Dean, Life Science and Business

About Olds College of Agriculture and Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College has been offering quality hands-on education for over a century. 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 Opportunity : Dean, School of Life Science and Business, Permanent, Full-Time

Purpose of Position :

Reporting to the Vice President Academic, the Dean is responsible for leadership, management, and resourcing of programs and staff in fields related to the School of Life Science & Business.

As part of the College Leadership Team, the Dean contributes to the development and implementation of the Olds College Strategic Plan.

Key Job Functions : The Candidate

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.

Leadership & Administration

• Model leadership in a complex environment combined with the ability to coordinate, manage, leverage and integrate the efforts of faculty, staff, contractors and partners
• Contribute to the achievement of the Olds College Strategic Plan, including managing and overseeing the budget and budget processes
• Responsible for the recruitment, management and supervision of employees
• Set clear team goals and objectives aligned with the College vision and strategy and ensure effective execution and achievement of targets
• Serve as key communication conduit between School staff / faculty and other College departments
• Coordinate program accreditation with outside governing bodies when required and articulation agreements with other institutions
• Champion and foster a positive and inclusive work culture, promoting teamwork, collaboration and open communication within the team
• Work collaboratively with college schools and departments to foster and support inclusive and accessible academic support services, flexible learning environments, and innovative educational technologies in support of diverse student populations

People Leadership

• Engage and empower faculty and staff
• Provide direction, supervision and performance management to faculty and staff
• Serve as key communication conduit between School staff / faculty and other College departments
• Be deeply confident in, and apply, all three employee agreements with faculty, AUPE and AME
• Ensure the School is operating with consistent Human Resource and Academic practices
• Ensure the growth and development of the Associate Dean(s) of the School
• Participate in the advancement of a diverse and inclusive campus

Teaching & Learning

• Promote teaching and learning strategies
• Identify and lead opportunities for new and academic programming
• Lead Industry Advisory Committee meetings
• Strengthens the culture of teaching and learning and supports a vision of change
• Work closely with the Olds College Teaching & Learning Centre of Innovation (TLCI) to increase awareness of teaching and learning services, and optimize pedagogical training frameworks of support, content and activities

Education / Experience / Skills / Knowledge Required

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and progressive work experience will be considered
• Relevant and meaningful work experience in a post-secondary or other educational environment performing or overseeing instruction, program management, curriculum development and curriculum evaluation is essential (Note : Other combinations of education, training and experience may be considered)
• As the ideal candidate you will have proven administrative and leadership experience with superior relationship building skills, be able to demonstrate achievements in growing the strategic drivers, and guide others to realize their goals and achieve their full potential.

You will have the capability to meet demanding deadlines and complete a high volume of diverse projects with a great degree of initiative and independence

• Previously established strong relationships with industry sectors considered an asset, or demonstrate an ability to quickly and effectively develop these relationships
• Exceptional written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, diplomacy, and good judgment
• Capacity to interpret data and financial information and manage financial transactions with a high level of internal controls
• A strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This includes actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding.

Foster a proactive approach to promoting equity and embracing differences, both within the role and in the broader community

• Strong team leadership and communication skills, excellent interpersonal abilities
• Ability to resolve conflicts in a calm, effective and efficient manner
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan :

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health / Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth

Please apply by October 4, 2024

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.

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