Associate Dean, Experiential Learning

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Health & Wellness, the Associate Dean, Experiential Learning leads the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of experiential learning initiatives across the School of Health and Wellness. This role is responsible for managing simulation, immersive technologies (including VR and AR), standardized patient programs, and clinical education support. The Associate Dean ensures alignment with academic goals, industry standards, and emerging technologies to foster innovative, student-centered learning environments. Position Responsibilities Experiential Learning Operations In partnership with the provincial stakeholders and subject matter experts, leads the establishment of a sustainable process for provincial student practice education policy development cycle including research, development, review, approval, implementation and ongoing maintenance. Leads policy and practice change initiatives through planning, implementation, evaluation and ongoing monitoring; provides skilled leadership throughout each in the process at all levels within RDP including within the Health and Wellness Simulation Labs and Immersive Learning Experiences. Provides coordination within a strategic context for collaborative planning tables for student practice placements; functions as a strategic resource for stakeholders to ensure that optimal structure, design and implementation of the change(s) is/are in place to achieve desired outcomes, results and benefits. Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, by supporting the creation and utilization of simulation and immersive learning scenarios, front line support for technology and resources and responding to requests for use, to achieve the labs and resources and RDP goals. Lead and facilitate Communities of Practice and participate in symposiums and expos as a representative of RDP. Advise faculty on the incorporation of best practices in simulation and other forms of immersive learning, including orientation, pre-briefing, debriefing, and psychological safety to maintain best practices. Coordinate facility improvements and new equipment deployment, by maintaining an equipment log for use and repairs/maintenance, providing education on equipment use and oversight of new purchased/capital equipment plans to ensure effective operations. Provide orientation of faculty and students to principles of simulation, immersive learning, debriefing techniques, and provide faculty with related literature and policies, to maintain best practices. Leads and expands the utilization of experiential learning in rural sites. Leads the design, development, implementation and evaluation of experiential initiatives within didactic and clinical phases of program curriculum, to maintain best practices. Coach and develop staff across functional areas by working with faculty who are responsible for experiential learning design and development. Develop data collection and record keeping procedures to evaluate training method effectiveness and to ensure student/client satisfaction. Ensures all standards and polices are met by being aware of changes in healthcare, educational technology or new techniques by attendance at in-service programs, vendors, tradeshows and conferences. Keeps apprised of updates in experiential learning including equipment upgrades and new product development, new scenarios developed and innovative adaptation of equipment to meet a variety of learning needs. Conduct, facilitate, synthesize, and summarize market research related to experiential learning. Continuously updates and refines experiential learning experiences based on identified needs Serves as a resource for faculty utilizing experiential learning. Manages the use of simulation and immersive learning equipment. Creates and maintains a respectful and professional working environment, incorporating active learning, reflective thinking, and a confidential debriefing process. Leads the SHW Simulation Working Group and initiates and leads other relevant working groups. Support the annual departmental budget development, overall resource allocation and management to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability in collaboration with the Dean. Develops, monitors and manages budget related to project and initiatives and ensures adherence to timelines and budgets. Develops clear communication channels including decision matrices and risk escalation processes. Provides coordination within a strategic context for collaborative planning tables for student practice placements; functions as a strategic resource for stakeholders to ensure that optimal structure, design and implementation of the change(s) is/are in place to achieve desired outcomes, results and benefits. Coordinates and aligns teams with business modeling, program development, and evaluation for student education capacity. Inventory and Safety Orders supplies and equipment for simulation and other experiential learning experiences in compliance with procurement policies and practices. Maintains the sim and immersive learning inventory, ensuring safe and proper storage. Ensures the safe storage and disposal of hazardous materials. Monitors and assures appropriate standards of lab cleanliness, provides for equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement. Formulates budget recommendations in collaboration with leadership team. Ensures a safe and healthy work environment, complies with polytechnic health and safety policies, practices, and programs in keeping with occupational health & safety legislation and regulation. Accountable for the overall operational leadership for Experiential Learning program(s). This includes participating in strategic and operational planning, fostering a culture of high quality, collaborative care, and continuous improvement, ensuring the effective deployment of resources and contributing to the development of and implementing operational plans. Demonstrates leadership within the School for continuous improvement, innovation, and learner centred operations. Operationalizes and applies Collective Agreements and institutional policies as they apply to School/Division Experiential Learning program, in conjunction with the Dean of Students, the Associate Vice President Teaching, other Deans, Associate Deans and People and Culture. Recruits, selects, coaches, and develops Lab staff in compliance with People Advising & Partnership Team policies and procedures, and POPA (Protection of Privacy Act), and in support of a high performing team. Facilitates, where necessary, discipline and dismissal of reporting staff and faculty in consultation with the Dean and People and Culture. Develops successful structures and processes to ensure the effective distribution and delegation of work. Directs the day-to-day operations of Lab Coordinator and Simulation Lab Technicians, coordinating schedules and duties for efficient and effective delivery of service. Conducts performance enhancement process in accordance with standard practice and collective agreements; escalates issues or concerns to the Dean. Plans, organizes, and coordinates formal and informal orientation and training of employees under direct supervision. Participates in the recruitment and hiring of direct reports. Encourages staff to participate in growth opportunities and professional development opportunities as they arise. Approves, monitors, and reports vacation and other absences for all staff under the direct supervision; arrange coverage for all vacation and long-term absences as required. The School Associate Dean, Experiential Learning endeavors to integrate and advance the Polytechnic’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusivity, and creates an environment where diverse ideas, perspectives, and achievements are recognized, rewarded, and celebrated. Ensure that all regulations of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) are adhered to in order to provide a safe work environment and follows up on reports generated by People Advising & Partnership Team to ensure compliance with OH&S and WHMIS training. Develops department specific onboarding materials. Oversees the coordination of the exit procedures to ensure the appropriate collection and tracking of information. Represents assigned work area as first level grievance officer and attempts resolution in consultation with Division of People Advising & Partnership Team. With Dean and Associate Deans of the School, resolves issues related to learner success within School programs. Leads and Associate Deans the resources necessary to facilitate experiential learning and simulation. Grows and maintains a comprehensive pool of standardized patients or similar resources needed to deliver simulation. Designs and delivers appropriate training for standardized patients. Coordinates with the Operations Associate Dean to communicate contractual needs. Teaching, Research and Scholarly Activity Facilitates the growth and development of an applied research culture within the Experiential Learning program in support of continuous innovation for our region and the economic, social, and cultural growth of our communities. Engages with Applied Research and Work Integrated Learning to promote applied research and learning initiatives to internal and external audiences. Fosters the growth and development of a culture of scholarly activity in an environment of open inquiry, academic freedom, creativity, and innovation. Ensures compliance with research policies and standards as well as intellectual property policies, standards, and rights. Assists in the generation of resources (funds, facilities, equipment, partnerships, etc.) to support engagement of faculty and students in research and scholarly activities. Encourages and supports faculty members’ sharing of their scholarly activity both within their school and broadly to the Polytechnic community. Continuous Growth and Acquisition of New Skills Actively participates in training and professional development activities as they become available. Actively acquires knowledge and skills related to this position. Familiarizes oneself with policy and procedures in order to meet user needs. Strategic Planning Develop frameworks and roadmaps for Experiential learning and engagement initiatives that support organizational goals and workforce development. Prepare clear, compelling briefing materials that enable timely decisions and build confidence among senior leaders. Anticipate organizational impacts, manage interdependencies and identify opportunities for integration across the School and RDP. Use data and feedback to evaluate initiatives, identify systemic challenges, and recommend enhancements that deliver long-term value. Required Qualifications Graduate degree in Adult Education or related graduate education emphasizing experiential learning and instructional design. 5 years or more of teaching and/or practical experience with experiential learning. 3 years or more experience in managing Simulation Labs and/or Immersive Learning Experiences. 3 years or more experience in Healthtech policies/processes and tools. 5 years of progressive leadership experience within an academic institution. 2 years experience in coaching and mentoring staff. Proven expertise in applied experiential learning. 2 years of experience in project management. Simulation and Healthcare education and training. Familiarity with technology in the healthcare field with specific training for the maintenance and operation of high-fidelity human patient simulator. Preferred Qualifications Ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Excellent computer skills specifically in Microsoft Office 365 products. Demonstrated troubleshooting of technical difficulties with equipment. Demonstrated ability to develop simulations and maintain organization. Highly developed interpersonal skills with ability to work with diverse groups of people. Supervisory experience. Salary $116,489 - $141,593 Benefits and Compensation Information About Red Deer Polytechnic Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic ( RDP ) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities. Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another. Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community . Competition Number 2025-E-025 Employment Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 02/16/2025 Open Until Filled Yes Open Date 01/12/2026 Note to Applicant Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community. At RDP , we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply. Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact . Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Documents Needed To Apply Required Documents Cover Letter Resume References Names and Contact Information Optional Documents #J-18808-Ljbffr