Dean, Trades & Industrial

SIIT; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A First Nation governed post-secondary institution in Canada is seeking a Dean of Trades & Industrial. The ideal candidate will provide academic leadership and strategic oversight, ensuring program relevance and community engagement. Strong leadership experience in the education field, coupled with a background in Trades, is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years of leadership experience.
• Working knowledge and experience in the education field.
• Background in the Trades field.
• Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership in program development.
• Manage operating budget for T&I department.
• Lead the proposal writing for funding.
• Develop and maintain connections with First Nation communities.

Skills

Leadership Communication

Relationship Building

Coaching and Developing Others

Planning and Goal Setting

Change Leadership

Education

Journeyperson certificate in a Trade

Degree in Education Administration

Adult Education degree

Business Administration degree

Job description

Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

As a leader in the Academics department, the Dean of Trades & Industrial (T&I) serves a key role in ensuring seamless business operations throughout the programs and is responsible for maintaining academic program standards as well as establishing progressive, positive partnerships. This position will positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate.

General Accountability

The Dean of T&I is accountable for the planning, promotion, and development of Trades and Industrial programs. The position is responsible for strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the T&I department. The Dean is accountable to lead and coach direct reports, guide their daily work, and engage them in developing and achieving a shared vision that will play a critical role in the Institute's commitment to excellence and growth. The Dean leads the overall operation of their assigned programs including strategic and academic planning. The incumbent will have a distinguished academic reputation, a record of excellence, and the ability to motivate and support other faculty members in these endeavors.

Specific Accountabilities

The Dean is accountable for timely implementation of programs and serves and provides academic leadership as well as advocates and promotes best practices in research, instruction, outreach and engagement within communities and industry. The Dean is also responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships internally and externally, attracting financial resources, acquiring partnerships and identifying and pursuing opportunities to support and enhance the long‑term growth of the department and Institute. Additionally, the Dean manages an operating budget and provides operational insight to ensure the achievement of institutional strategic targets. This position includes the following accountabilities:

Academic Leadership & Administration

• Provide academic leadership in the development and implementation of programs and courses, as well as the ongoing review of existing programs and courses in order to meet employment needs, industry standards, and emerging labour market and economic needs
• Evaluate course and program relevancy, ensuring appropriate curriculum is being presented
• Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of sound academic policies and procedures within the area of responsibility, coupled with ensuring policies and procedures are enforced
• Actively participate in the creation of the Institute's strategic objectives and ensure departmental operational plans are designed to support and meet the objectives within the strategic plan
• Create, review, and evaluate progress and outcomes of the annual department operational plan
• Lead the proposal writing and submission process to request funding for program needs; collaborate with the Senior Executive Team to determine appropriate funding agents to target
• Create multi‑year program plans based on needs in communities and urban centers, using data‑driven decision making and future labour market forecasts, community data, internal resources and technology advancements
• Ensure department labs and classrooms are equipped with relevant technology, equipment and tools; advocate for and create funding proposals to support this initiative
• Oversee the continual modernization of program content, ensuring content is relevant and contains appropriate cultural aspects to engage First Nations learners
• Coach and develop employees to ensure growth and development of those individuals through regular reviews with direct reports, and by providing opportunities for professional development
• Establish and maintain an orderly learning environment that instills accountability and ensures high morale amongst staff and students
• Address high level inquiries from students, staff and the Senior Executive Team
• Display highly ethical, professional behavior, serving as a role model to all staff and students
• Take a lead role in building and leading the department through employee selection, performance management and evaluations
• Oversee the development of annual budgets and submission of budgetary items to the VP of Academics
• Ensure a positive, diverse, and inclusive work and learning environment
• Ensure that the VP of Academics is kept fully informed of the operation of your assigned academic area and provide information and reports as required
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with other colleges, committees, and industry and Provincial partners
• Maintain and promote high standards for all staff and students with regards to academic performance, personal growth, responsibility, and character
• Remain current on changes and new developments that will affect and/or improve programs through ongoing training and professional development
• Oversee program evaluation, office operations, and program specific budgets
• Support initiatives to offer programs that are responsive and progressive
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of academic data used to create standard presentations for the Institute
• Establish and maintain the positive image of SIIT in the community
• Assist in the creation and execution of presentations for stakeholders, funders, potential students, communities and the Board of Governors, ensuring department data is accurate
• Develop and oversee orientation and leadership development programs for faculty and administration
• Set professional standards and performance benchmarks, assessing and supporting employees in meeting goals

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong connections with First Nation communities, employers, Tribal Councils, and other education institutions in order to enhance SIIT and its brand and reputation, and increase partner involvement and sponsorship to meet learner and client needs
• Engage local and regional businesses and economic development partners to encourage industry engagement
• Represent and promote SIIT through external committees and events as required
• Prepare budgets for programming as required for First Nations/Tribal Councils
• Pursue opportunities to establish links with other academic programs and professional organizations

Financial Planning and Management

• Establish and effectively monitor annual budgets and operational plans for department programming
• Ensure resources are allocated in accordance with department operating budgets and partnership agreements
• Provide accurate information and analysis to ensure financially viable and sustainable decision making and problem solving is responsive to the varied environments
• Formulate and negotiate funding arrangements with stakeholders, government departments, and funding agencies and private industry partners
• Recommend innovative solutions to resource challenges that support and align with strategic goals
• Ensure that academic programs receive equitable resources, adequate staffing and facilities at each campus/location

Relationship Management

• Respect, honour and acknowledge the uniqueness of each learner including: their unique languages, cultures, traditions, histories and prior learning and life experiences
• Contribute to a high level of service for SIIT learners, faculty and administration
• Ensure a professional functioning department through the identification, mediation and resolution of any conflicts within the department
• Foster a positive working relationship among academic and administrative units across the Institute to ensure learners' needs are being met

People Management and Leadership

• Ensure a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment
• Coach, develop and mentor direct reports to ensure their success; demonstrate leadership and initiative in sharing expertise with other team members
• Hold employees accountable for outcomes and a high level of performance by addressing people management issues within the department in a timely manner
• Provide leadership by delegating tasks, responding to staff inquiries and providing overall direction to team members
• Coordinate and balance the workloads of staff by effective work allocation, cross training, and prioritization

Required Qualifications and Experience

An experienced individual with a background in the Trades field and experience working in an educational sector is preferred. Therefore, a journeyperson certificate in a Trade or a degree in Education, Education Administration, Adult Education, Business Administration or related degree is favorable. A minimum of five to ten (5-10) years of leadership experience, coupled with working knowledge and experience in the education field is mandatory. Past experience working in a Post-Secondary Institute is an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations is required. A valid license and reliable transportation is necessary as travel is required.

As this position is considered safety sensitive, the incumbent will be subject to testing as per SIIT's Alcohol and Substances policy.

Required Competencies

In addition to education and years of experience, the following performance competencies are considered essential for this position. Flexible and Adaptable, Leadership Communication, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Change Leadership, Student Focus, Planning and Goal Setting, Coaching and Developing Others, Partnering, Team Building and Teamwork, Knowledge and Expertise, Focus on Excellence.