Director, Institute for Financial Literacy
A transformational gift. A bold mandate. The opportunity to build a lasting legacy.
The Opportunity
A transformational legacy investment has given Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) the opportunity to reimagine how financial literacy is advanced in post-secondary education. Grounded in the belief that financial literacy is both a personal wellbeing issue and a driver of long-term economic productivity, the Institute is positioned to create meaningful impact for learners, communities, and the broader Central Alberta region. RDP is seeking an entrepreneurial, impact-focused leader to bring that vision to life by establishing its new Institute for Financial Literacy. With significant multi-year funding, engaged donors, and strong executive sponsorship already in place, the Director will begin with what most builders spend years pursuing: the resources, trust and institutional commitment to create something enduring.
The Leadership Mandate
Reporting to the Associate Vice President Student Experience, the Director will shape the Institute's identity, strategy, partnerships and impact from the ground up. Working closely with students, donors, academic leaders, community organizations, school divisions, and post-secondary institutions across Central Alberta, the Director will help establish the Institute as a regional hub for financial literacy, innovation, and social impact. This is not a conventional program leadership role. It is an opportunity to build an institution within an institution: one that meets learners in the moments and formats that matter to them through micro-learning, micro-credentials, digital and AI-enabled tools, events and community expertise. The Director will work directly with the founding donor to translate a bold philanthropic vision into visible action, create early momentum, prove what works, and establish a sustainable model capable of serving generations of learners.
The Leader Who Will Build the Legacy
This opportunity calls for more than a capable administrator. RDP is seeking an imaginative builder who sees possibility in a blank canvas and feels accountable for creating something worthy of the gift that made it possible. The successful candidate will pair bold thinking with disciplined execution, moving confidently between strategy and delivery while creating belief among students, donors, academic leaders, community partners, and regional collaborators. They will be energized by the opportunity to build an innovative institute designed to improve financial wellbeing, support entrepreneurial thinking, and create lasting social and economic impact. They will be motivated not by maintaining what already exists, but by building an institute whose value will be felt for generations.
What It Takes to Build Something Enduring
The vision and courage to define a new model, make purposeful choices and turn philanthropic ambition into experiences that matter in students' lives.
A record of bringing consequential ideas to life - building the partnerships, momentum, measures and organizational foundations required for lasting impact.
The credibility to steward donor trust and unite diverse contributors around a shared purpose, supported by an undergraduate degree in Business, Finance or a related field and practical knowledge of financial wellbeing; advanced education and experience in innovation, digital learning or student services are assets.
Why Red Deer Polytechnic?
RDP is more than a post-secondary institution. It is a community of highly dedicated and skilled faculty, staff, learners, and partners working together to create meaningful social and economic impact across Alberta. Building on more than 60 years of education, training, applied research, and service to Central Alberta, RDP is evolving as a polytechnic institution that is responsive to industry, connected to community, and focused on preparing learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Few leaders are given the mandate, resources and freedom to build an institute designed to outlast its founding investment. Through partnerships with post-secondary institutions, industry, and community organizations across Central Alberta, the Institute has the potential to influence financial literacy education well beyond the boundaries of a single campus. The successful candidate can create a signature model for RDP, improve learners' lives and influence financial literacy practice across Central Alberta and beyond. This is the chance to be known not simply for leading an initiative, but for building one that endures.
Located along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, Red Deer combines urban amenities, an accessible lifestyle, a strong community and exceptional proximity to nature.
To Apply
For additional information or to receive a detailed position profile, please contact Leadership Source at 306-543-1666 or search@leadershipsource.ca.
Early applications are encouraged, as we may proceed with interviews and move forward with a preferred candidate once a strong match has been identified.
