Executive Director, Professional Development Institute

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Posting Reason:

Replacement of a regular position

Job Type:

Employee

Job Family:

Business Strategy and Planning

Faculty/Service - Department:

Office of the Deputy Provost, Planning and Academic Budgets

Campus:

Main Campus

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/03/13

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/04/01

Salary Range:

$157,606.00 - $197,007.00

Position Purpose

The Professional Development Institute (PDI) is a flagship, revenue generating unit of the University of Ottawa dedicated to lifelong learning, executive and professional education, and innovative workforce development. With a long-standing reputation for high quality programming serving the federal government, public sector, defence community, private sector, and international partners, PDI plays an important role in advancing the University's academic mission, digital strategy, external engagement, and financial sustainability.

The Executive Director provides senior leadership to advance PDI's mandate as a market responsive, financially self sustaining, academically connected, and internationally oriented institute. The role is responsible for setting strategic direction; strategic planning and program development; developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with government, defence, industry, and international organizations; overseeing revenue growth and financial performance; digital learning innovation; and ensuring that PDI offerings remain relevant, high quality, connected to academic pathways, and aligned with University priorities, including international collaborations.

The Executive Director acts as the University's principal representative in professional and executive education with key external partners and is accountable for positioning PDI as a trusted, long-term partner for organizations and public institutions seeking applied, bilingual professional learning.

Specific Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership & Growth: Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan that expands PDI's national and international footprint, aligned with uOttawa's academic and digital strategy. Strengthen PDI's role as a central University asset for lifelong learning and workforce development, leading to the growth of PDI for maximum generation of net revenues for the University.
• Program Development & Academic Integration: Oversee high-quality non-credit and professional programs offered by PDI in areas including leadership, management, cybersecurity, procurement, governance, defence, AI, and emerging public-sector needs. Build and expand pathways between non-credit offerings, micro-credentials, and for-credit academic programs through collaboration with faculties. Initiate ongoing collaborations with Deans, Vice-Deans, Directors and Professors to enhance faculty-based professional development initiatives and position PDI as a hub of expertise and logistical support for the entire University.
• External Partnerships: Government, Defence, Industry & International: Lead and sustain strategic partnerships with federal departments, the Department of National Defence, central agencies, Crown corporations and domestic industries that require upskilling or reskilling. Develop long‑term agreements such as standing offers, service contracts and collaborative arrangements that support sustained programming and revenue growth. Strengthen relationships with corporate and international organizations in fields including cybersecurity, AI, public‑sector transformation and defence. Integrate PDI programs into international partnership agreements and global executive training initiatives. Represent the University in regional, national and international networks related to public service, defence, security and workforce development.
• Revenue Generation & Business Development: Drive PDI's growth strategy and ensure annual revenue targets are met or exceeded. Guide business development strategies, identify new markets, emerging training needs, and long-term partnership opportunities. Oversee pricing, contract structuring, forecasting, and margin optimization within a self-financing model. Diversify revenue sources across open enrolment programs, customized training, executive programs, events, sponsorships, and international activities.
• Digital, Hybrid & Innovative Learning: Champion innovative learning models (hybrid, modular, digital, competency-based) and oversee the adoption of modern learning technologies. Collaborate with uOttawa's Centre of Excellence for Digital Learning to leverage digital capacity and expand international reach.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, public administration, business, international affairs, engineering, law), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively senior experience in professional or continuing education, public-sector leadership, or government-focused program delivery.
• PhD or MBA is an asset.
• Demonstrated competencies in strategic development, business development, design and implementation of revenue-generating initiatives, and in negotiating and obtaining private sector sponsorships.
• Demonstrated success leading revenue-generating units or portfolios with significant financial accountability.
• Proven track record working with the federal government, DND, or comparable public-sector organizations.
• Experience developing or managing hybrid/digital learning environments and credential-based pathways.
• Experience with international partnership development in an academic or professional learning context.
• Rigour in financial and human resources management
• Results-based, and risk-informed management
• Strategic engagement
• Government relations and public-sector insight
• Business development and financial management
• Academic partnership-building and curriculum innovation
• Team leadership and organizational development
• Communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of defence, cybersecurity, AI or related specialized sectors (asset)
• Excellent negotiation skills, oral and verbal communication skills, and presentation skills in both official languages
• Demonstrated knowledge of business risk management and the legal framework of professional development

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.