Associate Dean - Faculty of Education and Social Work

Application Restrictions
Open to both Internal and external
Job Type
Administrative/Management
Posting In effect from
4/4/2024
Closing Application Date
18/4/2024
Applications will be reviewed commencing the closing application date and may continue until the position is filled.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Admin Type
Ongoing
Anticipated Start Date
1/7/2024
Position End Date (If Applicable)
DUTIES

THE ORGANIZATION: THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY 

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot’in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.

At Thompson Rivers University, student success is the priority. TRU empowers its students to reach their goals with many paths to learning, an applied approach, and a supportive, inclusive environment. TRU is committed to both academic excellence and accessibility for all, opening doors and opening minds. TRU believes everyone has the right to seek their potential, and it exists to facilitate that journey. TRU offers a diverse range of programs and diverse pathways for students to enter.

TRU empowers students to find their paths and achieve their goals in an inclusive, supportive environment where flexible education is possible, research is encouraged, and academic success is personal. TRU is as diverse as post-secondary education gets. From traditional academics to trades, from certificates to graduate degrees, TRU offers over 140 on-campus programs and 60 Open Learning programs to choose from. TRU’s students apply what they learn in co-op work terms, study abroad, undergraduate research, field schools and practicums, service learning and more — with guidance and mentorship by its accessible faculty. Research, creation and innovation thrive in TRU’s open, flexible learning environment. And so do students.

For over 50 years, TRU has taken pride in providing an excellent education to every student that comes, from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives, at various stages of the learning journey. Annually, close to 30,000 students study on TRU’s campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake, or in distance or online courses and programs through Open Learning. Just as TRU’s program offerings are diverse, so too are its students. Approximately 10 percent of students are Indigenous and nearly 25 percent are international students coming from more than 110 countries.

TRU has three schools and six faculties, and a growing physical campus. In 2020, the Chappell Family Building for Nursing and Population Health with state-of-the-art simulation learning facilities welcomed students. The new Early Childhood Education Centre opened in fall 2022 which transforms early childhood learning and development. In addition, the Kamloops campus is home to a growing and thriving neighbourhood community, The Reach, which draws funds from new development to benefit research and scholarship, has contributed $5.5M and has supported over 180 students since 2020.

TRU was granted accreditation with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in 2018-the third institution to achieve this in BC and the first to do so in fewer than five years, serving as a testament to its commitment to quality education. TRU excels in providing undergraduate research opportunities; its Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP) funds more than 30 students to conduct independent research each year. 
For further information, please visit www.tru.ca . The University’s Vision Statement can be found here .

 

THE OPPORTUNITY: ASSOCIATE DEAN—FACULTY OF EDUCATION & SOCIAL WORK 

The Faculty of Education and Social Work has approximately 60 full-time faculty members and over 8,500 enrolments in two schools and two departments, offering 13 programs. Studies range from the master’s level to employment courses for those with learning challenges. These programs are taught domestically and internationally, using face-to-face, on-line, and blended delivery methods. TRU is dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment in a culture of diversity, enabling students to achieve their full potential and be competitive in the workplace.

The Associate Dean is responsible for management and supervisory functions as assigned by the Dean including the academic coordination of programs, faculty, and student affairs. The Associate Dean participates in all governance meetings of the Faculty, such as the Faculty Council and the Chairs’ group, and liaises with the other university offices in the coordination of diploma, degree and pathway programs. The Associate Dean is a member of the Faculty senior leadership team, and reports to the Dean to provide support in the management of the Faculty of Education and Social Work. This appointment is for a five-year renewable term and appointment as a tenured faculty member.

TRU has recently integrated the programming areas of its Open Learning (OL) division into their respective Faculties in order to create a unified student experience across TRU. The Associate Dean is also responsible for the standardization of on-campus and OL programs and curriculum. They will also provide operational management of the regional program delivery in Ashcroft, Barrière, Cache Creek, Chase, Clearwater, Lillooet, Williams Lake, and 100 Mile House. 

Having experienced significant evolution over the last five years, the Faculty of Education and Social Work is expanding its administrative ranks by adding a new Associate Dean. This is an outstanding opportunity for a progressive leader to make a significant impact with the Faculty through quality assurance, ensuring accreditation compliance, and supporting the new faculty. The Associate Dean also provides leadership to Tenure and Promotion Committees.

 

Major Responsibilities 

The Associate Dean is responsible for academic and administrative support to the Dean. The Associate Dean:

• Ensures that academic standards in teaching and student supports are maintained in the departments, programs, and courses within the area of responsibility;

• Supports the EDSW Flexible Delivery portfolio and ensures the standardization of on-campus and Open Learning programs and curriculum;

• Supports the development of new access, undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate programs;

• Is responsible for the coordination and delivery of formal program and course reviews;

• Ensures that the provisions of the Collective Agreement are administered correctly and in accordance with administrative policies and regulations;

• Works with the Dean on the development and ongoing review of the Faculty’s strategic plan and on setting goals and objectives;

• Provides oversight to enrollments and class sizes;

• Provides mentorship and builds relationships across the Faculty;

• Works closely with the Office of Quality Assurance, department chairs, and faculty in designing processes of reviewing and evaluating courses for instructional effectiveness and quality assurance; and

• On behalf of the Dean, may represent the Faculty to external agencies and to the community in general, and may attend senior administrative meetings

 

THE PERSON 

The Associate Dean should be an inspiring leader who values learning at all levels, possessing a background as a teacher and scholar, leadership skills, educational qualifications, and instructional experience that inspire confidence and motivate others. They recognize that the needs of all learners are paramount and must also be sensitive to the needs of faculty and staff; a focus on the student experience is critical in this role. The Associate Dean is part of a team that is engaged in contributing to the vision, mission, and goals of the Faculty, while also supporting the aspirations and needs of learners and communities. The Associate Dean promotes an inclusive and constructive culture that promotes respect, humility, and collegiality, inclusivity, consultation, and transparency. The Associate Dean should exhibit a deep understanding and commitment to decolonization, Indigenization, and valuing students from all backgrounds and learning styles.

 

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. The faculty salary range is $116,648—$161,502 at the Associate level, and $142,757—$185,534 at the Professor level; the Associate Dean stipend is $20,000. 

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Shadyar Shirmast or Tony Kirschner
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
#880—609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Phone: (604) 688-8422 or Email: [email protected]

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional and Personal Qualifications 

Required Qualifications: 

• Completed doctoral degree in a relevant discipline preferred; master’s degrees will be considered for candidates from English Language Learning & Teaching (ELLT) and University and Employment Preparation tracks—a combination of relevant education and experience will be considered; and
• Education, experience, and achievement in one or more of the areas of EDSW responsibility; and
• Suitable for appointment as a tenured Associate or Full Professor, or Associate or Full Teaching Professor.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A record of excellence in teaching, research, and professional activity;
• Experience teaching English language learners and / or adult upgrading or basic education are assets; 
• Experience in multi-modal delivery (face-to-face, blended, and distance learning), including technology mediated delivery (online, hybrid, and experiential) of educational programming and an appreciation for open educational practices;
• Experience with program delivery in small and / or isolated communities; 
• Experience in and a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous learners and staff, to decolonization, and honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action;
• Experience in and a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs and from at-risk and marginalized populations;
• A record of successful graduate and / or undergraduate student supervision;
• An extensive record of service including significant administrative contributions in a leadership role;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—a mentor who emulates lifelong learning;
• A strong commitment to collegiality and consensus building across organizational, disciplinary, and program boundaries; 
• The ability to make difficult decisions and handle situations that require diplomacy and confidentiality;
• Experience in curriculum, policy development and the academic approval and program review process;
• Experience in multi-modal delivery (face-to-face, blended, online, and distance learning) of educational programming and demonstrated appreciation for open educational practices;
• Experience assessing, mitigating, and managing risk in the development and execution of articulation agreements, study abroad programs and external partnerships; and
• Experience managing in a unionized environment (e.g. employee recruitment and selection, evaluation, conflict resolution, contract negotiation, and the grievance process).

 

Competencies and Personal Characteristics 

Leadership - Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the contribution of others; a proactive and positive team player who acts with a sense of urgency and leads by example; sets and communicates clear goals.

Accountable - Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities; focuses on results and measuring attainment of outcomes in a business focus.

Strategic Thinker - Takes a broad scale, long-term view, assessing options and implications considering the changing environment and needs of the organization, and effectively communicates vision and rationale behind decisions and policies.

Integrity and Honesty - Demonstrates a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit behind the rules and core values of the organization, setting an example of professionalism and ethical propriety.

Influential and Collaborative - Has an open and consistent approach to working with others and possesses strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and develop/maintain partnerships, obtaining stakeholder agreement.

Creativity and Innovation - Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes.

Effective Working Relationships - Treats colleagues, and stakeholders with respect; resolves conflicts in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees.

Communication - Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and purpose; communicates effectively in both positive and negative circumstances; listens well.

People Development - Fosters learning and development of others through coaching, managing performance and mentoring; has a genuine desire to develop others and help them succeed; formally and informally recognizes deserving staff and colleagues.

Student Focused - Anticipates and attends to the needs of internal and external partners of the organization; keeps the interests of all students in the forefront.

Pay Band
$135,824.00 - $159,798.00 ( Admin Pay Band DH )
Location
Kamloops, BC CA (Primary)
# of Hires Needed
1
Organizational Unit
Thompson Rivers University -> Faculty of Education and Social Work -> Dean, Education and Social Work
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment:
Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website . External Candidates invited to interview will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview.