Academic Chair, Heavy Equipment Technology

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 97,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Alberta is seeking an Academic Chair for the School of Transportation to oversee curriculum development, enhance educational programs, and lead faculty. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in a related field, substantial leadership experience, and a strong understanding of industry trends. This position offers a salary range of $97,930.00 - $132,410.54, with excellent benefits including 4 weeks vacation and 14 flex days per year.

Benefits

Health & Dental Care

Pension Plan

Flexible Work Options

4 Weeks Vacation

14 Flex Days

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a management, education, or Heavy Equipment & Autobody Industry related discipline is ideal.
• Leadership experience in a relevant business or industry with a broad understanding of current and emerging trends.
• Experience in curriculum development and delivery, or in a faculty/managerial role.

Responsibilities

• Enhance curriculum using input from industry partners and best practices.
• Lead efforts to establish the school as a recognized center of excellence.
• Oversee faculty and coach them to achieve performance excellence.

Skills

Financial and business acumen

Exceptional product management skills

Project management experience

Excellent communication skills

Strong leadership capabilities

Education

Graduate degree in management or related discipline

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

SAIT’s School of Manufacturing and Automation, and School of Transportation provides the skills-based training and development to prepare students for a career in Alberta's rapidly growing transportation, manufacturing and automation sectors. We provide applied learning in action through our trades and technology programs.

The Opportunity

The School of Transportation at SAIT offers an exciting and diverse range of Heavy Equipment, Auto Body programs. Our career programs position graduates for success by providing learning experiences that are relevant, skills-oriented, and applied in the real world.

Reporting to the Dean and Associate Dean, the Academic Chair will lead a portfolio of educational programs within School of Transportation. You will oversee the development and delivery of curriculum to adult learners, and nurture relationships with industry partners to ensure high quality, relevant curriculum. Additionally, you will propel continuous improvement activities and entrepreneurial thinking to establish the school as the premiere educational institution in Alberta.

Look forward to collaborating on school and institutional initiatives connected to SAIT’s Strategic Plan and Education Plan, in the areas of student success, employee engagement, and innovation in applied education and partnerships.

The Role

• Enhance curriculum using input from industry partners and best practices from other post-secondary schools to deliver high-quality education
• Lead efforts to establish the school as a recognized center of excellence in Heavy Equipment, Auto Body
• Build relationships with established enterprises across multiple industries to understand current and expected future skill needs for workers
• Contribute to industry conferences, workshops, and networking sessions to promote the school as a knowledge leader
• Act as an ambassador for SAIT, the School of Transportation, its students, and alumni in the community
• Grow opportunities for students to participate in work-integrated learning with industry partners or through entrepreneurial ventures
• Direct initiatives in the school that streamline operations and implement unique educational experience
• Oversee faculty and coach them to achieve performance excellence
• Set strategic objectives and direction to support the achievement of short, medium and long term goals
• Resource management, scheduling and recommendations for growth based on market demand to ensure an effective learning environment for learners
• Foster the development of a strong faculty team
• Lead the development of program strategic plan in the area that addresses quality
• Support and promote initiatives that enhance learner success and retention in the programs, such as active learning, technology-enabled learning, online or blended delivery, etc.
• Support and participate in projects and action research initiatives with faculty, focused on Teaching Excellence and the integration of technology into instructional practice
• Set and meet budget objectives associated with area operation

Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate degree in a management, education, or Heavy Equipment & Autobody Industry related discipline is ideal
• Leadership experience in a relevant business or industry with a broad understanding of current and emerging trends in the Heavy Equipment & Autobody Industry.
• Financial and business acumen with experience leading change in a large organization
• Exceptional product management skills from developing, launching, and continuously improving successful products.
• Experience in curriculum development and delivery, or in a faculty/managerial role at a post-secondary institute ideal.
• Possess an entrepreneurial mindset with comfort taking risks and identifying new opportunities
• Ability to effectively coach and support employees
• Ability to positively influence and maintain relationships with external stakeholders
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Project management experience and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and written
• Strong leadership capabilities and supervisory experience

Skills and Knowledge

• Financial and business acumen with experience leading change in a large organization
• Exceptional product management skills from developing, launching, and continuously improving successful products
• Experience in curriculum development and delivery, or in a faculty/managerial role at a post-secondary institute is preferred
• Possess an entrepreneurial mindset with comfort taking risks and identifying new opportunities
• Ability to effectively coach and support employees
• Ability to positively influence and maintain relationships with external stakeholders
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Project management experience and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and written
• Strong leadership capabilities and supervisory experience

Job classification: Academic Chair M1110

Salary range: $97,930.00 - $132,410.54

Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Position end date: August 11th, 2025

View a summary of our benefits and perks for salaried employees as one of Alberta's Top Employers, including health & dental care, pension plan, vacation & special leave and flexible work options at our beautiful inner-city campus.

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.

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