Job Description

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders, and citizens for the common good.

CUE campus is situated on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton's historic Highlands neighborhood. Supporting a student body of over 3,000, we are known for our small class sizes and our excellence in teaching. Our small classes and diverse student population provide an excellent opportunity for engaging with students in a sustained and nurturing way unique within the Canadian university system. CUE is an institution that values research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and management. Our vision is to become Canada's pre-eminent small university.

CUE is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for work, study, and living. We actively promote dignity for all, rejecting action and language that are harmful to mutual respect.

The Faculty of Education is responsible for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEd (EL)) program, Bachelor of Education (After Degree) (BEd (AD)) program, as well as undergraduate Education courses, and the Physical Education and Sport Studies suite of courses. The Faculty of Education also offers three Minors, which are available to all students.

Reporting to the Vice-President Academic and Provost, the Dean, Faculty of Education will implement the academic and administrative policies and decisions of the university to achieve strategic goals and objectives. The successful candidate will promote a high standard of teaching, research, and community service in the context of collaborative teamwork and the growing diversity of faculty, staff, and students.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Faculty. Such activities include:

• Lead and mentor direct reports (faculty, academic service officers, department chairs, administrative assistant),
• In collaboration with the Chair, recruit qualified sessional instructors to complement faculty,
• Respond to student concerns and issues, and
• Serve as budget control officer for the Faculty.
• Support the research activities of faculty members in support of the academic mission;
• Develop new programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Develop and nurture partnerships with external stakeholders such as other post-secondary institutions, international partners, not-for-profit organizations, individuals, accrediting bodies, and all levels of government;
• Actively participate and collaborate as a member of senior management in the leadership of the Faculty and institution;
• Lead in a diverse and changing environment while engaging others in shaping that environment; and
• Provide regular updates, including written reports and data collection, to the Vice-President Academic & Provost, and senior administration.

THE PERSON:

Commitment to Equity Diversity and Inclusion

CUE is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to apply for this Decanal position. In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Leaders International Executive Search and CUE throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications & Education Requirements

The ideal candidate will have an earned doctorate in a relevant discipline, coupled with a solid record of success as a classroom teacher, researcher, mentor, and administrator. They will have working knowledge of program development, review, and renewal. The candidate will have a strong track record of success building relationships with external and internal partners, with evidence of having built opportunities for potential sources of funding, partnerships, and support.

The new Dean will have a strong appreciation of the public K-12 system, preferably with experience in elementary education. Ideally the candidate will have a strong reputation and network in the Alberta education system. Knowledge of Concordia University of Edmonton's culture, opportunities, and stakeholders would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

Visionary & Strategic Leadership - Proven leader of people. A visionary leader who can articulate their vision, enlist support and buy-in and lead others towards realization of the vision. Values and practices a shared leadership model. An open-minded and strategic thinker. An inspiring, supportive leader who encourages others to be innovative and take risks within the boundary of the articulated strategic directions of the University. Able to create a positive internal working environment. Action oriented and an effective change agent--able to promote and gain support for an agenda of change. Demonstrated facilitation and strategic planning skills. Committed to building leadership capacity within the University. Models a healthy lifestyle balance. Is an advocate for learning as well as for the faculty, staff and learners.

Collaborative Management Style - Possesses a management style that is collegial, consultative and collaborative. Motivating and enabling - a "macro" rather than "micro" manager. Approachable. Seeks partnerships internally as well as externally. Listens and considers the input of others. Possesses excellent process, organization and priority setting skills. Empowers staff while providing guidance and direction - is accountable and holds others accountable. Builds on the strengths of others - encourages growth and development. Has an open and honest communication style.

Learner Focused - Committed to the delivery of quality education to a diverse learner audience. Is an advocate for teaching and learning. Addresses the trends in education to meet the needs of both learners and the community. Appreciates and values the broad range of programming offered by the University. Can assess research results and make required program adjustments. Has a solid understanding and commitment to alternative program and service delivery options, including distance and e-learning.

Team Player & Builder - Understands and appreciates the effectiveness of working synergistically with others in the University. Promotes cohesion and teamwork in seeking solutions and moving toward the future. Has a willingness to learn from others.

Analytical Decision Maker - Able to assess situations objectively, consults appropriately and makes timely and sound decisions. Adept at problem solving. Understands and respects the value of processes. Collaborates with appropriate staff when making decisions. Strives to achieve consensus but can make difficult decisions and effectively articulate rationale for decisions. Can hold a well considered position under criticism but is also prepared to change a decision if new information emerges and change is warranted. Excellent reasoning skills. Decisive and accountable.

Innovative & Entrepreneurial - Self-reliant. Seeks out possibilities - develops new ideas and can effectively move them forward. Is creative, innovative and takes advantage of opportunities, while recognizing the necessity of working within limited resources and in alignment with the strategic directions of the University. Manages risk. Partnership focused. Builds upon existing innovations within the University.

Excellent Communicator - A clear and articulate communicator. Comfortable communicating to different audiences in different forums and adjusting communication style accordingly. An honest, sincere communicator. Has the courage to tell the truth and communicates in a respectful and diplomatic manner. Has an open communication style and believes in full disclosure. Well-developed written communication skills. Able to express thoughts clearly and consistently and to establish effective dialogue with all stakeholders. Has a professional approach in all communications.

Interpersonal Skills - Able to effectively build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders - both internal and external. Is positive, confident and self-assured. Patient, tenacious and resilient - embraces challenges and accepts the reality of obstacles. Encourages and is tolerant of critical debate. Is flexible and adaptable. A high-energy person.

Integrity & Human Values - Possesses impeccable integrity and ethics. Respectful of others. Is honest, sincere, dependable, and trustworthy.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

Application Package Requirements

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume as one PDF.

CUE Disclaimer

Concordia University of Edmonton encourages applications from members of racialized groups, visible minorities, First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and expression, and others who may support a diversity of perspectives at CUE. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.