Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. While work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton, this position will require flexibility across time zones as needed due to virtual meetings with partners in different parts of the world, as well as international travel.
The Program Manager, Transnational Education (TNE) is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing international academic partnerships that advance the University’s strategic priorities and align with faculty capacity and academic standards. This role integrates market intelligence, partnership development, risk management, and project oversight to ensure the successful delivery and continuous improvement of TNE initiatives.
The Program Manager serves as a key liaison among academic units, central administration, and international partners, supporting the full lifecycle of transnational education programs — from opportunity identification through implementation, evaluation, and renewal.
International Education & Enrolment (IEE) supports the university community in the development and delivery of impactful international experiences and opportunities to foster global citizenship.
Opportunity Identification & Intake
Conduct market research and intelligence gathering to understand industry trends and identify potential TNE opportunities aligned with institutional strategy and academic priorities.
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Proactively seek and engage prospective partners to identify and evaluate opportunity
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Serve as the central intake point for proposed TNE initiatives, evaluating and triaging opportunities based on academic fit, capacity, financial viability, and risk.
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Prepare analyses and recommendations to support decision-making.
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Develop and maintain database of prospective partners (contacts etc)
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Contribute to the development of university’s TNE strategic plan including the development of multi-year action plans (Achieve multi-year outcome targets assigned to role)
Support missions to markets of priority by senior university administrators
Partnership Development & Negotiation
Lead or support the development and negotiation of international partnerships and agreements.
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Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Human Resources, Registrar, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and other stakeholders to structure agreements that uphold academic quality and manage institutional risk.
Develop comprehensive business cases and gain consensus with respect to the potential outcomes, risks, actions required to implement and evaluation criteria are well defined and support approval/decline decision making.
Risk Management
Identify academic, operational, financial, regulatory, and reputational risks associated with TNE initiatives.
Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and monitoring processes throughout the partnership lifecycle.
Program & Project Management
Oversee approved TNE projects from initiation through implementation and ongoing operation.
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Facilitate project meetings and coordinate cross-functional teams, including faculty, academic units, student services, finance, marketing, and international partners.
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Collaborate with enrollment management, marketing, and partner institutions to support student recruitment strategies for TNE programs.
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Monitor student engagement throughout the program lifecycle, working with internal and external stakeholders to address recruitment, retention, and progression challenges.
Monitor project plans, timelines, deliverables, enrollment targets, and performance indicators to ensure successful academic and operational outcomes.
Lifecycle Management & Continuous Improvement
Maintain ongoing engagement with partners during implementation, evaluation, and renewal phases.
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Lead problem-solving efforts, documenting issues and resolutions.
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Collect and analyze data related to performance
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Prepare briefing notes, reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders
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Translate lessons learned into improved processes, tools, and partnership models.
Update and maintain the TNE operating playbook, ensuring new practices and solutions are embedded for future initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (e.g., Education, International Relations, Business, Public Administration, or related field).
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Demonstrated experience in higher education program management, international partnerships, or business development, specifically in one or more of the following regions: the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Latin America.
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Experience negotiating or supporting complex agreements and managing multiple stakeholders.
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Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to represent the University of Alberta to senior international contacts/clients
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with transnational education, international academic partnerships, or global program delivery.
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Familiarity with academic governance, accreditation, and regulatory considerations.
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Experience working in a matrixed or cross-functional university environment.
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Knowledge of risk management and continuous improvement frameworks.
Language competency in key TNE markets
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking and analytical judgment
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Business development, customer relations, sales, network cultivation
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Relationship-building and negotiation
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Project and stakeholder management
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Problem-solving and adaptability
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Intercultural competency (relationship management, problem solving, negotiation are all done across cultures requires this role to also be a culture broker)
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Attention to detail with a systems-oriented mindset
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Ability to take initiative.
Commitment to support the University’s goals of community, access and belonging
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume.
This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $72,250 to $120,423.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
