Program Head, Level 1 Project (Early Childhood Education)

150 assigned days

Please note that this position is expected to work full-time hours; however, under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), it is classified as a part-time position because the appointment is for less than one academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to building a diverse and representative workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We recognize that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples have been historically underrepresented in the labour market due to systemic barriers, and that advancing reconciliation includes addressing these inequities within our own institution. Strengthening Indigenous representation among employees is a priority in Sask Polytech’s Inclusive Excellence: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Reconciliation Strategy 2025–2030.

In alignment with Section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, and in partnership with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Faculty Association, we will prioritize candidates who meet the qualifications for this position. Applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify during the application process. Self-identification information is kept confidential and supports our reconciliation commitments and efforts to foster inclusive and culturally grounded learning and working environments. Choosing not to self-identify will not negatively impact an applicant’s consideration.

This assignment will be 50% Program head duties, and 50% student advisement.
This position is subject to funding

The program head reports to the academic chair, School of Education. It may be necessary for the program head to travel for program and administrative responsibilities including participation in inter-site committees. The primary role is to provide a link between the program faculty, staff, students and Continuing Education to the academic chair with the purpose to maintain effective communication and support. This will include coordinating between the program and external stakeholders such as industry, accrediting agencies, other educational institutions and business sectors or government as they relate to programming needs. The program head initiates curriculum development and renewal at the program level, is responsible for liaison with student affairs among a range of student services and provides academic advising and monitoring. This includes student recruitment and retention and managing confidential student issues. The program head will participate in staff recruitment/selection, orientation, and coaching and mentoring staff for their program areas. Of particular focus will be supporting teaching staff to model excellence using Saskatchewan Polytechnic Instructor Competencies. The program head in collaboration with the Academic Chair, will facilitate assessment of faculty.

This assignment will be 50% Program head duties, and 50% student advisement.

1. Academic Leadership and Administration

• Monitor delivery of quality programming responsive to the needs of students, business/industry and the public.
• Support academic activity for the program areas including annual and comprehensive program reviews, program renewal, curriculum development and delivery, instructional methods and academic standards, ensuring commonality of program standards and outcomes.
• Support clear and consistent student-centered program operations with a focus on excellence in service, safety and program delivery.
• Monitor the quality of academic offerings and implement sound academic policies and procedures including preparing reports for and participating in Program Advisory Committees.
• Coordinate program accreditation and involve relevant internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Assess transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment Reviews.
• Recommend appropriate opportunities for applied research projects or other learning and research opportunities.
• Facilitate and support quality assurance for extension and brokered programs.
• Represent the program on committees as assigned.
• Monitor quality in programs and alignment to Saskatchewan Polytechnic policies, procedures and standards.
• Create an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners, faculty and staff. This will include strategies and programs to support indigenous student success and achievement, international and newcomer to Canada programs, disability and learner success models and other like programs or supports.

2. Student Affairs

• Collaborate on student recruitment strategies and implement initiatives that promote academic programs and services to potential students.
• Develop and execute program specific student enrolment strategies to maximize student intakes and ensure consistent student experience.
• Foster a positive student experience through the student life cycle.
• Manage the daily operations of program activities related to student matters.
• Monitor student attrition and ensure implementation of student success and enrolment management measures.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify and refer students to appropriate supports as needed.
• Mediate and advise on issues between students and faculty as necessary.

3. Program Leadership

• Promote teamwork and effective communication while supporting staff and faculty to reflect and model the values of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
• Foster an organizational environment that encourages personal productivity, job satisfaction and the professional growth of faculty and employees in the program areas.
• Conduct faculty assessments.
• Ensure a culture of safety and security.
• Participate and support the employee life cycle (such as but not limited to recruitment, selection, orientation, reviews)
• Responsible for workload assignment and scheduling for program faculty and staff.
• Act as first point of contact for managing day to day operations.
• Identify and communicate people management issues to the academic chair as necessary.
• Cultivate an inclusive work and learning environment.

4. Relationship Management

Internal

• Represent the program/school on internal committees and teams as assigned by the academic chair.
• Build and maintain relationships across both academic and administrative divisions, and with our students.

External

• Develop and maintain relationships with external agencies, educational and government organizations, colleges and universities.
• Represent the program/school and Saskatchewan Polytechnic at relevant business, industry, community and sector functions as required.

5. Strategic Planning

• Contribute program perspective to strategic planning and implement program changes in alignment with strategic initiatives.
• Identify program priorities and initiatives and implement at the program level.
• Identify future trends/program development opportunities, which may include engagement with external or internal stakeholders.

Candidates will be considered in accordance with the minimum education requirements to support the programs supervised. For this position, a bachelor’s degree in Education, Child and Youth Studies, or Child Development, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered. Experience in educational management/operational leadership and instructional experience in a post-secondary institution is preferred.

Leads Transformation:

Anticipates emerging trends and creates opportunities that shape and transform the organization and polytechnic sector in Canada.

Inspires Courage & Innovation:

Models and enables creative thinking, curiosity, and calculated risk taking to create new solutions.

Cultivates Strong Relationships:

Builds strong and trusting relationships and brings a stakeholder and learner-centric mindset and focus to all elements of the organization.

Drives Operational Excellence:

Leverages business insight, financial acumen, and operational rigor to maximize productivity and build long-term, sustainable success.

Builds Leadership & Culture:

Brings authenticity, emotional intelligence, and accountability to develop leadership effectiveness in individuals, teams, and our culture.