Dean, Applied Science & Management Division

Job content

THE ORGANIZATION: YUKON UNIVERSITY

Yukon University’s Ayamdigut Campus is situated on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Ta’an Kwachan Council. Located throughout the beautiful and historic territory of the Yukon, Yukon University is a dynamic hub for education and research in the Canadian North. With a main campus in Whitehorse and 12 community campuses, Yukon University offers a variety of academic, developmental, & vocational programming.

As the only post-secondary education institution in the Yukon, Yukon University is tri-council eligible, which helps the university to advance as a leader in Northern research, partnerships, and innovation, particularly with respect to climate change impact, alternative energy, geology and mining remediation. In 2015, Yukon University was the recipient of the University’s and Institutes Canada Gold Award for Indigenous Education Excellence.

The University offers a variety of a breadth of degree, diploma and certificate programs through seven academic and applied schools, many with a Northern focus. The President’s Advisory Committee on First Nation Initiatives, with representatives from all 14 Yukon First Nations, and three surrounding nations, helps shape the programming and services offered at the University. Yukon University Continuing Studies division is a key venue for offering targeted training and life-long learning throughout the territory.

As highlighted in its strategic plan, Becoming, the university is committed to building Yukon University’s identity as a university, Truth and Reconciliation, supporting Yukon First Nations’ path of self-determination, and developing bold thinkers and change leaders. The faculty of Applied Science and Management is instrumental for Yukon University to achieve these ambitious objectives. Yukon University is a vital instrument for Northern people to develop the capacity to shape their social, economic, and political futures. Yukon University has collaborated with Yukon First Nations to develop programs tailored to the distinct needs of their governments and citizens.

To learn more, please visit Yukon University’s website .

THE LOCATION: WHITEHORSE, YUKON TERRITORY

Home to 43,000 inhabitants, the Yukon is revered for its wild, mountainous grandeur. The natural beauty of Northern Canada makes the territory a haven for year-round outdoor recreation, including mountain biking, hiking, skiing, dog sledding, watching the Aurora Borealis, and canoeing world-famous rivers. Equally compelling is Yukon’s cultural heritage.

The capital of Yukon is Whitehorse, “Canada’s Wilderness City,” which is known for its scenic location along the Yukon River, vibrant arts and adventure scene, and family-friendly lifestyle. Boasting all the amenities of a large cosmopolitan center, but with the charm, community, and fresh air of a smaller town, Whitehorse is known as one of the best cities in Canada in which to live and work.

Whitehorse is home to a range of restaurants, cafés, pubs, boutiques, and galleries that would be comfortable in any cosmopolitan context. Because of the city’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the climate is milder than in other Northern communities at comparable latitudes, with pleasantly warm and lush summers, bright and sunny winters, and the most spectacular fall colours in the country. With 25 percent of the population hailing from the Territory’s diverse Aboriginal communities, the Yukon offers cultural depth and varied lifestyles that are unique across Canada.

Knowledge and Skills

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 –Develops a plan in support of organizational strategic direction. Demonstrates an understanding of the link between one’s job responsibilities and overall organizational goals.

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.

Stakeholder Focused –Anticipates and attends to the needs of internal and external stakeholders of the organization; keeps stakeholder interests in the fore-front.

Duties and Responsibilities

THE OPPORTUNITY: DEAN, APPLIED SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Accountable to the Provost Vice-President, Academic, the Dean is responsible for providing academic leadership and management expertise to the Faculty of Applied Science & Management. The Dean will plan, organize and manage degree, post-secondary credit and non-credit programming in management, science and trades.

The Dean will lead in providing learning opportunities to enhance employability, access to further education and training, and/or professional and personal development of faculty, staff and student, and advancing research in science management and trades. This position plays a significant role in developing strategies and initiating relationships with external organizations that advance the profile of the academic unit and its research and programs. In addition to the academic mission, the Dean will be responsible for the financial and human resources allocations, financial and operational reporting and fundraising for research projects and programs. The position develops strategic directions within the broader institutional context and creates goals and objectives to achieve this vision.

The Faculty consists of four schools: Business and Leadership, Indigenous Governance, Science, and Trades. As a result, the Dean of Applied Science and Management position offers a unique and impactful opportunity to build capacity in the North to navigate critical challenges of our time, such as climate change, the housing shortage, and sustainable resource development.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the leadership of Yukon University’s Polaris project: the construction of a $41 million-dollar science building slated for completion in 2025. The science building will be Yukon University’s first new building as a university, and the people that will bring it to life through teaching, learning and the creation of new knowledge, will serve as a venue for new Northern-specific knowledge creation for generations to come.

The building design will maximize space for student study. It will leverage optimal sharing of lab and class space, led by function rather than discipline and weave reconciliation and decolonization into the design and architecture, respecting First Nations culture, environment, and ancestors. The building will be Yukon’s first carbon-neutral standard building and a model for Northern energy efficiency.

The position offers a full-time, five-year renewable term at Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus. Upon completing the decanal appointment, the successful candidate may be eligible for a permanent faculty role.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a related area, and a successful record of achievement as an educator in progressively senior roles. You have had success as a Chair, Department Head, or other senior leadership and/or administrative roles in a post-secondary environment. You possess strong supervisory, organizational, change management and leadership skills and have a vision for post-secondary education and research in Yukon and Northern Canada. You have experience working with First Nations communities and/or governments. You have a reputation for providing leadership and vision, creating a trust-based culture that supports engaged and inspired faculty and staff who are committed to a healthy and supportive experience for every student. From an administrative perspective, you should demonstrate an understanding of financial and human resources management and effective resource allocation related to programs and research.

The role of Dean of Applied Science and Management is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader whose passion, creativity, strategic skills and commitment to indigenization and reconciliation to lead the faculty of Applied Sciences & Management in Canada’s first Northern University.

Education

Required Qualifications, Education, And Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Doctoral degree preferred; minimum of a Master’s degree in addition to considerable experience in a senior administrative capacity in post-secondary education or another relevant sector. Previous teaching experience is essential. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered;
• Appreciation for the complexity of post-secondary education and experience in strategic planning;
• Proven track record of curriculum development, program review, and program renewal;
• Demonstrated interest in management of and/or participation in scholarship and applied research;
• Experience in Indigenous and international education and in alternative modes of teaching and learning;
• Knowledge of and experience with budgetary processes, including development and administration;
• Demonstrated experience in strategic enrolment management; and
• Working knowledge of and experience with the administration of collective agreements.
  

How to Apply

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.