Superintendent of Schools (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Education Officer)

Organization: Board of Trustees, Westwind School Division

Location: Cardston, Alberta, Canada

Appointment Term: Executive Contract (Up to a 5-year term)Anticipated

Start Date: September 1, 2027

Application Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2027 @ 12:00 p.m. ABT

APPLY AT: https://www.westwind.ab.ca/careers/employment-opportunities/competition/21324

The Board of Trustees for Westwind School Division invites visionary, collaborative, and inspiring educational leaders to apply for the position of Superintendent of Schools. As the Board's Chief Executive Officer and the Division's Chief Education Officer, this role offers a profound opportunity to shape Alberta's future in public education. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent is ultimately accountable for the division's educational, financial, and operational leadership. You will serve as the crucial link between provincial legislative mandates, including the Alberta Education Act, and our students’ daily success, wellness, and achievement. We are seeking an ethical leader who fosters inclusive learning environments, builds high-trust relationships, and is deeply committed to elevating student outcomes across our communities.

About Westwind School Division:

Our division stretches across 66 kilometres from north to south, starting from the Canada/US border, and spans 109 kilometres from east to west. Framed by Waterton Lakes National Park and the Waterton River to the west, we are proud to be the educational home of 4,600 students. Our division encompasses 13 community schools located in the towns of Cardston, Magrath, and Raymond, and the villages and hamlets of Stirling, Glenwood, Hill Spring, Mountain View, Del Bonita, Spring Coulee, and Welling. We also proudly serve 19 vibrant Hutterite colony schools.

The Mandate & Key Responsibilities:

While comprehensive statutory duties are outlined in the Education Act and Westwind Board Policy 12, the Superintendent’s core mandate focuses on five key pillars:

• Board Governance & Strategic Vision: Act as the primary advisor to the Board of Trustees, supporting their fiduciary, strategic, and generative responsibilities. You will lead the collaborative development and execution of the annual Education Plan, the Annual Education Results Report (AERR), and the Three-Year Capital Plan to advance our strategic priorities.
• Instructional Excellence: Champion a division-wide culture of continuous improvement. By providing overarching instructional leadership and rigorous mentorship to school principals, you will ensure programming meets provincial standards and empowers every student to succeed.
• Inclusive & Indigenous Education: Cultivate responsible, caring, respectful, and safe learning environments that support the holistic needs of all learners. You will actively champion First Nations, Métis, and Inuit student achievement, building meaningful relationships with Elders and local leaders to foster intercultural understanding and eliminate achievement gaps.
• Operational & Fiscal Stewardship: Direct the division's annual operating budget, ensure strict statutory compliance regarding facility planning and grant funding, and exercise comprehensive authority over personnel management, recruitment, and staff capacity-building.
• Community Engagement & Ethical Leadership: Serve as the division's official spokesperson and model the highest standards of professional integrity. You will actively promote positive, transparent relationships with parents, school councils, municipal authorities, and local stakeholders.

Core Qualifications & Statutory Prerequisites:

To meet provincial legislation and regulatory standards, the successful candidate must possess, or be willing to obtain:

• Certification: A valid Alberta Teaching Certificate and a valid Alberta Superintendent Leadership Certificate.
• Professional Standing: Active, regulated membership in good standing with the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), including ongoing compliance with continuing education requirements.
• Education: A Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Executive Experience: An extensive, proven track record in educational administrative leadership role(s) (e.g., Deputy, Assistant, Associate Superintendent, or school principal) demonstrating success in strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, and executive leadership.
• Clearances: Satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector checks completed within statutory timelines.

Compensation & Employment Conditions:

Westwind School Division offers a highly competitive executive compensation package governed by the provincial Superintendent of Schools Regulation framework.

• Contract: A fixed-term executive contract of up to five (5) years, renewable in accordance with Section 223 of the Education Act.
• Salary: Structured within the Schedule 1 framework of the Alberta Superintendent of Schools Regulation, with exact placement negotiated based on qualifications and executive experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: An extensive package including employer-paid health and insurance coverage, Alberta Teachers' Pension Plan (or approved equivalent) contributions, a vehicle allowance/provision, relocation expense reimbursement, and up to 30 days of annual vacation leave.

Application Process & Submission Guidelines

Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application package. Please ensure your submission follows the application guidelines below:

Submit the application packet by email in a single PDF format, using the subject line Confidential Application: Superintendent of Schools – [Your Last Name], including the following:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and how you align with the Board's strategic vision.

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your executive administrative experience, academic background, and relevant achievements.

• A statement of your educational leadership philosophy (maximum two pages).

• Copies of relevant academic transcripts and proof of active Alberta Superintendent Leadership Certification (or evidence of eligibility to obtain it).

• A list of three (3) to five (5) professional references, including current contact information and a brief description of your working relationship. (Note: References will not be contacted without the candidate's prior consent.)

• Address the cover letter to the Board of Trustees at the following address, and email the application packet to [email protected]:

Board of Trustees

Westwind School Division

Box 10, 445 Main Street

Cardston, Alberta T0K 0K0

• Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until Monday, January 4, 2027 @ 12:00 p.m. ABT. The Board reserves the right to evaluate applications as they are received.

• For comprehensive information about Westwind School Division's communities, please visit the About Us section of our website: https://www.westwind.ab.ca/about-us.

• Confidential Inquiries: For a confidential discussion regarding this executive mandate or the application process, please email [email protected] using the subject line Confidential Inquiry: Superintendent Application. Please include your contact information and a brief note. A designated senior Board representative will contact you directly. All inquiries are treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Westwind School Division appreciates all expressions of interest; however, we will contact only shortlisted candidates for further assessment and interviews.