SCS Student Portal

Subject Matter Expert | Next Move: Professional Growth Series

Call for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) | Next Move: Professional Growth Series

The University of Guelph’s School of Continuing Studies is seeking experienced professionals to contribute to the development of a new suite of fully online micro-credentials in business, leadership, and workplace readiness. These offerings are designed to serve a wide range of learners—from professionals developing foundational skills to experienced leaders driving organizational growth and change.

Program Overview

The School of Continuing Studies (SCS), University of Guelph, is continuing development of Next Move, a human-centred, tech-enabled micro-credential suite designed for experienced professionals and managers navigating complexity, change, and growth.

We are preparing for Summer 2026 development and are seeking subject matter experts (SMEs) to contribute to the courses outlined below. These offerings emphasize applied learning, real-world decision-making, and practical organizational relevance.

Courses Seeking SMEs

Level 3 — Advanced/Strategic (Hybrid: Development + Teaching)

We are recruiting SMEs for both course development and instructional delivery for the following Level 3 courses:

  • Strategic Choice & Enterprise Direction
    Organizational direction, trade-offs, and decision-making under uncertainty
  • Enterprise Execution & Operating Models
    Operating models, structure, governance, and execution
  • AI Strategy, Governance, and Organizational Readiness
    Responsible AI adoption, governance, risk, and organizational capability

Level 2 (Development Only)

We are recruiting SMEs for course development only for the following Level 2 courses:

  • Lean Thinking & Practical Process Improvement
  • Psychological Safety & Inclusive Leadership

Level 1 (Development Only)

We are recruiting SMEs for course development only for the following Level 1 courses:

  • Financial Literacy
  • Adapting to Change

Engagement Model

Level 3 Courses

  • Delivered in a hybrid format
  • Six (6) weeks, running between May and July
  • Include fixed teaching days
  • SME role includes:
    • Course development, and
    • Instructional delivery during the course run
  • Compensation includes:
    • A course development fee, and
    • A separate instructor fee

Level 1 and Level 2 Courses

  • Development only
  • No teaching or delivery dates attached at this stage

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Leadership, Public Administration, Organizational Development, or a related
    discipline), or equivalent professional experience
  • 7–10+ years of progressive, applied industry experience in leadership, management, strategy, operations, technology, or organizational roles, with demonstrated accountability for real-world decision-making and outcomes
  • Strong industry credibility, demonstrated through senior roles, consulting experience, sector leadership, or responsibility for leading teams, initiatives, or organizational change
  • Proven ability to translate complex, practical expertise into clear, accessible, and practice-oriented learning content for working professionals
  • Experience developing or delivering training, professional development, or executive education for adult learners
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with instructional designers and program teams, meet agreed upon milestones, and contribute within defined timelines

Compensation and Engagement

SMEs will be engaged as independent contractors. Each engagement includes structured planning, asynchronous content creation, and collaborative development with the design team.

Compensation is between $1000-2000 per course, depending on the scope, course hours and complexity of the project, required expertise and work. Instructional time for level 3 will be on top of development compensation.

Note: Developments would commence through Winter 2026 based on launch schedule.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your subject matter expertise and relevant experience by January 2, 2026 to: 

Mariel Mading, Manager, Professional and Workforce Learning and Innovation, School of Continuing Studies
Email: mmading@uoguelph.ca