Olds College Looking for Associate Dean, School of Trades & Skills, Temporary at Olds, AB Full Time

About Olds College of Agriculture and Technology & School of Trades and Skills

Founded in 1913, Olds College has been offering quality hands-on education for over a century. We are a distinct, provincially focused institution that supports the teaching and learning of all Albertans. Through our regular programming, continued education, and online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

At Olds College we value our people and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. Olds College provides quality education in an environment that is designed to promote academic excellence and student success. There are many reasons to join Olds College and build a meaningful career in a community that is innovative, diverse and welcoming. Everything we do at Olds College is done to advance all aspects of the agriculture and agri-food community. All of our programs and actions align to our social purpose, “Transforming agriculture for a better world”. Our mission is to ensure Alberta’s agriculture community has the talent, knowledge, and thought leadership to lead globally.

The School of Trades & Skills is dedicated to creating the next generation of skilled trades workers. Working closely with industry, the School provides learners with education in a variety of trades and apprenticeships using the newest equipment. The School is also home to the Transitional Employment Program, Farrier Sciences, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management and Hospitality and Tourism programs. The Olds College Brewery is a learning enterprise that supports the Brewmaster program and resides within this portfolio.

The Opportunity – Associate Dean, School of Trades and Skills, Temporary Term, February 2023 – May 2023

This position provides administrative and leadership support to the Dean within the relevant school. In the Dean’s absence, the Associate Dean will assume all associated roles and responsibilities for leadership of the school.

The Candidate

As the successful candidate, you bring an innovative vision for academic excellence and an exceptional student experience, combined with strong collegial, leadership abilities that are inclusive and collaborative.

Major responsibilities include:

• Spearhead initiatives, and work collaboratively with program teams, students and support services, to improve the recruitment and retention of students within academic years, and between academic years.
• Support the Dean in the establishment of faculty workloads.
• Responsible for the management and supervision of employees which may include Instructional Assistants and Administrative/Clerical staff.
• With the assistance of faculty, and in conjunction with registrar’s office staff, the Associate Dean will lead, organize and provide support and direction to students during the registration and course selection process as well as academic planning (failed courses, suspension, student accommodations, academic integrity disputes and probation/suspension). The Associate Dean is the principal point of contact on issues arising between students and students, and between students and faculty/staff in programs within the School.
• May assist in the student and staff recruitment processes taking place within the school.
• Ensure that the Program Curriculum Committee meets at least once annually and that discussion includes teaching, learning and assessment, in association with TLCI. Assist in curriculum development and instructional improvement resulting from these meetings.
• Support the Dean with, and participates in, Industry Advisory Committee meetings.
• Development and management of program budgets and contracts.
• Assist in program accreditation with outside governing bodies when required.
• Assist with articulation agreements with other institutions, working with the registrar’s office.
• Assumes the lead role on behalf of their school, when working with the Registrar’s office on timetabling and scheduling matters.
• Be the champion for student retention, student academic achievement / support and program excellence.
• Coordinate faculty / staff involvement in open house/ preview days.
• Champion liaising dual credit opportunities, including high school guidance counselor updates, logistics within college programming.
• Assist with Human Resources onboarding/offboarding.
• Assist in decisions with facility maintenance, booking and updating in coordination with Campus Master Plan and Campus Facilities.
• Perform other duties and College committee work that may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (e.g. Journeyperson trades certification).
• At least 5 years’ experience working in a post-secondary institution or in the public school system is required.
• Post Secondary teaching experience or experience in an academic leadership role is a strong asset.
• Is familiar with current instructional practices and creating optimal learning environments.
• Has knowledge of new and relevant technologies as it relates to post secondary education.
• Ability to resolve conflicts in a calm, effective and efficient manner.
• Preference will be given to individuals holding content knowledge expertise and/or accreditation within the particular school’s areas of study.
• Demonstrated positive leadership experience is considered a strong asset.
• Familiar with Trades and Skills Industries and accreditation bodies. i.e. Alberta Industry Trades Board

Please apply by January 10, 2023

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.