Dean, School of Trades Job at Keyano College (Fort McMurray)

Job Description

Keyano College is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to join our team as Dean, School of Trades. Reporting to the Vice President, Academic & Student Experience, the Dean provides strategic, academic, operational, and financial leadership for one of the College’s cornerstone Schools. The School of Trades plays a critical role in supporting the economic strength of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and beyond by delivering high quality apprenticeship, trades, occupational certification, industry training, and workforce development programs. This includes strengthening pathways into the trades through expanded collaboration with local high schools, including the development and growth of dual-credit and pre-apprenticeship programming that introduces students to skilled trades careers while completing their secondary education. As a member of the College’s senior leadership team, the Dean is responsible for advancing the strategic direction of the School while ensuring alignment with Keyano College’s Academic Plan, institutional priorities, industry expectations, and the evolving needs of learners, employers, and the communities we serve. Please note: This is an on-campus leadership opportunity based in Fort McMurray, Alberta. The successful candidate will be required to relocate to the region.

Job Responsibility

Providing strategic direction for the School of Trades, including academic planning, enrolment growth, program sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives, with a focus on aligning training capacity with industry demand, reducing waitlists in high-demand trades, and launching new programming to address current and emerging workforce gaps
Leading apprenticeship programming and maintaining strong collaboration with Alberta Industry Training (AIT), industry partners, and regulatory bodies to support apprentice progression, address seat capacity pressures and waitlists in high-demand trades, and identify and implement opportunities for new or expanded programming aligned with emerging workforce needs
Supporting teaching innovation, teaching quality, accreditation, and the development of responsive training opportunities aligned with labour market needs
Building and maintaining strong relationships with industry, government, Indigenous communities, employers, and external organizations to enhance access to trades education and employment pathways
Partnering with regional school divisions and secondary schools to expand dual-credit, pre-apprenticeship, and early exposure trades programming, creating clear and accessible pathways from high school into apprenticeship and post-secondary training
Providing leadership, mentorship, and support to faculty, staff, Chairs, and School leadership while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture
Overseeing the School's operational and financial performance, including budget development, resource planning, workforce planning, and fiscal accountability
Promoting excellence in teaching and learning while ensuring students and apprentices receive a high-quality educational experience
Championing workplace health and safety practices within trades learning environments, shops, labs, and training facilities
Representing the institution through external partnerships, industry engagement, and community initiatives that support the growth and reputation of the School and College

Requirements

Red Seal Journeyperson certification aligned with a program offered within the School of Trades
Minimum five (5) years of senior leadership experience, including demonstrated success supervising teams, managing budgets, developing strategic and operational plans, and leading organizational change
Experience within apprenticeship education, industry training, skilled trades, or a related environment is required
Strong understanding of Alberta's apprenticeship system, including experience collaborating with Alberta Industry Training (AIT), industry partners, employers, and regulatory stakeholders
Knowledge of apprenticeship pathways, technical training requirements, workforce development, and labour market trends
An equivalent combination of education, trade certification, and experience acceptable to the College may also be considered

Nice to have

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is considered an asset
Experience working within Northern, rural, or resource-based communities is considered a strong asset

What we offer

Comprehensive employer-paid health and dental benefits, including a health spending account
Participation in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) beginning on your first day of employment
Northern Living Allowance of $1,040 per month (reviewed annually and subject to budget approval)
Generous vacation entitlement and paid holiday closure between Christmas and New Year's
Life insurance coverage of 2.5 times your annual salary
Paid sick leave
Discounted membership at the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre
Tuition waiver opportunities for employees and eligible dependents
Employee recognition programs
Discounts for Keyano Theatre, Keynotes Bookstore, travel, insurance, and other services

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Dean, School of Trades

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