Dean, School of Trades, Apprenticeship, and Industrial Training

Government of Northwest Territories; Fort Smith; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora College seeks a Dean for the School of Trades, Apprenticeship and Industrial Training (TAIT). The role reports to the Provost and Vice President and leads TAIT programs across the Northwest Territories, guiding curriculum, quality assurance, and workforce development aligned with community needs.

The Dean will partner with industry, Indigenous governments and post-secondary partners, oversee faculty, budgets over $4 million, and champion student success, safety, and inclusive learning

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of industry experience in a TAIT-related field.
• Seven (7) years of post-secondary experience with instructional responsibilities, curriculum development, and leadership.
• Five (5) years working with Indigenous communities in northern or remote environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and academic leadership for all TAIT programs across Aurora College.
• Lead program governance, accreditation activities, quality assurance, and academic partnerships.
• Support development, renewal, and improvement of programs and curriculum.
• Foster collaboration with industry, Indigenous governments, communities, and partners.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, development, and workforce planning.
• Manage operational and capital budgets exceeding $4 million.
• Promote student success, integrity, safety, and inclusive learning environments.
• Contribute to institutional planning as a member of the senior leadership team.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Industry partnerships

Indigenous engagement

Budget planning

Education

Interprovincial Journeyperson Certificate in a TAIT-related discipline

Job description

Department Information

Aurora College's mission is to demonstrate leadership in the delivery of relevant and meaningful education and research rooted in strong connections to Northern land, tradition, community and people.

Job Information

Aurora College is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Dean, School of Trades, Apprenticeship and Industrial Training (TAIT). Reporting to the Provost and Vice President, Academic and Research, the Dean provides strategic and academic leadership for trades, apprenticeship, and industrial training programs delivered across the Northwest Territories. The position is responsible for ensuring academic excellence, fostering partnerships, supporting student success, and advancing workforce development opportunities that meet the needs of Northern communities.

As a member of Aurora College's senior academic leadership team, the Dean is accountable for all academic and administrative matters related to the School of TAIT. The Dean oversees program planning, quality assurance, accreditation, curriculum development, budgeting, and people leadership while supporting the College's commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous knowledge, and learner success.

The Dean leads a diverse portfolio of programs delivered across the Northwest Territories and works closely with industry, community, government, and post-secondary partners to ensure programs remain relevant, innovative, and responsive to labour market needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and academic leadership for all TAIT programs across Aurora College.
• Lead program governance, accreditation activities, quality assurance processes, and academic partnerships.
• Support the development, evaluation, renewal, and continuous improvement of programs and curriculum.
• Foster collaboration with industry, Indigenous governments and organizations, communities, and educational partners.
• Oversee faculty and staff recruitment, performance management, professional development, and workforce planning.
• Manage operational and capital budgets exceeding $4 million.
• Promote student success, academic integrity, workplace safety, and inclusive learning environments.
• Contribute to institutional planning and strategic initiatives as a member of the senior leadership team.

Typically, the qualifications for this role include:

• Completion of an Interprovincial Journeyperson Certificate in a TAIT-related discipline.
• Seven (7) years of industry experience in a TAIT-related field.
• Seven (7) years of post-secondary experience that includes instructional responsibilities, curriculum development, and at least three (3) years of leadership experience.
• Five (5) years of experience working with Indigenous communities in northern and/or remote environments.

Aurora College is working with Leaders International Executive Search to recruit its next Dean of Trades, Apprenticeship, and Industrial Training. For questions relating to this position, please contact Paul Phillips and find more information here

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:
Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGALROAD
BOX876
FORT SMITH, NT X0E 0P0
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.

Indigenous Employment Policy

Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.

Criminal Records Check

Candidates must provide a satisfactory criminal record check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.

Equivalencies

Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.

Job Opening Information

Job Opening ID # 28508

Closing Date: November 18, 2026 - 23:59, MountainTime

Salary Information

Salary for this position is currently Under Review.

Application Assistance

For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application