Academic Pathways Development Specialist

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 1785
CLOSING DATE: AUGUST 23, 2026 @ 11:59PM

GRANTS & ACADEMIC INITIATIVES

The Academic Pathways Specialist designs, implements, and manages formal articulation and transition pathways connecting K-12 public school systems to NorQuest College. Reporting to the Director, Grants & Academic Initiatives, this role serves as the primary liaison between public school boards and the institution, ensuring secondary students experience seamless, supportive access to post-secondary education through dual-credit, collegiate, and transitional programming.  This role contributes to the growth of academic pathways by serving as a vital bridge between K-12 public school systems and NorQuest’s internal programming. The Specialist drives the growth of dual credit offerings, Open Admission Pathways, and transitions from foundational programs (including Language Instruction for New Canadians) into core college programs. To ensure seamless learner mobility, the Specialist collaborates across departments to improve processes and learner mobility. This includes refining data needs to properly report on pathways, such as dual credit conversion rates. This position needs to process and synthesize information quickly, looking for patterns in programming and pathways to contribute to the development of pathways.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Monitor and improve business processes that support academic pathways activities, including dual credit, transfer agreements, pathways development, and operationalization.
• Plan, coordinate, and support projects related to learner mobility, program flexibility, and formal dual credit engagement with public school districts.
• Connect and lead program areas in preparation for Dual Credit delivery, liaising with K-12 school boards to ensure operational readiness and role clarity across institutions.
• Participate in program brokerage, K-12 articulation agreements, and curriculum-sharing discussions, highlighting opportunities and clarifying processes, roles, and responsibilities.
• Utilize data to support decision-making, establish priorities for academic pathways activities, and contribute to reporting on learner mobility and pathway success.
• Contribute to the development of processes, frameworks, guidelines, policies, and consultation plans that support Cross-Faculty Education initiatives.
• Coordinate and support pathways engagement opportunities, including information sessions, campus visits, virtual experiences, webinars, and learner engagement activities.
• Maintain and distribute pathway information and resources for internal and external stakeholders, including K-12 partners and Cross-Faculty Education programming.
• Provide guidance and leadership on external awareness of Cross-Faculty projects, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to support high-quality learning opportunities.
• Develop and deliver reports, presentations, dashboards, and grant-related activities that support pathway development, project success, and future program growth.

 

WHAT YOU BRING

• Undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three years of experience managing programs.
• Experience with project management, particularly results-based management tools.
• Experience working in the Alberta K-12 Education System is considered an asset.
• Project management experience is considered an asset.
• Management or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience planning and hosting engagement activities such as webinars, information sessions, and stakeholder events is considered an asset.

 

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER? 

AS A DIFFERENCE MAKER YOU BRING EXPERIENCE IN

• Developing and monitoring work plans, quality assurance cycles, and communication cycles while ensuring stakeholders are engaged and informed.
• Utilizing best practices and systems thinking to support the operationalization and execution of academic projects and initiatives.
• Responding to external partners and providing clarity on timelines, resource availability, processes, and connections to internal and external resources.
• Demonstrating innovative thinking while considering existing policies, procedures, and organizational priorities.
• Providing leadership to projects and collaborating with internal and external partners to deliver high-quality programming and meet project deadlines.
• Planning and communicating goals, priorities, and project intent with stakeholders while maintaining regular communication and alignment.
• Building positive relationships with leadership, college departments, external partners, and industry stakeholders through consultation, advice, negotiation, and collaboration.
• Managing multiple competing projects and priorities independently while supporting project teams and keeping leadership informed of significant issues and opportunities.

SALARY: AUPE Band Level 8 | Specialist III | $67,351 - $87,454 annually reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time, permanent position with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). For more information regarding the AUPE Collective Agreement, please check out this link. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures.

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

• International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
• World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.