Renison University College, affiliated with the University of Waterloo, acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Renison is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on either side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place in all corners of our campus through research, learning, teaching, community building and outreach.
Respected as an inclusive community that values the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students, Renison is committed to engaged education for the well-being of the world, offering degree programs reflecting social and global engagement through our School of Social Sciences and Humanities and our School of Social Work as well as community engagement in our non-credit programs, through our School of Global Engagement and Education. More information about the College is available on the Renison website.
Renison invites applications for a full-time, 18-month contract position of Interim MSW Program Manager (35 hours per week) with the salary range of: $74,985 and $93,732 per annum. This position is open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
Objectives: The Interim MSW Program Manager is responsible for implementing and guiding key aspects of Renison University College’s Master of Social Work program during an 18-month appointment, with primary responsibility for field education and related program administration. The role provides strategic and operational leadership in admissions and orientation, student progression and completion, student advising and support, academic services and operations, and field education administration.
Reporting to the Director of the School of Social Work, the Manager works with minimal supervision, exercises independent judgement in non-routine and confidential matters, and directly supervises the MSW Field Education Coordinators. The Manager oversees practicum quality, student and program processes, community partnerships, policies, systems, and compliance. Renison’s primarily online MSW program includes students completing at least 450 practicum hours in approved placements across Canada.
The Manager oversees practicum planning, placement development and quality assurance, student advising and progression, complex student and placement matters, field instructor development, community partnerships, program and field education policies, documentation and information systems, and compliance with institutional, professional, legal, safety, and Canadian Association for Social Work Education accreditation requirements. The Manager also contributes to Summer Institutes, program review and accreditation, recruitment and promotion, and the ongoing improvement of the MSW program.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student-centred and relational leadership, anti-oppressive and inclusive practice, accessibility, Indigenous reconciliation, anti-racism, and decolonizing approaches to social work education.
Additionally, the incumbent will represent Renison in a manner consistent with the values, goals, and strategic directions of the University College.
Qualifications:
Education:
· Master of Social Work degree from a Canadian Association for Social Work Education-accredited program, or a recognized equivalent.
· Current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
· Membership in a provincial or national professional social work association, such as the Ontario Association of Social Workers or Canadian Association of Social Workers, is an asset.
· Ability to travel occasionally to placement organizations, meetings, and professional events.
Experience:
· A minimum of five years of progressive experience in social work practice, teaching, and/or administration, including managerial or leadership experience.
· Substantial experience in social work field education, such as field instruction, practicum coordination, placement development, student advising, or management of experiential education.
· At least two years of experience in administration within a university or other post-secondary setting, or within a social service agency, is preferred.
· Strong knowledge of academic programming, systems and processes, social work field education standards, the CASW Code of Ethics, risk management, student accommodations, and relevant legal, regulatory, institutional, and CASWE accreditation requirements.
· Experience managing complex performance concerns and facilitating collaborative resolution processes with diverse students, field instructors, and community partners.
· Experience developing or implementing policies, procedures, manuals, training resources, or quality-assurance processes. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and experience using databases, learning-management systems, and records-management platforms. Experience with IPT, LEARN, Quest, and SharePoint is an asset.
· Experience in graduate education, online or distributed professional programs, accreditation, program review, or program evaluation is an asset.
· Student-centered, relational, values-based, and accountable leadership that strongly reflects social work values and the CASW Code of Ethics.
· Exceptional communication, consultation, facilitation, conflict-resolution, and presentation skills.
· Strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills, including the ability to make independent decisions with tact and sound judgement and to manage confidential and sensitive matters with diplomacy and discretion.
· Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to complex student, placement, performance, safety, and conflict situations.
· Excellent organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to coordinate high-volume work, competing priorities, and firm deadlines.
· Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across academic, professional, and community settings.
· Demonstrated commitment to anti-oppressive and inclusive practice, accessibility, Indigenous reconciliation, anti-racism, and decolonizing approaches to social work education.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise initiative, balance competing demands, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, adapt to changing circumstances, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
· Ability to travel occasionally to placement organizations, meetings, and professional events.
Renison University College respects, appreciates, and actively encourages diversity. As part of Renison’s commitment to equity within the College, we welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals with diverse experiences based on race, ethnic origin, religion, age, colour, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability or disability, including women, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous Peoples, and other visible minorities.
Renison is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates participating in all parts of the hiring process. Please contact a member of Renison’s Human Resources department with accommodation requests.
Applications will be treated confidentially and submitted online as PDF files through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/189005).
Please include a complete resume or curriculum vitae and a letter of application. Please provide the names of three potential referees who will be contacted should your application moves forward.
References will be solicited at a later stage in the process as needed and with permission. Additionally, the successful candidate will be asked their consent to complete an educational and criminal records verification. The criminal records verification provides an indication of the existence of adult criminal convictions, for which a record suspension has not been granted, within the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.
Review of applications will begin on July 17, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Pay: $74,985.00-$93,732.00 per year
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waterloo, ON N2L 3G4
