Gardiner Centre is proud to partner with Memorial University's Labrador Campus to bring the Professional Certificate in Project Management to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador!

Lead with confidence, engage with impact, and deliver projects that drive real results.

The Professional Certificate in Project Management is a hands-on, immersive program designed to equip professionals with the skills, tools, and confidence to lead projects that deliver meaningful results. Participants will gain an understanding of the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept and planning, through execution and stakeholder management, to delivering measurable outcomes.

This program goes beyond theory, blending foundational project management principles with leadership strategies and strategic stakeholder engagement. Participants will learn to navigate complex project environments, and foster collaboration among diverse teams. With an emphasis on practical application, the program also includes a simulation where participants will integrate planning, execution, and leadership skills in a scenario, reinforcing learning and building confidence.

Whether you are managing operational initiatives, launching new products, or leading organizational change, this program provides the knowledge and strategies to turn project challenges into opportunities, ensuring projects are completed on time, on budget, and aligned with organizational goals. By the end of the program, participants will not only understand the mechanics of successful project management—they will be prepared to manage projects with influence, agility, and impact, and while also being ready to interface with senior leadership.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Apply core project management principles to plan, execute, and close projects successfully.
• Analyze project environments and anticipate challenges, risks, and opportunities.
• Identify, prioritize, and strategically engage stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and achieve project goals.
• Lead project teams effectively, balancing technical execution with people and change management.
• Gain an Understanding of change management strategies to ensure long-term project benefits.
• Integrate project planning, communication, risk management, and leadership skills in a simulation.

Program Content

Fundamentals of Project Management

Learn the essential principles and processes that turn ideas into successful, well-managed projects. Gain the tools to plan, execute, and close projects while managing resources, risks, and other project management knowledge areas.

• Define projects and establish success criteria.
• Identify and mitigate common project challenges.
• Develop project plans linked to a sound business case.
• Understand the dynamic relationship between core project management areas of scope, schedule, and budget
• Gain an appreciation and tools across project management knowledge areas including resource management, quality, communication, risk, procurement, and others

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

Enhance your ability to identify, engage, and manage stakeholders strategically to drive project success. Learn to build strong, authentic relationships that advance both personal and organizational objectives.

• Apply relationship model thinking to strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Identify and prioritize stakeholders for effective engagement.
• Develop strategies to foster collaboration and trust.
• Utilize tools such as stakeholder registers and engagement matrices.
• Navigate challenging situations and resolve stakeholder conflicts confidently.

Project Leadership

Move beyond task management to lead projects with vision and confidence. Develop leadership skills that align projects to strategy and inspire teams, while ensuring projects deliver measurable benefits.

• Adopt a Project Leadership Mindset to guide projects strategically.
• Adapt leadership styles to meet team and stakeholder needs.
• Gain an understanding of change management practices to realize project benefits.
• Secure executive and sponsor buy-in for project success.
• Learn skills to assist with problem-solving and issue escalation

Simulation

Participants will apply their learning in a project simulation, integrating project planning, stakeholder engagement, and leadership strategies to refine practical skills in a controlled environment.

Instructor(s)

Jordan Wright

Jordan Wright has experience working with private, public and not-for-profit organizations, both locally and nationally. Jordan is currently Lead 2025 Canada Games at Memorial University and was previously Director - Operations, Conference Services and Events with Memorial University and was responsible for the Operations of Memorial's Emera Innovation Exchange at Signal Hill Campus along with its Graduate Student Accommodations and Conference and Events services for both the Signal Hill and St. John's Campuses. Immediately prior to this, Jordan managed the Office of the Associate Vice-President (Facilities) at Memorial University, where he worked on the University's overall infrastructure planning, which included capital renewal and new construction projects.

Jordan has also worked with the University's Office of Public Engagement, Gardiner Centre as well as the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. These positions allowed him to work on a number of marketing and communications, event production, human resource development, consulting, economic and business development projects. Jordan has also been involved with Shad Canada, leading Memorial’s program while providing guidance on business plan development, project management and leadership fundamentals.

Jordan holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts (French & Economics) from Memorial University, as well as a Masters Certificate in Project Management and Masters Certificate in Leadership from York University Schulich Executive Education Centre. Jordan holds Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) designation as well as being a Prosci Certified  Change Management Practitioner (CCMP). Jordan previously held volunteer roles with the East Coast Trail Association and Horizon TNL, is a past-president of PMI NL Chapter and is a former National Vice-President of Canadian Parents for French.