Vice President, Academic & Student Experience

Job Description

Vice President, Academic & Student Experience

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Vice President Academic and Student Experience (VPASE) is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. This pivotal role honors and implements Keyano College’s vision, mission, values and mandate as well as College policies and procedures to promote student success.

The VPASE focuses on academic excellence, student engagement and program sustainability through teaching and learning, applied and pure research, and the provision of academic support services that enhance program completion rates and promote student success.

The VPASE serves as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO and the Executive Team and provides leadership to Academic Council, Deans’ Council, and other internal and external stakeholders in support of Keyano College’s Strategic Plan.

The VPASE ensures appropriate communication, collaboration and coordination with business and community agencies to promote student success at Keyano College, including strategic enrolment management.

The VPASE is accountable for the academic integrity of all academic programs and student support services. This position provides oversight to the various departments within the academic and student experience portfolio, in addition to other duties as assigned by the President or Board of Governors.

The VPASE ensures quality and integrity for the awarding of all certificates, diplomas, degrees and other related program offerings.

Note: this is not a remote or hybrid work opportunity, you will be required to work on campus and relocate to Fort McMurray, AB.

About Us

Keyano College is a comprehensive community institution in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Stretching from north-central Alberta to the borders of Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo is one of the largest municipalities in Canada.

Keyano College supports the region with two campuses in Fort McMurray (Clearwater Main Campus and Suncor Energy Industrial Centre (SEIC)). The College meets both the training and skills acquisition needs of industry, and the personal enrichment and cultural needs of the Wood Buffalo community. Keyano provides opportunities for lifelong, relevant and practical learning, and is committed to increasing access to post-secondary programs.

The College offers programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, certificates of qualification (trades), and baccalaureate degrees. The College also supports the development of professional knowledge and skills in several sectors, including energy, construction, business, health and safety, arts, sciences, education, human services, and transportation. A wide range of corporate training options are available to client companies as well as Indigenous Education and Regional Stewardship programming focused on improving access to learning opportunities.

Values Keyano College lives and breathes our 3 core values – Accountability, Respect and Empathy

Vision Educating to change lives

Mission In partnership with industry and community, develop a relevant workforce and leaders of tomorrow, in a safe learning environment that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI).

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is a place like no other. Everyone who calls it home will tell you that. You need to be here to appreciate it all. And that’s exactly what this is about. To welcome you to our unique part of the world. Where a small-town feel is combined with large scale career opportunities set against a backdrop of natural wonder. It’s all here.

Other attractions of the region include economic opportunity, family friendliness, a culture of innovation, Indigenous strength, and natural wonders such as the Northern Lights and Canada’s largest national park.

To learn more about Keyano College and the region, please visit: Keyano College and We Are Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

Duties & Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Student Success

• Ensure the academic integrity, quality, and relevance of all programs, credentials, and learning pathways.


• Lead teaching and learning excellence, applied research, and academic innovation.


• Oversee student support services to improve retention, completion rates, and overall student experience.


• Contribute to the development, implementation, and reporting of the College’s Strategic Plan.

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Translate institutional priorities into divisional plans, goals, and measurable outcomes.


• Provide executive leadership to academic governance bodies and internal committees.

People Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

• Lead, develop and support Deans, Directors, the Registrar, faculty, and staff across a unionized environment.


• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.


• Manage performance, succession planning, and leadership development across the division.


• Address conflict and employee relations matters in collaboration with People & Culture.

Financial & Risk Management

• Provide stewardship for an operating budget exceeding $10 million.


• Ensure transparent, accountable financial decision-making aligned with institutional priorities.


• Identify, assess, and mitigate academic, operational, and reputational risks.


• Ensure compliance with collective agreements, legislation, and College policies.

External Relations & Service Delivery

• Collaborate with government, post-secondary partners, employers, Indigenous communities, and external stakeholders.


• Ensure programs align with labour market demand and regional economic needs.


• Champion service excellence and continuous improvement across academic and student services.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or equivalent degree required.


• Minimum 7 years of senior level academic and/or student services leadership experience in a post-secondary institution.


• Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets, leading change, and supervising senior leaders.


• Strong understanding of academic governance, policy development, and collective agreements.


• Experience in northern, rural, or Indigenous community contexts is a strong asset.


• Experience in non-profit, public sector, or industry-aligned training environments is considered an asset.

Core Competencies

• Seasoned Academic leader and executive member


• Results and Values driven


• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder-management skills


• Strategic thinking with operational discipline and proven sound judgement


• Innovative problem solver able to work under pressure and with tight timelines


• Financial acumen and accountability


• Personal credibility, integrity, and professionalism – lead by example

Compensation and Benefits

• We offer an attractive competitive compensation based on your experience.


• Employer paid comprehensive health and dental benefits, including a health spending account.


• Defined Benefit pension plan (LAPP) – one of the best in Canada.


• This position qualifies for additional payment of the Fort McMurray Northern Living Allowance of $1,040.00 per month (This allowance is reviewed annually and is subject to budget approval).


• Professional training and development funding is provided for all employees annually.


• Generous vacation entitlement and the bonus of paid holidays between Christmas and New Years.


• Paid sick days for any time you may not feel your best and need some rest.

We also offer various perks and discounts to our employees:

• Employee Service and Academic Achievement recognition


• Greatly discounted employee membership to the Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre


• Tuition waiver for all employees and dependents to take courses at Keyano College


• Employee Discounts for the Keyano Theatre and the Keynotes Bookstore.


• Various other perks and discounts for insurance, hotels, car rentals, stores etc.

Additional Information

How to Apply: This executive search is being conducted by Aeolus Staffing Solutions on behalf of Keyano College.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSTING PLATFORM. INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO:

Sahil Yadav
Manager
Aeolus Group: Aeolus Staffing Solutions
Email: sahil_yadav@aeolusgroup.ca
Web site : www.aeolusgroup.ca