Dean, School of Students

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), one of Canada’s newest polytechnic institutions, is looking for a leader who inspires creativity and drives a community spirit. We offer a wide variety of credit and non-credit career certificates and diplomas, apprenticeship trades, university transfer studies, as well as, both our own degrees and collaborative degree opportunities for on-campus degree completion.

The Academic Division Structure

NWP's Academic Division is structured with four Polytechnic Schools (Applied Science and Technology, Business, Health and Skilled Trades) and three Offices (Dean of Students, Registrar, and Applied Research and Innovation).

The Community

NWP acknowledges the homeland of the many diverse First Nations and Métis people whose ancestors have walked this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to work, live, and learn on the traditional territory of Treaty 8.

Grande Prairie’s strong and resilient economy has developed with years of steady growth. The city is in an enviable economic position with high wages and disposable incomes, a local real estate market that remains affordable, and plenty of opportunities for growth and diversification. Situated on the southern edge of the Peace River region, Grande Prairie is aptly named for the vast and fertile prairie surrounding the city. Grande Prairie has much to offer visitors and residents, from shopping and entertainment to world-class recreation facilities. While nestled in the prairies of Alberta, it is but a short drive to world-class skiing and other outdoor activities. Grande Prairie continues to be a northern hub that sees action along the lines of sporting tournaments, concerts, stampedes, and other family-friendly community events. Strong resource markets in agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas is the foundation of the strong economy where many energetic, business-minded people are capitalizing on a business climate like no other. Grande Prairie embraces entrepreneurship, innovation, and new ideas.

Grande Prairie is a city of entrepreneurs and remains one of the top places to find employment, build a business, and become part of a growing, thriving community.

The Role

The Dean, School of Students is a senior leader in the Academic Division at NWP. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice-President Academic and participates as a member of the Core Leadership Team. The Dean contributes to the strategic leadership of the polytechnic as a whole and directly leads the departments and programs assigned. The Dean leads, supervises, and provides support and mentorship to its direct team. The Dean is responsible for fiscal planning and accountability within their area of responsibility.

The Dean works with the Provost and Vice-President Academic, and other senior administrators, in order to lead staff in articulating and implementing Polytechnic goals. The Dean plays a significant role in ensuring the integration and implementation of plans that support the Polytechnic direction and goals and may carry out other roles or projects as assigned by the Provost and Vice-President Academic. The Dean is responsible for providing strong leadership and vision in the articulation and implementation of the school’s strategic plan while maintaining alignment with NWP’s Strategic Plan.

Key Duties

• Work closely with the Provost and Vice-President Academic, in order to contribute to the development and implementation of the institution’s strategic plan and vision.
• Lead strategic planning across the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Provide leadership and support to student supports and services.
• In consultation with the Provost and Vice-President Academic, oversee the organization and delivery of student services within their Office.
• Lead new student supports and services.
• Contribute to NWP’s policy development.
• Contribute to the overall planning and direction of the Polytechnic.
• Support and communicate Polytechnic and divisional direction and vision.
• Provide leadership to specified committees, projects, and initiatives.

Development and Support

Subject to applicable Polytechnic procedures, policies, and collective agreements, the Dean :

• Conducts performance evaluations for staff.
• Supervises, coaches, and mentors Associate Deans in their development as academic and support service leaders.

Internal and External Liaison

The Dean leads the Office in ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and liaison with internal and external parties. The Dean will :

Internal

• Promote and guide effective communication between departments and polytechnic administration.
• Attend department and leadership meetings.
• Model attitudes and behaviours consistent with the polytechnic vision, mission, and values.

External

• Act as, or designate, the contact person for consultation with relevant regulatory and professional associations as appropriate.
• Act as liaison with other post-secondary institutions, as well as the Polytechnic representative on provincial post-secondary committees and applicable community organizations.
• Participate in community events and be an advocate for the polytechnic.
• Provide external reports or other pertinent information as required, in cooperation with External Relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

In cooperation with the Administration Division, the Dean has budget development and oversight responsibilities for their Office. Specifically, the Dean will :

• Develop and monitor annual budgets for student services in a manner that is both fiscally responsible and consistent with the stated academic objectives of the NWP’s strategic directions.
• Manage, allocate, and provide oversight of department budgets.

Additional Responsibilities

From time to time the overall priorities and needs of the polytechnic may shift or new responsibilities for the Dean may emerge. Accordingly, the Dean is responsible for :

• Other duties as assigned by the Provost and Vice-President Academic.
• Other duties specific to the area of responsibility as they arise.

What We Offer

NWP offers lifelong learning opportunities through professional development/wellness programs, a competitive salary and compensation package and a student-centered culture that is vital to our community. Join our team, grow with us, and connect your skills and abilities to our vision, mission and values.

Job Requirements

The successful candidate will have the education, experience and skill set noted below.

• A Master’s degree with related experience is required. A Doctorate completed, or near completion, is preferred.
• Certificate in Change Management, Leadership Training, and CAQC knowledge would be considered an asset.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership position or academic appointments may be considered.
• Strong financial knowledge and experience managing large budgets.
• Strong critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships across the organization.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and accountability.