Dean, School of Trades

KEYANO COLLEGE | DEAN, SCHOOL OF TRADES

Dean, School of Trades

Keyano College | Fort McMurray, Alberta

On-campus leadership appointment

The opportunity

Aeolus Staffing Solutions is representing Keyano College in the search for its next Dean, School of Trades.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished trades and training leader to advance skilled trades education in Northern Alberta. Combining practical trades expertise with strategic leadership, the Dean will guide academic programming, develop industry partnerships and oversee the School’s people, operations and financial resources.

Reporting to the Vice President, Academic, the Dean serves on the College’s senior leadership team. The School delivers apprenticeship, trades, occupational certification, industry training and workforce development programs supporting the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and beyond.

The successful candidate will bring a collegial leadership approach, strong financial judgment and the executive presence to represent Keyano with industry, government and community partners.

This position is based on campus in Fort McMurray. Relocation is required for candidates who do not currently reside in the region.

About Keyano College

Located on traditional Treaty 8 territory, Keyano College is a comprehensive post-secondary institution with deep connections to the communities and industries of Wood Buffalo. Its programs connect academic learning and applied training with career opportunities across trades, health, business, technology and other disciplines. The School of Trades is central to this mandate, preparing skilled professionals and supporting the workforce needs of a major industrial region.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic, academic and operational leadership aligned with the College’s Academic Plan and institutional priorities.
• Lead and develop Chairs, faculty and staff, supporting professional growth, collaboration and accountability.
• Oversee apprenticeship programming and maintain productive relationships with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), employers and regulatory stakeholders.
• Assess workforce demand, training capacity and funded seat allocations to support apprentice progression and appropriate program expansion.
• Develop sustainable opportunities for new and expanded trades and industry training programs.
• Advance teaching quality, program relevance, accreditation and continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets, workforce planning, equipment and facilities, ensuring responsible stewardship and safe training environments.
• Pursue grant and revenue opportunities in collaboration with relevant College departments.
• Strengthen dual-credit, pre-apprenticeship and other pathways through partnerships with secondary schools, Indigenous communities and regional organizations.
• Represent Keyano with senior industry and community leaders, coordinating partnership development with the College’s public engagement team.

Qualifications and experience

• Red Seal Journeyperson certification and practical experience in a skilled trade.
• At least five years of senior leadership experience, including managing teams and budgets, developing strategic and operational plans, and leading organizational change.
• Experience in apprenticeship education, industry training, skilled trades or a related environment.
• Strong understanding of Alberta’s apprenticeship system, including experience collaborating with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), technical training requirements and workforce development.
• Demonstrated financial and operational judgment, strong communication skills, and a record of productive stakeholder relationships with employers, Indigenous communities, industry associations, government, and community organizations.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and experience in Northern, rural or resource-based communities are assets. An equivalent combination of education, trade certification and experience acceptable to the College may also be considered.

Compensation and benefits

• $130,000-$150,000 annual base salary, depending on qualifications and experience, plus a $12,480 annual Fort McMurray Living Allowance, payable upon proof of local residence.
• 25 working days of vacation, increasing by one day after each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days, plus additional paid College closures.
• 12 paid casual sick days per calendar year.
• Employer-paid life insurance, extended health and dental benefits from day one, with no waiting period.
• Local Authorities Pension Plan participation: a defined benefit pension funded through employer and employee contributions.

A 12-month probation period applies.

Keyano College welcomes qualified applicants whose diverse experiences, perspectives and backgrounds contribute to a safe, inclusive and welcoming College community.