Program Coordinator - Special Initiatives

When you join Okanagan College, you’re joining a team that’s transforming lives and communities.

Every course you create, every student you support and every connection you build, it all matters.

Be a part of a vibrant campus community, where the work you do every day truly makes a difference.

Desired Start Date: December 1, 2026

Appointment End Date: May 29, 2030
Salary Range: $70,719 -$103,721 annually. Typical hiring range $84,863 - $94,292
Bargaining Unit: Exempt - Administrators
Appointment Type: Term, Full-Time
Posting Closing Date: October 4, 2026

 
Schedule: will be Monday to Friday and not exceed 35 hours per week. Specific hours will be determined upon discussion with designated supervisor. Incumbent may be required to work the occasional evening or weekend to support events. 

Special Instructions to Applicants: Position is subject to external funding. 

\nYour Opportunity

Under the general direction of the Associate Dean, Trades & Apprenticeship, the Program Coordinator – Special Initiatives is responsible for coordinating and supporting projects, programs, and initiatives, including those funded through external partnerships and funding sources. This role monitors progress towards objectives, tracks outcomes, and performance measures, managing reporting requirements, and ensuring project deliverables, milestones, and targets are achieved in alignment with project and organizational goals. Additionally, they will support the development, delivery, evaluation, and growth of programs and courses, collaborating with internal and external partners to develop and deliver training solutions that meet client and organizational needs as well as regulatory bodies to ensure compliance. This position will also provide administrative and operational support to programs as needed. As this position is based at the Kelowna Airport, it may assist with facility tours and other related activities.

Functions and Duties

1. 1. As the primary contact with external partners and funders, assists the Trades Management team in creating and implementing project and initiative budgets, including those funded through external partnership and funding sources. Monitors related expenditures and adherence to financial processes and procedures, submission timelines and outcomes including compliance with contract conditions and targets, required formats, guidelines, agreements, and reporting. 

   2. Monitors and reconciles project financial activity, prepares financial reports and forecasts, tracks expenditures against approved budgets, identifies variances and potential risks, and provides recommendations to support effective resource management and achievement of project objectives.  

   3. Working closely with Department Chairs, Toolroom Attendants, and the Trades Management team, this position coordinates the purchasing and procurement of non-routine program capital equipment and specialized tools and project-related resources. Responsibilities include tracking expenditure and processing invoices and related payment documentation. This position liaises with Procurement on Negotiated Request for Proposal (NRFP) processes and participates in committees and initiatives related to equipment acquisition, capital planning, and program development needs. 

   4. Plans, develop, implement, evaluate programs, courses, and training initiatives, including supporting short- and medium-range planning to meet operational, client, and organizational objectives. As needed, assists with program - mapping and support. May work closely with regulatory bodies ensuring compliance with program standards and regulations.  

   5. Develops and implements project strategies and plans, ensuring successful execution and achievement of project objectives; maintains project-related records and tracking systems, including monitoring participant and graduate outcomes, to support reporting, evaluation, continuous improvement, and long-term program and organizational goals.  

   6. Builds and maintains relationships with businesses, service providers, government organizations, school districts, senior secondary schools, non-profits, and corporate partners in the region to identify training needs, respond to inquiries, develop partnerships, negotiate service agreements, and support the delivery of programs and contract training.  

   7. Assists Trades Program Administrators with the coordination and administration of Trades General Interest courses, programs, and training projects, including budget support, course logistics, instructional materials, online resources, and monitoring course registrations and capacity. Prepares staffing forms for instructors in new and existing Trades General interest and Industry courses. 

   8. Provides information and support to students and clients regarding general policy, admission, and registration information on programs either by telephone, electronically, or in-person. Ensures student concerns, complaints and suggestions are addressed in a timely fashion. 

   9. Prepares and manages annual plans and budgets for designated programs, courses, and projects in accordance with established policies and procedures; monitors revenues, expenditures, trends, forecasts, and performance metrics to support informed decision-making and achieve approved financial and operational targets.  

   10. Collaborate with College Relations and other internal departments to plan, implement, and evaluate marketing, recruitment, outreach, and engagement activities that support project, program, and facility objectives; may assist with tours, student engagement initiatives, events, and provide administrative and operational support to instructors, support staff, and students.  

   11. In collaboration with Departments Chairs and the Trades Management team, coordinates the relocation, installation, and setup of program and facility furniture, equipment, and capital assets. Liaises with internal and external partners and contractors as needed.  

   Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience

Completion of post-secondary degree in a related area with a minimum of 2 to 5 years’ experience, including experience with federal contribution agreements, grant management and financial reporting. Project management experience preferred. Experience in a post-secondary education environment utilizing commonly used student information, registration, and finance systems and experience with instructional design would be an asset. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, and in taking initiative with limited supervision/direction. 

• Ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with internal and external contacts. 

• Must be flexible, extremely detail-oriented and able to manage high work volume and conflicting priorities in order to meet deadlines. 

• Demonstrated project management skills. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Creative problem solver. 

• Strong budgeting and analytical skills. 

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and complex databases, to generate and analyze reports. 

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Our Values

Students first: Creating meaningful life-long educational opportunities of the highest quality for alumni, current, and future students is at the heart of everything we do. Community: We are one College. We enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to work with, learn from, and support everyone we encounter collaboratively and collegially. Respect: We welcome, embrace, and celebrate that which make us unique in creating an environment in which every individual is valued, affirming our commitment to human dignity for all. Courage: We are courageous in our actions in areas that contribute to positive change in our communities and beyond. We have the courage to be vulnerable. We are truthful, sincere, and act ethically with honesty and fairness. Relationships: We steward meaningful relationships built on a foundation of reciprocity. We are compassionate, empathic, and care for the holistic well-being of students, employees, community members, and the land. Distinction: We choose activities in which we can achieve excellence and positively impact society.

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca.