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 ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning: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 prioritiesParticipate 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 staffDefine 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 objectivesCommunity Engagement and Cultural Support: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 RDPRepresent Red Deer Polytechnic while interacting with Indigenous communitiesBuild close relationships with Indigenous Elders from various communities and create meaningful opportunities for Elders to participate in the lives of RDP studentsEstablish an Indigenous Education Advisory Committee for the institution that includes both internal and external stakeholdersWork 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 RDPFacilitate communication among and within the Polytechnic communityStay abreast of scholarship, programming, partnerships, and relevant current events across the institution, provincially and nationallyDevelop, lead, and implement the Indigenous Strategic Plan for RDP that establishes institutional priorities related to Indigenous education, and services and supports for Indigenous studentsIdentify the current needs and gaps of Indigenous students' service, RDP services, community agencies and support systems for Indigenous studentsDetermine prospective students' needs and develop plans and strategies to positively impact the recruitment of Indigenous students through research and consultationDevelop, implement, support, and evaluate initiatives, programs, partnerships and services in support of the success of Indigenous students at RDPPlan for the incorporation of meaningful physical representations and/or spaces on campus that reflect the commitment and relationship to the Indigenous communitiesResearch and develop funding proposals and grant applications for internal and external resources in support of the implementation of strategic initiativesLead programming and implementation of Indigenous cultural and student eventsParticipate in internal and external committees as required in support of RDP priorities and Indigenous post-secondary initiativesIdentify 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 stakeholdersResearch, share, adopt and integrate Canadian best practices in Indigenous Education and Services for Red Deer PolytechnicSupport the work of RDP Schools and the Centre for Teaching and Learning to increase the integration of Indigenous content, resources and pedagogies across RDPAdvocate 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 educationCommunication and Collaboration:Ensure effective communication between the department and other Polytechnic stakeholdersDevelop and implement retention and student success plans in collaboration with RDP Schools, service departments and stakeholdersDevelop 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 CommunicationsCoordinate Indigenous Services communications initiatives while ensuring there are no conflicts in information shared or duplication of effort with external organizationsProvide 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 allResponsible 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 teamFacilitate where necessary discipline and dismissal of reporting staff, in consultation with Associate Vice President, Student Experience, and People & CultureProvide leadership by disseminating information, providing feedback,



advising and coaching all employees under direct supervisionDirect the day-to-day operations of direct reportsOperationalize and apply Collective Agreements and ensure Policy ComplianceRepresent assigned work area as first level grievance reviewer and attempts resolution in consultation with People & Culture representatives for direct reportsEnsure 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 & Culture to ensure compliance with OH&S and WHMIS trainingApprove, monitor, and report vacation and other absences for all staff under the direct supervision; arrange coverage for all vacation and long-term absences as requiredDevelop, review, and is accountable for the fluid support structure and processes to ensure the effective and efficient distribution and delegation of workMonitor and maintain budget for Indigenous Initiatives by monitoring costs such as overtime and operational expensesDevelop annual budget proposal for review with the Associate Vice President, Student ExperiencePrioritize demands and responsibilities made on unit resourcesOversee and inform grant applications within the DivisionInform grant applications related to Indigenous Initiatives, Indigenous Research and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization across the instituteRequired QualificationsA Masters' Degree in Indigenous Studies, Leadership, Education, Social Sciences or related discipline is preferredA bachelor's degree with a combination of relevant experience in a post-secondary setting may be considered.Preferred QualificationsExperience:3 to 5 years in an operational leadership role, preferably in a post-secondary environmentOver 5 years' experience in an Indigenous services roleComprehensive knowledge of internal institutional organizational structure, processes, and the evolving strategic direction of the PolytechnicRelated 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 environmentSkills and Abilities:Well versed and engaged in the local Indigenous community, including demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Indigenous culturesEstablished relationships and networks with Indigenous communitiesKnowledge of Indigenous student recruitment and retention best practicesKnowledge of student development with specific knowledge of Indigenous student issuesDemonstrated knowledge of the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of CanadaRespect for diversity and inclusionHighly 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 stakeholdersKnowledge, demonstrated skills and experience in providing strategic development, oversight, and management of programs relating to supporting Indigenous post-secondary education and success initiativesExperience in a higher education environment in a role focused on the support and education of Indigenous students would be considered an assetAbility to actively engage and work collaboratively within a large institutional environment with a variety of stakeholders from a variety of disciplinesDemonstrated experience with conflict resolution, advocacy, and negotiationsEnthusiastic, knowledgeable, with a solid ability to engage othersExcellent communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on effective listeningExcellent organizational skills and attention to detailAbility to exercise good judgment and discretion, and maintain confidentialitySalary or Hourly?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 InformationRed 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Dean, Indigenous Initiatives (Burnstick Lake)
🏢 Red Deer Polytechnic
📍 Burnstick Lake