Exciting Opportunity at Red Deer Polytechnic! We’re thrilled to announce an interim full-time position for an Associate Dean in the School of Trades and Technology. With an anticipated start date in June 2026, we’re on the look for an enthusiastic individual to join our leadership team to support our growing student population and program mix. This role focuses on Skilled Trades and Technology programs, making it a unique and rewarding opportunity for the right candidate. Come be a part of our vibrant academic community and contribute to the growth and success of our students!

Red Deer Polytechnic’s School of Trades and Technology is a multidisciplinary school committed to innovation, applied learning, and student success across a broad spectrum of programs. We are Alberta’s third-largest provider of Skilled Trades Apprenticeship training, offering 17 trades. RDP is a major sponsor of Skills Canada Alberta and has seen many of our students excel in Skills competitions provincially, nationally, and at World Skills.

Alongside this, our Science, Computing, Engineering Technology and Culinary programs are rapidly growing, offering certificates, diplomas, university transfer options, and collaborative degrees that prepare students for careers in research, industry, health, and technology.

Our School’s strength lies in its diversity—where apprentices learn alongside future scientists, engineers, and technology professionals in state-of-the-art facilities, with access to innovation centres and cutting-edge equipment. Faculty across all disciplines prioritize excellence in teaching, industry engagement, and meaningful experiential learning opportunities. Whether in the trades, engineering technology, sciences, or computing fields, our graduates are known for being skilled, adaptable, and ready to contribute to the evolving needs of Central Alberta and beyond.

• Provide academic leadership for skilled trades, apprenticeship, and Culinary Arts programs, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the development, renewal, delivery, and evaluation of curriculum, including apprenticeship classroom training and Culinary Arts programs.
• Support learner success by addressing academic progression, instructional quality, and student experience across trades and technology pathways.
• Contribute to School‑level strategic and operational planning, with an emphasis on enrolment management, program sustainability, and emerging trades and technology opportunities.
• Allocate and manage resources within established budgets, including facilities, equipment, and staffing, to support high‑quality hands‑on learning environments.

• Maintain strong relationships with industry partners, employers, apprenticeship sponsors, and regulatory bodies to ensure programs remain current and labour‑market responsive.
• Support provincial apprenticeship requirements, including compliance with training standards, and technical training expectations.
• Advance work‑integrated learning, applied projects, and industry partnerships that enhance student employability and job readiness.
• Represent the School on internal and external committees related to trades, culinary arts, and workforce development.

• Provide leadership and support to faculty in the delivery of high‑quality, learner‑centred instruction within shop‑ and lab‑based environments.
• Encourage the effective integration of educational technologies and innovative delivery models suited to trades and applied technology education.
• Promote applied research, innovation, and industry‑driven projects aligned with the School’s mandate and regional economic priorities.
• Collaborate with Applied Research and Work‑Integrated Learning teams to expand opportunities for students and faculty.

• Provide direct leadership and supervision to faculty, coordinators, technicians, and support staff within the School of Trades and Technology.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate employees in accordance with collective agreements, institutional policies, and People & Culture practices.
• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, continuous improvement, and learner‑centred practice within shop‑ and lab‑based environments.

• Ensure clear, effective communication within the School and across the Polytechnic.
• Build and sustain internal and external partnerships that support student recruitment, retention, apprenticeship growth, and technology program expansion.

• Journeyperson credential in one or more Skilled Trades, and/or a degree related to educational leadership, Culinary Arts or a related field plus familiarity with educational approaches for Trades Apprenticeship and Culinary Arts programs
• A minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience, preferably in a post-secondary environment, and five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership of adults in a teaching environment
• Significant experience teaching or facilitating learning in trades, apprenticeship, or culinary arts education.
• Progressive academic or operational leadership experience, including direct supervision of faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, program quality assurance, and industry engagement.
• Strong understanding of apprenticeship systems, applied learning environments, and workforce‑aligned education.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across organizational lines in furthering organizational goals
• Strong emotional intelligence
• Strong Communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Proven ability to lead change, manage complexity, and support innovation.
• A team player with an inclusive leadership style that inspires trust and confidence
• Proven ability to promote a positive environment through honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior consistent with the core values of Red Deer Polytechnic

Preferred Qualifications:

• Required educational qualifications plus additional undergraduate or Master’s degree in Education or Leadership
• Progressive academic leadership experience involving direct supervision of post- secondary Faculty members (involving recruitment and selection; development and coaching; performance assessment and management)