskayne Adventure Leadership programs
• Develop and maintain positive program-specific relationships with alumni, mentors, facilitators, industry professionals, community organizations and other partners contributing to leadership programming
• Support the development of opportunities for collaboration and partnership with leading local, national, and international academic institutions and organizations active in the leadership ecosystem
• Advise students and guide them in finding appropriate resources and opportunities that maximize their development as it relates to the Haskayne Centres programs and initiatives
• Represent CCAL and Haskayne Centres professionally in interactions with program participants and internal and external stakeholders
  
  

Other Projects & Initiatives

• As required, support the Manager, Leadership Programs with strategic projects, operational priorities, and other initiatives that advance the Haskayne Strategic Plan
  
  

Qualifications / Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree, certificate, or diploma in event management, business, or project management is required
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in program management and delivery, event or project management is required
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in leadership development, mentorship, and experiential learning programs and best practices is considered an asset
• Demonstrated experience in developing collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills to deal effectively with complex tasks and issues
• Proven ability to meet competing and concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced environment with constantly shifting priorities
• Strong skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required
• The ability to collaborate with faculty and staff to enhance the student learning experience and increase engagement
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven record of ability to work collaboratively, nurturing positive working relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners is critical to the success of this role
• Knowledge of University policies and regulations is considered an asset
  
  

Application Deadline: October 23, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About The University Of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.