Job Description

Associate Dean, Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation

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The Associate Dean works in collaboration with the Dean as part of the leadership team that oversees the daily, monthly, and annual functions of the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation (ACP). This faculty encompasses a range of accessible and inclusive programs that serve diverse learners, including:

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

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English Language Learning (ELL)

Accessible Education and Training (AET)

Programs within the Faculty support learners in academic upgrading, language acquisition, skills development, and transition to post-secondary education. These include Workplace Essential Skills and Training Program, Aboriginal University Bridging Program, Pathways to Post-Secondary, the Canadian University Foundation Year, Foundations for Success, and Volunteer Tutor Program. The Associate Dean plays a key role in advancing the Faculty's mission to create inclusive, accessible, and supportive learning environments.



Employment Group
ADMIN
Position Number
00478
Division
Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation
Department
Academic and Career Preparation Administration
Campus
Nanaimo campus *Successful candidates must be able to attend in person on campus as required.
Location
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Country
Canada
Appointment Type
regular full-time
FTE
1.0
Workload
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Pay Level
Excluded Pay Band 14: Minimum salary is $136,141 and maximum salary is $154,706.
Starting Salary
Normal salary placement at the time of hire is $136,141 (prorated if part-time). This position is eligible for annual performance-based salary increases.
Start:
Possibility of earlier start date.
Appointment Start Date
01-Jan-2026
Additional Information
This leadership opportunity is open to qualified instructional faculty members from within the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation. The position is intended to support internal academic leadership and strategic advancement within the faculty. Applicants must hold a continuing or ongoing academic appointment in the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation at the time of application.
Applicant Documents
CV/Resume, Cover Letter, Qualifications , Name and contact information of recent supervisors willing to provide a reference
Posted Date
17-Jul-2025
Closing Date
30-Jul-2025
Job Reference
2757

Duties:

The Associate Dean must have extensive knowledge of the current ACP programs, an understanding of university governance, experience working within a unionized environment, and a demonstrated ability to work compassionately and effectively with learners navigating barriers to education and employment. The Associate Dean will be responsible for tasks and areas identified as priorities for the Faculty, including:


academic planning and implementation; budget development and monitoring (in collaboration with the Dean); organization and management of processes that facilitate successful working relationships between faculty, staff, students, communities, and university administration; development and implementation of new initiatives, including in-community programming; fostering student and program success by collaborating and liaising with other institutional areas including: the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement; Registration; Admissions; Student Affairs; Office of Future Students; Advising; VIU International; Strategic Planning & Initiatives; Human Resources; Facilities and Ancillary Services; and other institutional areas; managing student concerns and appeals; initiating new strategies for improved student engagement.

Working in collaboration with the Dean, the Associate Dean's key responsibilities include:


oversee daily operations in the various program areas, in collaboration with the Chairs and Coordinators, including student support and faculty workload and timetabling; support the establishment and implementation of strategic plans and communicate institutional directives and organizational changes; provide oversight on academic program quality and delivery; support the Dean in completing Program Reviews; support budget development, monitoring and expenditure control; including in-community delivery contracts; undertake institution-wide initiatives as developed by the Provost, in consultation with the Dean; manage student and faculty issues/concerns; chair Faculty search committees as needed; represent the Dean and Faculty, as required, both institutionally and externally; initiate new strategies for student engagement; identify new program needs, including cost recovery programs, and opportunities to work with faculty to revise existing programs; assume responsibilities as Acting Dean in the Dean's absence, including attending Provost Council and President Council meetings, and other meetings as required; take on special decanal tasks and projects as assigned by the Dean; initiate and support existing reciprocal relationships with community partners; conduct faculty instructional and non-instructional evaluations.

Required Qualifications:

Master's Degree from an appropriately accredited institution in a relevant area (including but not limited to adult education, developmental education, English language learning). Five or more years teaching and leadership experience within the Faculty's programs. Education and/or related experience with Adult Education theory and best practices. Education and/or relevant experience supporting diverse learners, including individuals with neurodiverse abilities and those from a range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous perspectives and experiences in education. Experience working in a unionized environment. This position requires strong leadership; management, interpersonal and organizational skills; team building skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; successful experience in program development and evaluation; and budget development and control (operating, capital, and cost recovery budgets).

Preferred Qualifications:

A PhD from an appropriately accredited institution, completed (or in progress) in a relevant area. Experience developing and managing cost recovery programming. A record of research and scholarly activity in a field related to the activity found within Academic and Career Preparation. Demonstrated change management skills within an evolving post-secondary context. Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with Indigenous communities. Internal applicants (current Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation employees) will receive first consideration.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. * Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.