Director, StFX Online

Position Title: Director, StFX Online
Department:  StFX Online
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Classification: MPE Band H
Salary Range: $121,758-148,804
Posting Date: August 5, 2026
Closing Date:  August 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM AST

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Research, Graduate & Professional Studies, the Director of StFX Online provides strategic leadership for the Centre for Online Learning & Professional Studies, overseeing the delivery of online credit and non-credit programs, university preparatory courses, and digital learning initiatives. The Director leads a team of 16.5 staff, collaborates with academic faculties and external partners to develop and deliver high-quality online programming, and oversees the university's learning management system (Moodle) and other teaching technologies. The role is responsible for operational planning, budgeting, software licensing, and fostering innovation to enhance the online learning experience for students and faculty.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of online credit, non-credit, graduate, undergraduate, and professional education programs. 
• Collaborate with Deans, Chairs, faculty, and external partners to identify educational opportunities and develop innovative academic and non-academic programming.
• Oversee the scheduling, delivery, and operational management of online and site-based courses in collaboration with the Registrar's Office and academic units.
• Direct all aspects of program administration, including budgeting, financial sustainability, policy development, reporting, instructor relations, and quality assurance.
• Manage departmental budgets, financial planning, forecasting, and reporting while ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term program viability.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support program growth, innovation, and community engagement.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional and administrative staff, while supporting faculty and instructor recruitment in collaboration with academic leadership.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote online, continuing education, and professional learning programs and maximize enrolment.
• Foster excellence in online teaching and learning by supporting instructional design initiatives and professional development opportunities for faculty and instructors.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Adult Education, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related discipline. 
• Seven to ten (7–10) years of progressive leadership experience in online, distance, continuing, or higher education, including program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams, including recruitment, supervision, performance management, and professional development of unionized and non-unionized staff.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with senior administrators, faculty, academic departments, and external partners to develop and deliver innovative educational programs.
• Experience managing complex departmental budgets, financial planning, forecasting, and ensuring the fiscal sustainability of programs.
• Strong understanding of online teaching and learning, instructional design principles, learning management systems (e.g., Moodle), and educational technologies.
• Experience developing and managing credit and non-credit programming, including contract administration, program operations, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build productive partnerships.
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centred service, innovation, collaboration, and excellence in post-secondary education.

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Quick Apply" button and upload your cover letter and resume as a single combined PDF document (maximum 6 MB). Only one file can be uploaded per application.  

StFX is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.  

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience - outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2026, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 for reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information, visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.