Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 1681
CLOSING DATE: APRIL 29, 2026 @ 11:59PM MDT

FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

The Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences provides strategic academic leadership and operational oversight for a faculty organized into two Schools encompassing programs such as: social work, justice, disability studies, child and youth care, early learning and childcare, arts & sciences, university transfer, energy and environment, technology, business administration, accounting technician, administrative professions and engineering university transfer. 

In alignment with and providing guidance to the operational leadership of the Associate Deans in a school-based academic model, the Dean ensures high-quality, relevant, and accessible academic programming that supports student success, responds to community and industry needs, and advances NorQuest College’s strategic and academic priorities.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 

• Provides strategic leadership for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences through a school-based academic model and sets faculty direction aligned with the College Strategic Plan and Academic Plan.
• Leads and supports Associate Deans in advancing school priorities, performance, and coordination across the Faculty, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and shared priorities.
• Contributes to college-wide academic planning, governance, and risk mitigation.
• Oversees the development, review, and continuous improvement of academic programs across Schools, ensuring program quality, relevance, accreditation compliance, and alignment with labour market and community needs.
• Champions innovative teaching, learning, and applied research practices, including technology-enabled delivery, and ensures the College’s Skills of Distinction are embedded within curricula.
• Uses data and key performance indicators to monitor and support student success and learner access.
• Directs faculty financial planning and ensures effective allocation and stewardship of financial and human resources across Schools, monitoring performance against approved targets.
• Builds and sustains strategic partnerships with industry, community organizations, governments, and post-secondary institutions to support student pathways, placements, applied research, and community impact.
• Leads, coaches, and develops Associate Deans and faculty leadership teams, fostering a learner-first, inclusive, and values-driven culture and overseeing talent management and change initiatives.
• Advances anti-racist, decolonial, and Indigenized practices within academic programs and faculty operations and ensures responsiveness to the needs of Indigenous learners, immigrant and international students, and other equity-deserving groups.

WHAT YOU BRING:  

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or a combination of advanced education and equivalent experience; Doctoral degree preferred
• Extensive senior leadership experience in a post-secondary environment, including academic administration, program development, budget management, and people leadership
• Strategic and systems thinking with the ability to align academic, financial, and operational priorities across a complex environment
• Academic and financial acumen
• Inclusive and decolonial leadership experience
• Change management and innovation
• Relationship and partnership development experience
• Strong communication, facilitation, and decision-making skills
• Understanding of adult learning theory and competency-based education
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and data-informed decision tools

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER? 
As a difference maker you bring:  

• A systems‑minded, future‑focused perspective that aligns with NorQuest 2030 — seeing connections across people, programs, and communities, and making decisions that strengthen learner pathways and long‑term impact.
•  Strong academic and financial judgment, using data, evidence, and thoughtful analysis to guide choices that support learner success, operational sustainability, and the College’s strategic direction.
• Inclusive, decolonial leadership grounded in belonging, demonstrating humility, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to advancing equity for Indigenous learners, newcomers, and all equity‑deserving groups.
• A change‑ready, innovative approach, embracing experimentation, continuous improvement, and new ways of learning and working that reflect NorQuest’s bold, entrepreneurial spirit.
• Relationship‑building strengths that strengthen community, fostering trust, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships with colleagues, industry, community organizations, and learners — all in service of creating accessible, workforce‑relevant education.

SALARY: $138,988 -$190,798 annually reflective upon your education and experience.  This is a fulltime permanent position with immediate access to our great pension and benefit programs. 

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

• International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
• World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.