Red Deer Polytechnic

Position Information
Position Title
Dean, Indigenous Initiatives
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Student Experience, the Dean, Indigenous Initiatives is responsible for the strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for prioritizing infusion of Indigenous epistemologies and ways of knowing across curriculum and service areas. The position sets the vision and direction for Indigenous education and provides leadership to Red Deer Polytechnic’s institutional response and commitment to decolonization, truth and reconciliation, anti-oppressive education, and the development and organization of services and initiatives that support excellence in post-secondary Indigenous education and the success of Indigenous students at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). The Dean is instrumental in facilitating institutional collaboration, communication and coordination in the development and implementation of programs, services and initiatives related to Indigenous engagement and indigenizing Red Deer Polytechnic. This position provides leadership as a conduit to Indigenous communities and stakeholders, including institutional stakeholders in building and maintaining relationships with these communities and stakeholders and ensures that institutional initiatives and engagement are implemented in a way that supports the strategic direction of the Polytechnic as it transitions to a Polytechnic.
The Dean is accountable for leading and developing the RDP Indigenization strategy, inclusive of identifying advancement indicators through a lens for continuous improvement. The Dean also has responsibility for the Indigenous Services department, Indigenous initiatives, and to coordinate RDP’s commitments to decolonization, Truth and Reconciliation and the Indigenous Protocol of Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICAN). The Dean sets priorities and is accountable by reporting on the achievement of these priorities.
The Dean will be responsible for providing a seamless blend of programs, services, and supports that will provide prospective, new, and continuing Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, with a comprehensive experience. Working closely with faculty and staff of the Polytechnic and Indigenous communities, this position will ensure that communication is open and effective, so student’s needs are best served. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of the institutional Indigenous plans, strategies, goals, actions, measures, and ongoing annual continuous improvement. 
The Dean works in partnership with RDP Schools and service departments and is responsible for developing relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, community service and support agencies, school divisions, current and prospective Indigenous students and other Indigenous educational stakeholders in support of the recruitment, support, and success of Indigenous students at RDP.
Position Responsibilities
Strategic Planning:
<ul>
<li>Provide vision and direction to the institution by influencing the infusion of Indigenous epistemologies and way of knowing across the curriculum, services and support areas. This is achieved through annual planning and implementation of strategies that support the overarching institutional direction and priorities</li>
<li>Participate in the development of the overall educational philosophy of the Polytechnic, contributes to institution-wide planning, decision-making and administration, and communicates the Indigenous education vision and strategic plans to all faculty and staff</li>
<li>Define short and long-term plans for Indigenous education and identifies and removes any barriers to execution including ensuring the appropriate resources are available to meet these objectives</li>
</ul>
Community Engagement and Cultural Support:
<ul>
<li>Develop mutually supportive and productive relationships with Indigenous communities, community service and support agencies, school divisions, Indigenous students and other Indigenous educational stakeholders to identify, plan, establish and implement partnerships, services and supports that meet the evolving needs of Indigenous students at RDP</li>
<li>Represent Red Deer Polytechnic while interacting with Indigenous communities</li>
<li>Build close relationships with Indigenous Elders from various communities and create meaningful opportunities for Elders to participate in the lives of RDP students</li>
<li>Establish an Indigenous Education Advisory Committee for the institution that includes both internal and external stakeholders</li>
<li>Work closely with internal and external services and community organizations to establish a network of services and support focused on the success of Indigenous students at RDP</li>
<li>Facilitate communication among and within the Polytechnic community</li>
<li>Stay abreast of scholarship, programming, partnerships, and relevant current events across the institution, provincially and nationally</li>
</ul>
Indigenous Initiatives:
<ul>
<li>Develop, lead, and implement the Indigenous Strategic Plan for RDP that establishes institutional priorities related to Indigenous education, and services and supports for Indigenous students</li>
<li>Identify the current needs and gaps of Indigenous students’ service, RDP services, community agencies and support systems for Indigenous students</li>
<li>Determine prospective students’ needs and develop plans and strategies to positively impact the recruitment of Indigenous students through research and consultation</li>
<li>Develop, implement, support, and evaluate initiatives, programs, partnerships and services in support of the success of Indigenous students at RDP</li>
<li>Plan for the incorporation of meaningful physical representations and/or spaces on campus that reflect the commitment and relationship to the Indigenous communities</li>
<li>Research and develop funding proposals and grant applications for internal and external resources in support of the implementation of strategic initiatives</li>
<li>Lead programming and implementation of Indigenous cultural and student events</li>
<li>Participate in internal and external committees as required in support of RDP priorities and Indigenous post-secondary initiatives</li>
<li>Identify best practices and procedures for engaging Elders, hosting events, and incorporating cultural practices and knowledge for the purpose of creating an Indigenous Protocol resource for RDP through research and engagement with external stakeholders</li>
<li>Research, share, adopt and integrate Canadian best practices in Indigenous Education and Services for Red Deer Polytechnic</li>
<li>Support the work of RDP Schools and the Centre for Teaching and Learning to increase the integration of Indigenous content, resources and pedagogies across RDP</li>
<li>Advocate on behalf of Indigenous students to develop, implement, and ensure the continuous improvement of services and resources to support the successful completion of their post-secondary education</li>
</ul>
Communication and Collaboration:
<ul>
<li>Ensure effective communication between the department and other Polytechnic stakeholders</li>
<li>Develop and implement retention and student success plans in collaboration with RDP Schools, service departments and stakeholders</li>
<li>Develop a communication plan to clearly articulate and communicate the underpinning and philosophy of the Indigenous Strategic Plan to internal and external stakeholders in collaboration with the Indigenous community and supported by Marketing and Communications</li>
<li>Coordinate Indigenous Services communications initiatives while ensuring there are no conflicts in information shared or duplication of effort with external organizations</li>
<li>Provide leadership to faculty, staff and administration in embracing Indigenous values within the broader campus community with a focus on the provision of a welcoming and inclusive environment for all</li>
</ul>
Personnel Management:
<ul>
<li>Responsible for effective recruitment and selection, retention, coaching, supervision, performance management in compliance with People and Culture policies and procedures, POPA, and collective agreements in support of a high performing team</li>
<li>Facilitate where necessary discipline and dismissal of reporting staff, in consultation with Associate Vice President, Student Experience, and People &amp; Culture</li>
<li>Provide leadership by disseminating information, providing feedback, advising and coaching all employees under direct supervision</li>
<li>Direct the day-to-day operations of direct reports</li>
<li>Operationalize and apply Collective Agreements and ensure Policy Compliance</li>
<li>Represent assigned work area as first level grievance reviewer and attempts resolution in consultation with People &amp; Culture representatives for direct reports</li>
<li>Ensure that all regulations of Occupational Health and Safety are adhered to in order to provide a safe work environment and follows up on reports generated by People &amp; Culture to ensure compliance with OH&amp;S and WHMIS training</li>
<li>Approve, monitor, and report vacation and other absences for all staff under the direct supervision; arrange coverage for all vacation and long-term absences as required</li>
<li>Develop, review, and is accountable for the fluid support structure and processes to ensure the effective and efficient distribution and delegation of work</li>
</ul>
Financial Management:
<ul>
<li>Monitor and maintain budget for Indigenous Initiatives by monitoring costs such as overtime and operational expenses</li>
<li>Develop annual budget proposal for review with the Associate Vice President, Student Experience</li>
<li>Prioritize demands and responsibilities made on unit resources</li>
<li>Oversee and inform grant applications within the Division</li>
<li>Inform grant applications related to Indigenous Initiatives, Indigenous Research and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization across the institute</li>
</ul>
Required Qualifications
<ul>
<li>A Masters’ Degree in Indigenous Studies, Leadership, Education, Social Sciences or related discipline is preferred</li>
<li>A bachelor’s degree with a combination of relevant experience in a post-secondary setting may be considered.</li>
</ul>
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
<ul>
<li>3 to 5 years in an operational leadership role, preferably in a post-secondary environment</li>
<li>Over 5 years’ experience in an Indigenous services role</li>
<li>Comprehensive knowledge of internal institutional organizational structure, processes, and the evolving strategic direction of the Polytechnic</li>
<li>Related experience in higher education with a successful record of accomplishment of strategic and operational planning and innovative and collaborative leadership in a complex multi-union post-secondary environment</li>
</ul>
Skills and Abilities:
<ul>
<li>Well versed and engaged in the local Indigenous community, including demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Indigenous cultures</li>
<li>Established relationships and networks with Indigenous communities</li>
<li>Knowledge of Indigenous student recruitment and retention best practices</li>
<li>Knowledge of student development with specific knowledge of Indigenous student issues</li>
<li>Demonstrated knowledge of the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada</li>
<li>Respect for diversity and inclusion</li>
<li>Highly developed leadership skills and proven ability to influence, problem-solve, develop, and implement plans and initiatives in a collaborative manner that engages both internal and external stakeholders</li>
<li>Knowledge, demonstrated skills and experience in providing strategic development, oversight, and management of programs relating to supporting Indigenous post-secondary education and success initiatives</li>
<li>Experience in a higher education environment in a role focused on the support and education of Indigenous students would be considered an asset</li>
<li>Ability to actively engage and work collaboratively within a large institutional environment with a variety of stakeholders from a variety of disciplines</li>
<li>Demonstrated experience with conflict resolution, advocacy, and negotiations</li>
<li>Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, with a strong ability to engage others</li>
<li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on effective listening</li>
<li>Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail</li>
<li>Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion, and maintain confidentiality</li>
</ul>
Salary or Hourly?
Salary
Salary
A competitive compensation package, including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits, will be provided. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.
Benefits and Compensation Information
Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to College closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.
Eligibility to access the above-mentioned benefits dependent upon the EXEMPT Terms and conditions of Employment and related RDP policies.
About Red Deer Polytechnic
Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic(RDP) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.
Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.
Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community.
Posting Detail Information
Competition Number
Employment Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Vacancies
1.0
Desired Start Date
10/01/2026
Position End Date (if term-certain)
FTE
1.0
Hours of Work
Open Date
08/10/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Note to Applicant
Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.
At RDP, we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply
Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact <a href="mailto:Peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca</a>.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Required Documents
<ul>
<li>Cover Letter
</li>
<li>Resume
</li>
</ul>
Optional Documents

Dean, Indigenous Initiatives

Dean, Indigenous Initiatives

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