Director, Extensions

Established in 1976, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

As a leader in the Academics department, the Director serves a key role in supporting administration and operations for various Academic programming and initiatives. The Director will work to ensure seamless business operations throughout the programs and is responsible for maintaining academic programming. This position will positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate.

General Accountability

The Director is accountable for the planning, promotion, and development of Extensions programming, Early Childhood Education programs, Wellness Community Development Unit, as well as the strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the Academics department. The Director is accountable to lead and coach direct reports, guide their daily work, and engage them in developing and achieving a shared vision that will play a critical role in the Institute's commitment to excellence and growth. The Director leads, in consultation with the Associate Vice-President, in the overall operation of assigned programs including strategic and academic planning.

The Director is accountable for timely implementation of programs and serves and provides academic leadership, as well as advocates and promotes best practices in research, instruction, outreach, and engagement within communities and industry. In collaboration with program heads, coordinators, and faculty, the Director regularly reviews and provides recommendations for changes and/or updates to program curricula. As directed by the Associate Vice-President, the Director is responsible for the leadership of new program initiatives, including developing and maintaining supportive internal and external relationships as required to successfully develop and implement new programming. This position includes the following accountabilities:

Specific Accountabilities

Academic Leadership & Administration

• In collaboration with the Associate Vice-President, provide academic leadership in the development and implementation of programs and courses, as well as the ongoing review of existing programs and courses in order to meet employment needs, industry standards, and emerging labour market and economic needs.
• Evaluate course and program relevancy, ensuring appropriate curriculum is being presented.
• Create, review, and evaluate progress and outcomes of the annual department operational plan.
• Support the proposal writing and submission process to request funding for program needs.
• Support the department's yearly program plan based on needs in communities and urban centers, using data-driven decision making and future labour market forecasts, community data, internal resources, and technology advancements.
• Participate in the continual modernization of program content, ensuring content is relevant and contains appropriate cultural aspects to engage First Nations learners.
• Coach and develop employees to ensure growth and development of those individuals through regular reviews with direct reports, and by providing opportunities for professional development.
• Establish and maintain an orderly learning environment that instills accountability and ensures high morale amongst staff and students.
• Display highly ethical, professional behavior, serving as a role model to all staff and students.
• In collaboration with the Associate Vice-President, take a lead role in building and leading the department through employee selection, performance management, and evaluations.
• Ensure a positive, diverse, and inclusive work and learning environment.
• Ensure that the Associate Vice-President is kept fully informed of the operation of your assigned academic area and provide information and reports as required.
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with other colleges, committees, and industry and provincial partners.
• Maintain and promote high standards for all staff and students with regards to academic performance, personal growth, responsibility, and character.
• Remain current on changes and new developments that will affect and/or improve programs through ongoing training and professional development.
• Assist the Associate Vice-President in program evaluation, office operations, and program specific budgets.
• Support initiatives to offer programs that are responsive and progressive.
• Establish and maintain the positive image of SIIT in the community.
• Assist in the creation and execution of presentations for stakeholders, funders, potential students, communities, and the Board of Governors, ensuring department data is accurate.
• Set professional standards and performance benchmarks, assessing and supporting employees in meeting goals.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong connections with First Nation communities, employers, Tribal Councils, and other education institutions in order to enhance SIIT and its brand and reputation, and increase partner involvement and sponsorship to meet learner and client needs.
• Engage local and regional businesses and economic development partners to encourage industry engagement.
• Represent and promote SIIT through external committees and events as required.
• Review budgets for programming as required for stakeholders including First Nations/Tribal Councils.

Financial Planning and Management

• Review direct reports program budgets and operational plans for department programming and provide guidelines and coaching to ensure accuracy and viability.
• Ensure resources are allocated in accordance with the financial planning and operating budget.
• Support budget and operational planning by providing accurate information, analysis, and recommendations as requested.
• Support the formulation and negotiation of funding arrangements with stakeholders, government departments, funding agencies, and private industry partners.
• Recommend innovative solutions to resource challenges that support and align with strategic goals.
• In collaboration with the Associate Vice-President, ensure that academic programs receive equitable resources, adequate staffing, and facilities at each campus/location.

Relationship Management

• Respect, honor, and acknowledge the uniqueness of each learner including: their unique languages, cultures, traditions, histories, and prior learning and life experiences.
• Contribute to a high level of service for SIIT learners, faculty, and administration.
• In collaboration with the Associate Vice-President, ensure a professional functioning department through the identification, mediation, and resolution of any conflicts within the department.
• Foster a positive working relationship among academic and administrative units across the Institute to ensure learners' needs are being met.

People Management and Leadership

• Ensure a positive, diverse, and inclusive work and learning environment.
• Coach, develop, and mentor direct reports to ensure their success; demonstrate leadership and initiative in sharing expertise with other team members.
• Hold employees accountable for outcomes and a high level of performance by addressing people management issues within the department in a timely manner.
• Provide leadership by delegating tasks, responding to staff inquiries, and providing overall direction to team members.
• Coordinate and balance the workloads of staff by effective work allocation, cross-training, and prioritization.

Required Qualifications and Experience: Master's degree in education, higher education, or other related degree relevant to the position. A minimum of 6 years of leadership experience, coupled with working knowledge in post-secondary management is necessary. Experience working in a post-secondary institution, with exceptional verbal communication skills and superior writing skills along with exceptional interpersonal skills, a collaborative style, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels is necessary. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations is required. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation is necessary as occasional travel may be required.

As this position is considered safety sensitive, the incumbent will be subject to testing as per SIIT's Alcohol and Substances policy.

Required Competencies: Flexible and Adaptable, Leadership Communication, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Student Focus, Planning and Goal Setting, Coaching and Developing Others, Team Building and Teamwork, Knowledge and Expertise, Focus on Excellence.

Term position from September 2024 to September 2025.