Associate Vice-President, Academic Quality and Operational Excellence
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is actively seeking an exceptional leader to serve as their inaugural Associate Vice-President, Academic Quality & Operational Excellence.
About NAIT
Since its founding over 60 years ago, NAIT has consistently evolved to meet the needs of students and industry in a province that’s the engine of Canada’s economy. From the first class of 29 communication electrician apprentices in 1962, to today’s current enrolment of over 34,000 students and apprentices, NAIT continues to the meet Alberta’s needs – for today and the future.
NAIT’s hands-on, technology-based education and applied research are essential to the productivity and prosperity of Alberta. Graduates have the knowledge and skills employers want. They leave NAIT confident, prepared and in demand. Students earn degrees, diplomas and certificates focused on the career fields of business, IT, engineering technologies, health sciences, culinary arts and environmental management. In addition, NAIT is Canada’s leader in apprenticeship training for skilled trades.
NAIT delivers the exceptional talent and critical innovation that industry needs to grow and compete. Our credit programs, reskilling and upskilling initiatives, and applied research are industry driven and developed in partnership with industry leaders.
At NAIT, people matter. We’re proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 13 consecutive years. Developing an engaging, supportive, and rewarding work culture is something we take seriously. We know that people are our biggest asset – they are what makes NAIT a great place to work.
At NAIT, you are part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff and industry clients and partners. The NAIT culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada.
Overview of the Role
Reporting to the Vice President Academic, the AVP Academic Quality & Operational Excellence is a business unit leader that provides agile strategic academic and administrative leadership to achieve the Academic Plan and The NAIT Effect objectives in alignment with NAIT's Vision, Promises and Values.
As a senior member of the Academic Leadership Team, the AVP Academic Quality & Operational Excellence contributes to the overall leadership of the Institute through participation in the development of academic and business plans, academic strategy, financial plans, and performance objectives. The AVP sets the strategic direction and provides key services for the academic portfolio in program quality (including learning technology and program evaluation), academic foundations, academic operations (including centralized management of WIL, current student and industry events coordination, program administration and scheduling), and the office of apprenticeship.
Key Accountabilities
External Accountabilities
- Drives and advances relationships with other institutes to create and collaborate on partnership initiatives
- Drives and advances effective relationships with local, regional, and provincial governments to advance the portfolio's initiatives
Internal Accountabilities
- Provides visionary leadership to the portfolio to cultivate a culture of innovation in operational excellence and sound academic quality practices
- Advances collaborative relationships across NAIT to achieve consistency and equitability in supports for students and internal partners
- Maintains oversight for centralized services and setting strategic direction within the portfolio
- Develops and manages the portfolio's overall budget and provides strategic oversight of portfolio administrative functions
- Provides mentorship and leadership guidance to others as part of succession planning
Accountabilities are achieved through application of the following five core competencies:
- Drives Vision and Purpose – Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
- Balances Stakeholders – Anticipating and balancing the needs of many stakeholders.
- Strategic Mindset – Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them to breakthrough strategies.
- Drives results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
- Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
The Ideal Candidate
Along with excellent communication skills, sound knowledge of academic and administrative leadership functions in a post-secondary environment; and a strong desire to develop others, success in this role requires an understanding of a wide range of issues including sound knowledge of educational, human resource, and quality management theory and practices as well as planning methodologies, business administration, researching methods and financial management principles practices.
Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in a relevant field, doctorate degree considered an asset
- Recent experience in a senior leadership role within a complex organization leading a large, high-functioning team.
- Leadership experience within an academic institution
- Equivalent sum of relevant education and experience considered.
- International and national travel may be required and extended working days are required during peak periods
Remuneration: $ 178,438.78- $ 236,409.16 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
What NAIT Offers
We’ve created a benefits package that focuses on health and wellness, professional and personal growth, recognition, and work-life balance.
NAIT is a flexible workplace and depending on the nature of your role, you may request flexible work arrangements with respect to where and when you work, including being on-campus full-time, working off-site, or a combination of the two.
Employees also have access to excellent vacation time, paid time off between Christmas and New Year's, a strong recognition program, learning opportunities, 2 annual all-staff professional development days and so much more.
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Lauren Wright (lwright@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below.
NAIT is committed to advancing equity and cultivating inclusion throughout the hiring process. We especially encourage applications from Aboriginal and Indigenous people, Black and racialized people, gender and sexually diverse (2SLGBTQIA+ and women) people, immigrants, and people with disabilities.
In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada who have not had them previously assessed should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).
NAIT and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.