Job Description

Our people make SAIT great. The Environmental Health, Safety, and Wellness (EHSW) team plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of students, staff and faculty across all SAIT campuses. Focusing on environmental health, safety, wellness, security and risk management, the EHSW department works to create a safe and healthy environment for the entire SAIT community. They do this by proactively managing risks and promoting well-being through a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. The Opportunity

SAIT is seeking an Associate Vice President, Environmental Health, Safety, and Wellness (AVP, EHSW), to lead its Environmental Health, Safety, and Wellness (EHSW) function. This inaugural and prestigious role offers a unique opportunity to join a dynamic organization and shape the future of a forward-thinking EHSW practice.

The Environmental Health, Safety, and Wellness function is a vital part of SAIT's People & Culture practice. Reporting to the Vice President of People and Culture, the AVP, EHSW will provide strategic leadership in the planning, development, and execution of programs and services related to environmental health, wellness, safety, security and risk management.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of developing and implementing effective strategies, maintaining a holistic approach to well-being across the entire EHSW practice. The successful candidate will have well-established relationships with external stakeholders, including local and provincial authorities, as well as regulatory and compliance bodies. They will also be skilled in fostering collaboration across various schools, departments, and divisions, cultivating a positive work culture and advancing the EHSW practice at SAIT. Role Responsibilities Strategic Planning and Oversight : Lead the formulation and execution of a comprehensive EHSW strategy, encompassing health, safety, wellness, security, risk management, and business continuity. Provide expert counsel to senior leadership on emerging risks, ensuring strategic alignment with institutional objectives while establishing policies and frameworks that uphold SAIT's core values. Foster a robust culture of safety and well-being, ensuring unwavering regulatory compliance, and leverage data-driven insights to optimize health and safety programs. Champion continuous improvement initiatives, collaborate closely with senior leadership, and oversee the refinement of policies, systems, and procedures to enhance institutional performance and resilience. Operations and Service Delivery : Provide visionary leadership to the EHSW team, driving excellence in occupational health, safety, wellness, and regulatory compliance. Ensure robust systems are in place to uphold standards, while overseeing EHSW performance and adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations. Spearhead the development and implementation of advanced risk assessment and control processes, utilizing data analytics to track compliance, initiate corrective actions, and establish industry-leading best practices. Manage the quality control of laboratories and hazardous areas, collaborate strategically with regulatory bodies and agencies on public safety initiatives, and lead the continuous advancement of SAIT's risk management program to mitigate emerging threats and ensure institutional resilience. Leadership and Development : Provide strategic leadership to the EHSW department, overseeing recruitment, performance management, and the professional development of staff. Mentor and guide senior leaders, ensuring alignment of departmental objectives with broader institutional strategies, while fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration. Drive staff development through targeted coaching, advanced training, and ongoing support, while cultivating high-level relationships with external stakeholders to enhance the department's influence. Implement robust succession planning to ensure leadership continuity and the sustained success of the department. Campus Wellness : Strategically design and implement comprehensive wellness programs that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students and staff, encompassing fitness initiatives, mental health services, and advanced stress management strategies. Lead proactive efforts in illness and injury prevention, including the development of robust health and safety protocols, while cultivating a campus-wide culture of mental resilience and well-being. Drive sustainability initiatives and ensure strict adherence to health regulations, working collaboratively across departments to seamlessly integrate wellness into the fabric of campus life. Employ data-driven evaluations to assess the efficacy of wellness programs, continuously refining strategies to optimize outcomes and achieve sustainable, positive health results. Budget and Financial Management : Lead the preparation and oversight of the annual EHSW budget, ensuring precise alignment with financial allocations while monitoring both capital and operating budgets to maintain fiscal discipline within established parameters. Analyze and report on budget performance, proactively identifying emerging risks that may require additional financial resources, and developing strategic business cases to secure funding. Provide high-level leadership for capital programs, ensuring that academic departments are equipped with the essential resources to uphold the safety and security of both instructors and students, thereby supporting the institution's operational and strategic priorities. Risk Management : Lead the Risk Management practice in safeguarding the organization by identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks that could hinder the achievement of SAIT's business objectives. Ensure the institute's operations run smoothly and that strategic goals are met, while minimizing exposure to financial, operational, and reputational threats. Develop risk management strategies that align with our business priorities. Lead cross-functional teams to foster a culture of risk awareness. Conduct regular risk assessments and track the efficacy of mitigation plans, and provide institutional reporting for Management and Board Committees. Continuity and Emergency Response : Lead the continuous refinement of emergency policies, spearhead training and simulation exercises, and cultivate strategic partnerships with external agencies to enhance collaborative response capabilities. Oversee incident reporting and lead recovery initiatives, ensuring swift, accurate communication across all levels during crises. Lead operations during crisis situations while overseeing the execution of comprehensive business continuity plans and orchestrating emergency response efforts. Proactively assess emerging risks, ensure the availability of critical resources for emergency response, and maintain adherence to the highest standards of regulatory compliance and best practices in emergency management.
### Required Qualification and Experience

• + A master's degree in Leadership, Business Administration or other advanced degree in a related discipline. A bachelor's degree in Occupational or Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering or related discipline.
+ 15 years' experience with progressively increasing responsibility in the field of Environmental Health and Safety
+ 10 years' leadership experience, with at least five (5) years' experience managing large teams
+ 5 years' experience in a unionized setting
+ Professional designation from the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists, Risk and Insurance Management Society or equivalent.

### Required Knowledge and Skills

• + Demonstrated ability to lead change through a proactive and strategic approach and to be decisive while executing on strategy
+ In-depth knowledge of the OHS Act, emergency management, investigation procedures, life safety programs, and public safety training.
+ Proven ability to understand system dynamics to build a strong, functional team
+ Demonstrated ability to initiate activity and follow through on commitments, bring closure to initiative and manage several time-sensitive tasks concurrently
+ Ability to work productively and collaboratively across a broad spectrum of interests and levels within SAIT
+ Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence in order to drive change and achieve business outcomes
+ Critical thinker and problem solver; strong analytical skills
+ Strong service orientation
+ Demonstrated accountability and commitment and strong organizational and leadership skills
+ Preferred experience in a large post-secondary unionized work environment

Job classification : Associate Vice President Salary range: $165,196 - 216,013 Paid Leave: 6 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year # of positions: 1 Hours Per Week: 37.5 Posting closing date: February 26, 2025 About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta's Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose -- preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we're looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. It creates the conditions for a healthy campus where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed. SAIT values fairness, shared accountability and the importance of representation. The institution expects a commitment from its students and employees to continuously develop an equitable and inclusive mindset that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

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