To direct the team responsible for the development and deployment of digital learning systems, and internal and external learning technology support for the Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) and the University. As an integral part CEL senior management team, inform overall CEL leadership and service strategies, as well as help direct and support University Digital Learning Systems and educational technology.

This posting is open to internal applicants until August 1, 11:59pm.

Provide critical input in setting the direction and priorities for the University’s digital learning ecosystem and educational technology (EDTECH) systems

• Serves as an integral member of Strategic Technology for Instruction and Learning Environments (STILE), Learning Environment Operations (LEO), and CEL’s Management Team
• Participates in the development of the long-term vision and planning for the environment to support online and technology-enabled learning at the University
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with leadership team and key representatives of the ancillary, administrative and academic support departments of the University, e.g., Instructional Technology and Multimedia Services, Centre for Teaching Excellence, Registrar’s Office, Library, AccessAbility, Bookstore, WatSPEED WatCard, and WatPD
• Optimizes relationships and strategic alliances with government agencies and external technology partners
• Maintains current, expert-level knowledge of systems development and management, software industry best practices, and educational technology sector trends

Manages CEL Digital Learning Systems team

• Develops the Systems group’s annual plans and ensures the effective utilization, deployment and development of human and capital resources
• Oversees hiring and development of the Systems team
• Deploys staff to most productively meet goals and objectives
• Coaches, mentors, and develops employees in core areas, and in their professional development
• Conducts annual performance plans with direct reports, and ensures adherence to annual performance planning and review process within the department
• Leads the acquisitions process (including RFI/RFP) and participates in University level acquisition

Applications Development and Implementation

• Guides the development and implementation of digital learning and information management solutions for CEL and other departments
• Defines business requirements and team deliverables
• Provides design and consulting support for systems development
• Mentors the CEL software development teams
• Ensures the appropriate quality assurance and testing in place in order to deliver high quality systems, and ensure adherence to principles for usability and accessibility of developed systems
• Effectively structures, prioritizes and manages the successful delivery of projects
• Monitors industry trends in systems development and learning technologies and changes to the broader technology environment, contributing to CEL’s tactical and strategic planning activities

Systems Support and Integration

• Ensures digital learning systems integration with core University applications (e.g., LEARN, Quest)
• Coordinates system integration with external partners
• Oversees CEL’s IT Service and Project portfolios, and ensures an effective IT environment within CEL
• Provides internal inter-systems support (e.g., SharePoint, MyCEL, PDreg, CMS)
• Liaises with and provides support for data exchange with provincial agencies, open education resources (OER) and similar initiatives

• University degree or equivalent post-secondary education and/or experience required in computer science, software engineering, digital learning, human computer interaction (HCI), or related field
• 5-10 years of senior leadership experience with a proven track record of achievement and success within the development and management of educational learning platforms, digital learning technologies, and educational software development
• Experience successfully leading and managing software developers, usability, software quality assurance (SQA), and technology support roles focused on educational technologies and digital learning
• Experience in successfully leading digital learning innovation and transformation initiatives
• Experience leading multiple concurrent web and software development projects
• Experience with and in-depth knowledge of data security, governance, privacy and analytics
• Experience managing learning management systems, content management, student information (SIS), customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and project and task management systems
• Experience with purchasing and contract negotiations, determining and management project budgets, and vendor relationship management
• Experience managing a significant budget for staff resources and operational costs
• Experience with commercialization, cost-recovery and revenue generating activities
• Extensive knowledge of systems platforms, learning management and digital authoring tools
• Extensive knowledge of educational technology platforms, trends and requirements
• Familiarity with sound pedagogical and instructional design practices, especially those informing the application of digital technology to learning
• Demonstrated track record of forecasting organizational challenges, and solving business issues preemptively
• Strong leadership and project portfolio management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively present strategies and plans to management and University leadership. Ability to communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and develop relationships at highest levels of the organization
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills combined with analytical and planning abilities
• Demonstrated reasoning and decision-making ability at a senior leadership level

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. 

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.