Assistant Deputy Minister, Early and Advanced Learning

Government of Nunavut; Ikaluit; On-site; CAD 157,000 - 226,000; Full time

Job summary

A territorial educational authority in Iqaluit is seeking an Assistant Deputy Minister for Early and Advanced Learning. This role involves providing strategic leadership to advance educational mandates and oversee compliance with key legislative frameworks. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree, substantial senior management experience, and deep understanding of Nunavut's cultural context. Applicants are encouraged to submit resumes in any official language of Nunavut. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $157,970 to $225,672 annually, with additional northern allowance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior management experience is required.
• Fluency in more than one of Nunavut’s official languages is an asset.
• Knowledge of Inuit communities and culture is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead early learning and advanced education initiatives in the territory.
• Champion culturally responsive educational programs.
• Advise on policies aligned with community needs and government priorities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cultural responsiveness

Policy implementation

Mentorship

Knowledge of Inuit culture

Education

Master’s degree or recognized degree in Education, Business, Public Administration, or related field

Job description

Description

Title: Assistant Deputy Minister, Early and Advanced Learning

Department: Education

Community: Iqaluit

Requisition Number: 413

Type of Employment: Indeterminate

Salary range: $157,970 to $225,672 per year, 37.5 hours/week

Northern Allowance: $16,008 per year

Housing: Subsidized Staff Housing is not Available

Union Status: Senior Management- Excluded

Closing date: December 12, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

This employment opportunity is restricted to residents of Iqaluit only.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Minister of Education, the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Early and Advanced Learning plays a strategic leadership role in advancing Nunavut’s educational mandate. As one of three senior ADMs in the Department of Education, the incumbent oversees the implementation of key legislative and policy frameworks, including the Child Day Care Act, Student Financial Assistance Act, and the Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy (NALS). This role is central to promoting inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive learning opportunities across the territory, while supporting the well-being and lifelong learning of Nunavummiut.

Responsibilities

• Serving as a core leader within the Department's senior management team and acting as the internal and external spokesperson on matters related to early learning, advanced education, and financial assistance
• Leading a comprehensive and cohesive continuum of educational pathways for all generations, from early childhood to adult learners
• Championing culturally responsive early learning programs, guiding adult education initiatives to promote lifelong learning and workforce development, and administering financial aid to enhance access to post-secondary education
• Advising on policies aligned with community needs and government priorities, contributing to the implementation of the Education Act and Regulations, orchestrating legislative efforts, and leading special initiatives to advance learning in the territory
• Ensuring compliance with the Education Act, Inuit Language Protection Act, Child Day Care Act, Student Financial Assistance Act, Official Languages Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and Universities and Degree Granting Institutions Act
• Overseeing the implementation of funding models to ensure equitable distribution of resources, such as the Nunavut Student Financial Assistance Program
• Providing mentorship and leadership to direct reports, ensuring their growth and professional development.

Qualifications

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this job are usually obtained through a recognized master’s degree OR a recognized Degree in Education, Business, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred, plus a minimum of five (5) years of senior management experience and minimum of five (5) years of related work experience is required. This is a Position of Trust and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required.

The Official Languages of Nunavut are Inuktut, English and French. Applicants may submit their resume in any of the official languages of Nunavut. Fluency in more than one of Nunavut’s official languages would be considered an asset. Knowledge of Inuit communities, culture, land, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuktut and experience working in a northern cross-cultural environment are also considered assets.

Acceptable combinations of education and experience at the senior administrative level may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above.

An eligibility list may be created to fill future vacancies.

• The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a representative workforce; therefore, priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit who self-identify as being enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement in accordance with the Priority Hiring Policy.
• Government of Nunavut employees serving a probationary period must obtain and provide written authorization from the deputy head of their employing department. The authorization from the deputy head must accompany your application for your application to be considered.
• Possession of a criminal record may not disqualify candidates from being considered. An assessment of the criminal record will be measured against the scope and duties of the position. This is only a requirement for positions that require a satisfactory criminal record or vulnerable sector check.
• Applicants may submit their resume in any of the Official Languages of Nunavut.
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• The onus is on candidates in receipt of foreign post-secondary education credentials to have their foreign credentials assessed through a recognized Canadian education institution. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of their application.