Dean, Indigenous Initiatives

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Student Experience, the Dean, Indigenous Initiatives is responsible for the strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for prioritizing infusion of Indigenous epistemologies and ways of knowing across curriculum and service areas. The position sets the vision and direction for Indigenous education and provides leadership to Red Deer Polytechnic’s institutional response and commitment to decolonization, truth and reconciliation, anti-oppressive education, and the development and organization of services and initiatives that support excellence in post-secondary Indigenous education and the success of Indigenous students at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). The Dean is instrumental in facilitating institutional collaboration, communication and coordination in the development and implementation of programs, services and initiatives related to Indigenous engagement and indigenizing Red Deer Polytechnic. This position provides leadership as a conduit to Indigenous communities and stakeholders, including institutional stakeholders in building and maintaining relationships with these communities and stakeholders and ensures that institutional initiatives and engagement are implemented in a way that supports the strategic direction of the Polytechnic as it transitions to a Polytechnic.
The Dean is accountable for leading and developing the RDP Indigenization strategy, inclusive of identifying advancement indicators through a lens for continuous improvement. The Dean also has responsibility for the Indigenous Services department, Indigenous initiatives, and to coordinate RDP’s commitments to decolonization, Truth and Reconciliation and the Indigenous Protocol of Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICAN). The Dean sets priorities and is accountable by reporting on the achievement of these priorities.
The Dean will be responsible for providing a seamless blend of programs, services, and supports that will provide prospective, new, and continuing Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, with a comprehensive experience. Working closely with faculty and staff of the Polytechnic and Indigenous communities, this position will ensure that communication is open and effective, so student’s needs are best served. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of the institutional Indigenous plans, strategies, goals, actions, measures, and ongoing annual continuous improvement.
The Dean works in partnership with RDP Schools and service departments and is responsible for developing relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, community service and support agencies, school divisions, current and prospective Indigenous students and other Indigenous educational stakeholders in support of the recruitment, support, and success of Indigenous students at RDP.