Academic Chair, Community Services

Saskatchewan Polytechnic; Fort Saskatchewan; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks an Academic Chair to oversee program management within the School of Education and Community Services. The role emphasizes academic leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across multiple locations. The Chair will ensure quality education delivery while managing faculty and resources effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience in academic leadership and administration.
• Strong background in curriculum development and accreditation.
• Proven track record in managing human resources.

Responsibilities

• Oversee academic and operations management of assigned programs.
• Manage resources and budget development for programs.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

Skills

Academic Leadership

Diversity and Inclusion

Budget Management

Curriculum Development

People Management

Job description

Job Duties / Qualifications, Skills and Abilities (QSA)

Job Duties

The primary role of the Academic Chair is to bridge the needs of their program areas within the strategic goals of the School of Education and Community Services. The Chair is responsible for the academic and operations management of assigned programs, ensuring the delivery of quality education and training. This involves maintaining effective links with government, accrediting agencies, and other educational institutions related to programming needs. The Academic Chair will lead faculty and staff towards a student-centered program and teaching excellence.

The assigned programs currently include Child and Youth Care, Disability Support Professional, Occupational Health and Safety, Justice Studies, Community Justice Worker, Community Safety Officer, Court Services Administrator, Security Officer, and Victim Services Coordination. These programs are subject to change based on organizational needs.

Qualifications, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

Specific Accountabilities

1. Academic Leadership and Administration
   • Promote teaching excellence for a successful student learning experience.
   • Provide academic leadership through curriculum development and accreditation processes, focusing on service, safety, and program delivery excellence.
   • Manage academic activities, including curriculum development, instructional methods, and standards to ensure consistency in program outcomes.
   • Ensure the quality of academic offerings by monitoring and implementing sound policies and procedures.
   • Champion diversity and support an inclusive environment for all learners and staff, including initiatives for Indigenous student success, international programs, disability support, and other learner success models.
   • Prepare programs for accreditation and reviews, involving relevant stakeholders.
   • Coordinate Program Advisory Committee activities, including recruitment of new members.
   • Establish protocols for and oversee Prior Learning Assessment Reviews.
   • Manage administrative processes to ensure program quality and compliance with policies and standards.
   • Coordinate reporting for funding agencies and standardize documentation and procedures.
2. Resource Allocation
   • Manage resources within the FAST system, providing financial information to program heads and the associate dean.
   • Contribute to budget development, including identifying initial requirements and ongoing expenditures.
   • Monitor financial performance and recommend adjustments.
   • Oversee professional development resources and apply for/manage development funds.
   • Coordinate resource use among programs.
3. People Management
   • Manage human resources, including recruitment, performance management, and staff development, reflecting the values of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
   • Foster a positive, diverse, and inclusive work environment.
   • Oversee faculty assessment processes and support faculty and staff development.
   • Set performance standards, goals, and operational plans, and hold staff accountable.
   • Address management issues timely, including disciplinary actions, within collective agreements and policies.
   • Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements.
   • Oversee faculty scheduling, workload, and instructional hours to ensure consistency.
   • Promote effective communication and a collaborative environment.
   • Manage student experiences, including recruitment, orientation, retention, and addressing student concerns.
4. Relationship Management
   • Represent the program on internal committees and build relationships within and outside the organization.
   • Maintain external relationships with agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners.
   • Represent the School and Saskatchewan Polytechnic at community and sector events.
5. Strategic Planning
   • Lead strategic initiatives and align them with organizational goals.
   • Forecast trends and communicate results to senior management.
   • Develop strategies to meet stakeholder and program needs.
   • Manage priorities and contribute to grant and funding proposals.
   • Set and pursue program goals, anticipating human resource needs for future trends.

The position is based in Saskatoon, Regina, or Prince Albert, reporting to the Associate Dean, School of Education and Community Services. It involves leadership in academic and operational management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. The Chair will oversee faculty and staff across multiple locations, manage budgets, and may need to travel provincially and nationally for representation and program responsibilities.