Verified Job
Jobs
Dean of Students
Jobs
#690664
Full Time
Job Description
Why AUArts?
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.
The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.
Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and compels us to see the world differently.
The Opportunity
Competition #2526-FE-MP-17
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Dean of Students to provide leadership and strategic oversight of the university’s student affairs portfolio including programs, services, policies and procedures, and administrative operations across the student lifecycle. The portfolio includes student recruitment, admissions, registration, academic advising, counselling, financial aid, student services and wellness, and the Lodgepole Center.
The Dean is responsible for advancing a comprehensive student experience, including oversight of student conduct and complex student issues. In collaboration with senior management, the Dean will lead student engagement and retention goals, collaboration on Strategic Enrollment Management, and the development and implementation of a recruitment strategy.
As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Dean champions and integrates equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous Pathways commitments across student-facing operations, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management initiatives, and provides institutional leadership support across the institution as appropriate.
This is a full-time permanent management position starting as soon as possible. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership
Develop strategic vision and planning for the department ensuring effective and cost-efficient use of resources within the university’s governance structures and policies.
Provide direction regarding organizational goals and initiatives including equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility, as well as advancement of AUArts’ Indigenous Pathways and Strategic Plan.
Manage multiple teams with oversight of all student services, including setting goals, conducting performance appraisals, mentoring, and coaching leaders.
Lead the resolution of student issues, including investigations, complaints and/or complex case management.
Oversee student policy and procedure updates, advancements and related projects.
Student Experience Management
Create and manage a comprehensive student experience model to support and enhance the diverse academic, social, cultural, and wellness needs of current and prospective students across the full student lifecycle.
Provide institutional leadership by advising on challenges, opportunities, and systemic constraints within student services, recommending solutions that align with AUArts’ Strategic Plan, Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) objectives, Indigenous Pathways, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility commitments.
Analyze environmental, community, cultural and enrolment influences, and initiate change to ensure student engagement and retention.
Foster internal and external partnerships, including community organizations, Indigenous partners, post-secondary networks, mental health and wellness agencies, and academic departments, to expand supports, programming, and opportunities for student success.
Ensure student services, programming, and supports are accessible, culturally informed, compliant with legislation, and responsive to the evolving needs of domestic, international, and equity-seeking student communities.
Financial & Operational Management
Direct the departmental budget planning, target, monitoring, and reporting.
Oversee budgets, targets and operations of student recruitment, admissions, registration, academic advising, counselling, financial aid, student services and wellness, and the Lodgepole Center.
Ensure the effective registration, data collection, reporting and information management processes in the division.
Lead financial risk management within the assigned portfolio and contribute to the institutional risk assessment processes.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications have been determined to promote the likelihood of success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
Graduate degree in a relevant field
10 years experience with 5 years experience in a leadership role within a post-secondary institution
Demonstrated experience in the leadership of student affairs management
Demonstrated experience building effective teams and collaborative relationships
Demonstrated expertise in managing complex student conduct files
Demonstrated accomplishment in enhancing student experience, recruitment, and retention
Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures
Proficient in operational and financial management
Demonstrated experience in business planning, marketing, and financial administration is an asset
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives is an asset
Competencies:
AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization. Responsibilities of senior leaders include the following:
Healthy Spaces
Govern by example fostering respectful workplace principles.
Inspire organization proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness.
Active Inclusion
Govern by example advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout the organization.
Inspire organizational proficiency in Indigenous, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility programs, policies, and communications.
Creative Innovation
Govern by example advancing innovation and change mandates.
Inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success.
Collaborative Practice
Govern by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization.
Champion, lead, and promote strategic external partnerships.
Strategic Leadership
Govern by example developing vision and strategic plans.
Inspire, lead, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
What We Offer
Comprehensive benefits package including pension and health spending account
Annual vacation accrual starting at 24 days, * Flex days, Personal days, and other types of leave
Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31
Flexible / hybrid work arrangements
The starting annual salary will be dependent upon skills, education and experience.
How to Apply
Applications must include a Cover Letter and Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is preferred that your application package be submitted as a single PDF document.
Please visit our Application FAQ's page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Upload your single PDF to the “Resume” section of the application portal. If you are unable to combine your documents into one file, you may upload them separately under the “Additional Documents” section.
If you are an active AUArts employee, please submit your application through your Dayforce account. From the menu, select Careers > Search Jobs to view open positions.
The review of applications will begin March 20 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.
We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.
We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [email protected]. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially.
Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The personal information collected through this website will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment, as well as immigration requirements and reporting. This collection is authorized by section 4 (c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected by section 10. For questions about the collection of personal information, contact [email protected], or the University Secretary at [email protected] or 403.284.7647.
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.
The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.
Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and compels us to see the world differently.
The Opportunity
Competition #2526-FE-MP-17
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Dean of Students to provide leadership and strategic oversight of the university’s student affairs portfolio including programs, services, policies and procedures, and administrative operations across the student lifecycle. The portfolio includes student recruitment, admissions, registration, academic advising, counselling, financial aid, student services and wellness, and the Lodgepole Center.
The Dean is responsible for advancing a comprehensive student experience, including oversight of student conduct and complex student issues. In collaboration with senior management, the Dean will lead student engagement and retention goals, collaboration on Strategic Enrollment Management, and the development and implementation of a recruitment strategy.
As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Dean champions and integrates equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous Pathways commitments across student-facing operations, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management initiatives, and provides institutional leadership support across the institution as appropriate.
This is a full-time permanent management position starting as soon as possible. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership
Develop strategic vision and planning for the department ensuring effective and cost-efficient use of resources within the university’s governance structures and policies.
Provide direction regarding organizational goals and initiatives including equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility, as well as advancement of AUArts’ Indigenous Pathways and Strategic Plan.
Manage multiple teams with oversight of all student services, including setting goals, conducting performance appraisals, mentoring, and coaching leaders.
Lead the resolution of student issues, including investigations, complaints and/or complex case management.
Oversee student policy and procedure updates, advancements and related projects.
Student Experience Management
Create and manage a comprehensive student experience model to support and enhance the diverse academic, social, cultural, and wellness needs of current and prospective students across the full student lifecycle.
Provide institutional leadership by advising on challenges, opportunities, and systemic constraints within student services, recommending solutions that align with AUArts’ Strategic Plan, Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) objectives, Indigenous Pathways, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility commitments.
Analyze environmental, community, cultural and enrolment influences, and initiate change to ensure student engagement and retention.
Foster internal and external partnerships, including community organizations, Indigenous partners, post-secondary networks, mental health and wellness agencies, and academic departments, to expand supports, programming, and opportunities for student success.
Ensure student services, programming, and supports are accessible, culturally informed, compliant with legislation, and responsive to the evolving needs of domestic, international, and equity-seeking student communities.
Financial & Operational Management
Direct the departmental budget planning, target, monitoring, and reporting.
Oversee budgets, targets and operations of student recruitment, admissions, registration, academic advising, counselling, financial aid, student services and wellness, and the Lodgepole Center.
Ensure the effective registration, data collection, reporting and information management processes in the division.
Lead financial risk management within the assigned portfolio and contribute to the institutional risk assessment processes.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications have been determined to promote the likelihood of success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
Graduate degree in a relevant field
10 years experience with 5 years experience in a leadership role within a post-secondary institution
Demonstrated experience in the leadership of student affairs management
Demonstrated experience building effective teams and collaborative relationships
Demonstrated expertise in managing complex student conduct files
Demonstrated accomplishment in enhancing student experience, recruitment, and retention
Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures
Proficient in operational and financial management
Demonstrated experience in business planning, marketing, and financial administration is an asset
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives is an asset
Competencies:
AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization. Responsibilities of senior leaders include the following:
Healthy Spaces
Govern by example fostering respectful workplace principles.
Inspire organization proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness.
Active Inclusion
Govern by example advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout the organization.
Inspire organizational proficiency in Indigenous, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility programs, policies, and communications.
Creative Innovation
Govern by example advancing innovation and change mandates.
Inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success.
Collaborative Practice
Govern by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization.
Champion, lead, and promote strategic external partnerships.
Strategic Leadership
Govern by example developing vision and strategic plans.
Inspire, lead, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
What We Offer
Comprehensive benefits package including pension and health spending account
Annual vacation accrual starting at 24 days, * Flex days, Personal days, and other types of leave
Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31
Flexible / hybrid work arrangements
The starting annual salary will be dependent upon skills, education and experience.
How to Apply
Applications must include a Cover Letter and Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is preferred that your application package be submitted as a single PDF document.
Please visit our Application FAQ's page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Upload your single PDF to the “Resume” section of the application portal. If you are unable to combine your documents into one file, you may upload them separately under the “Additional Documents” section.
If you are an active AUArts employee, please submit your application through your Dayforce account. From the menu, select Careers > Search Jobs to view open positions.
The review of applications will begin March 20 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.
We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.
We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [email protected]. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially.
Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The personal information collected through this website will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment, as well as immigration requirements and reporting. This collection is authorized by section 4 (c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected by section 10. For questions about the collection of personal information, contact [email protected], or the University Secretary at [email protected] or 403.284.7647.
