Policy Associate – Yorkville University

Title of the Job: Policy Associate

Location: Toronto, ON

Job Description: We are looking for the visionaries, the change-makers, the self-starters who are seeking more from their career. Change begins with the small decisions we make, each day, to support each other and strive to create inspiring incredible educational experiences for all students, no matter where they are or how they learn. This concept connects deeply to the idea that, in choosing a career with Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, you will have the opportunity to push boundaries, flex your creativity and inspire positive change for so many people. It’s also a call-back to the transformative power of education itself.Our core values put the student experience at the center of what we do, reflecting who we are and aspire to be. If you want to shine a light on academic excellence, be empowered to make an impact on the transformation of the Canadian post-secondary education landscape, and work collaboratively beyond levels, join us.Who we needReporting to the Interim Director, Academic Governance and Policies, we are looking for a Policy Associate to join our team. You will drive the research, analysis, drafting, and maintenance of our institutional policies, ensuring the efficient and effective operation of academic programs and activities. You will collaborate with faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders to write policies and ensure their currency through regular review and renewal.This is a hybrid role, working 2-3 days a week in our downtown Toronto office.Who you areYou have a policy background from a university, college, or regulated industry. You have in-depth experience researching and implementing new policies and revising and renewing existing policies. You have a proven ability to respond rapidly to change.What’s in it for youOwnership. You will ensure transparent and timely communication with stakeholders, taking and incorporating feedback, and working collaboratively to develop the best policies. You will take ownership of the consultation process around policies and be a point of contact, moving policy ideas through an iterative approach.Influence. You want to make an impact at a progressive, private university, researching, developing, implementing, and maintaining policies. You will play a key role in contributing to an environment that supports a mission of championing student success and fosters an environment where all team members can be their best selves, grow and thrive.Career development. We are disrupting traditional post-secondary learning. Yorkville University and Toronto Film School are progressive and forward-thinking post-secondary institutions. You want to take your skills to the next level and significantly expand your knowledge of academic policies. You will be supported in your growth and mentored by your manager. This high-visibility role works closely with leadership to implement academic, administrative, and corporate policies that govern how we act, make decisions, and grow. Whether you want to move up in this department or another area of Administration, this is an exciting time to join us.As our new Policy Associate, you will:

• Research. You will analyze and recommend updates to existing academic policies and procedures based on changing regulations, industry trends, and institutional needs. You will stay informed about relevant regulations impacting academic policies and practices. You will respond to flags on the misalignment of policies as determined by external quality assessment panels, researching and writing changes to the policy. You will collect and analyze policy implementation, compliance, and outcomes data.
• Write and update academic policies. You will be deeply involved in the policy consultation process, managing it from end to end in the context of the university’s academic governance cycles. You will work with campus leaders to prepare motions for review. You will contribute to annual academic policy and curriculum updates in the Academic Calendars. You will be critical in short- and long-term policy agendas, identifying and filling academic, administrative, and corporate policy gaps. You will ensure that all policies are updated, routinely renewed, and refreshed on a 3-5-year cycle, working with academic and corporate leadership and governing bodies to implement updates.
• Collaborate. You will work with the Provost and provincial campus VPs to organize the agendas for the Provincial Academic Senates. You will work with academic leadership to create new policies and procedures that support the institution’s strategic goals and academic mission. You will assist in identifying and addressing challenges related to policy implementation and compliance. You will generate reports and summaries for academic leadership, highlighting trends, areas of concern, and opportunities for improvement.
• Communicate. You will distribute and make accessible all policy changes, updates, and new developments to faculty, staff, and students in a clear and timely manner.
• Maintain. You will keep accurate records for policy revisions, approvals, and communication efforts. You will maintain an organized and up-to-date repository of academic policies, procedures, and related documentation.

You have:

• The experience. You have strengths in research and analysis, with the ability to interpret regulations and translate them into actionable policies. You have proven expertise in drafting clear and concise policy documents and updating existing policies to reflect current standards in a highly regulated industry. Ideally, you are familiar with higher education regulations and accreditation standards. You have experience following a detailed policy development process. You are familiar with the confidentiality and discretion required in policy writing. You are extremely comfortable using collaborative software for documentation, communication, project management, data analysis, and reporting.
• The initiative. You are passionate about academics and policy writing. You continuously seek new opportunities to learn and grow. You are detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills. You can collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, and external partners. You can pivot focus, manage change, and keep track of all details across competing demands. You take ownership of your role as a subject matter expert and can guide others through the policy review, writing, and interpretation process.
• The communication skills. You have exceptional written and verbal skills. You can create high-calibre written documentation that adheres to internal and external requirements. You can translate complex regulatory policy for everyday audiences.
• The interpersonal skills. You can build and foster trusting relationships across teams, remaining open to feedback and adapting to changing needs. You respect and appreciate diverse experiences and opinions.

Why work at Yorkville University and Toronto Film School?

• An atmosphere that successfully blends an entrepreneurial culture with education. We value innovation and continuously look towards expanding our programming, working with the latest research, tools and solutions.
• The chance to accelerate your career and disrupt education by responding to the needs you see and purposefully challenging the status quo. Everything we do here is about delighting and engaging our employees – and ultimately our students- from mentorship to teaching, from creative outlets to analytical ones.
• A place where all individuals feel welcomed in the academic and workplace environments and can bring their authentic selves to the educational and work spheres. We celebrate the full range of human diversity and we acknowledge that equal access to opportunities and services may require the removal of barriers that equity-seeking communities experience in trying to obtain this access.
• The opportunity to grow with access to free courses, certifications and programs – right up to our Masters’ offerings.
• An appreciation for the insights and skills you bring to work with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a wide breadth of wellness services and a work-life balance.

Join usWe welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for, express your interest.What you can expect from our hiring process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role and the company.
• A writing assignment to be completed and shared in advance of the next step.
• An interview with the Senior VP of Regulatory and Governance and the Interim Director of Academic Policies. You will be able to share your experience in and approach to policy research, analysis, writing, and implementation.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are a critical component of life at Yorkville University and Toronto Film School and we are committed to making these values an integral part of our culture. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including women, persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual + (LGBTQ2SIA+) community and other equity-seeking groups.Yorkville University is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for disability, please notify Human Resources at 1-877-429-4029.#LI-Hybrid
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