Dean, Faculty of Trades and Technology 

As Canada’s only polytechnic university, we offer you the opportunity to make a positive impact on your community through a meaningful career working in a collaborative and inclusive culture. Join us and put your thoughts into action.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University

At Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) we combine academic excellence with practical, hands-on and experiential learning opportunities that prepare our graduates for successful and rewarding careers, while also providing them with the critical understanding necessary for good citizenship.
 
We ensure that our graduates are prepared for a lifetime of learning and re-learning so they can adapt to the fast pace of change in the workplace and in society at large.
 
Located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, KPU offers a diverse range of credentials – including certificates, citations, diplomas and bachelor’s degrees – designed to successfully meet the evolving needs of regional and global employment markets. We offer work-integrated and service learning, connections to business and industry, and a supportive learning environment.
 
Our post-baccalaureate and graduate diplomas further enhance opportunities for working professionals to augment their knowledge and skills.
 
With programs in Arts, Business, Science and Horticulture, Health, Design, Trades and Technology, English language studies, adult upgrading and qualifying studies, KPU has proudly served the South Fraser Region of the Lower Mainland since 1981.  
 
KPU has five campuses: three in Surrey, and one each in Richmond and Langley, with nearly 1,500 employees and over 20,000 students. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt and Kwikwetlem peoples.

Proudly sharing the name of the Kwantlen First Nation, the word 'Kwantlen' means Tireless Runner, and is reflected in the university's motto: "through tireless effort, knowledge, and understanding." The representation of a wolf and salmon in KPU's Coat of Arms, was created by former KPU Fine Arts student, Brandon Gabriel, nephew of the hereditary Chief of the Kwantlen People, Chief Marilyn Gabriel.

The Position:

KPU is inviting applications for the Dean, Faculty of Trades and Technology.  This position will be a 5-year term with the option to renew for a second term.
Students in the Faculty of Trades and Technology receive specialized training and foundational knowledge needed to put their skills to work in a successful career. KPU is the place where thought meets action, so all our trade programs and courses integrate theory with practical hands-on training.
Construction is booming in British Columbia and the demand for well-trained, business-savvy tradespeople is higher than ever. At our Tech campus in Cloverdale, students start their future in the skilled trades, advance their careers, or upgrade their skills with an apprenticeship program. Ranging from a few weeks to several months, our industry-based programs prepare students for positions such as electrician, welder, farrier, carpenter, automotive service, mason, metal fabricator, and mechatronics technologist.

For more information about the Faculty of Trades and Technology, please visit our website at: https://www.kpu.ca/trades  

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President, Academic, the Dean, Faculty of Trades and Technology is responsible for the strategic leadership and ongoing operation of the Faculty of Trades and Technology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). This includes long-term strategic planning, academic development, and the collaborative management of the Faculty’s financial, administrative, and human resources. The Dean plays a major role in encouraging relationships between KPU and the external community. The Dean also has a commitment to academic excellence, and to advance new programming opportunities, the quality and content of programs, courses, initiatives, and the student learning experience.  The Dean, Trades and Technology ensures that a culture exists within the administration and the faculty to provide students with a high-quality education and high-quality services so that the student experience at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is a positive one. 

Want to know more? 

Please see the Executive Profile and Job Description for more detailed information. 

Who are we looking for?

•    Demonstrated ability to provide transparent leadership and to support change management, analyze situations, and develop informed and effective solutions.
•    Knowledge of current and emerging trends in Trades and Technology, Trades and Technology education, and Trades and Technology related research.
•    A progressive thinker regarding research and scholarship, education and learning; understands and promotes new forms of learning.
•    Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the post-secondary organizational and policy environment and relevant experience in academic administration and academic labour relations.
•    Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program planning, project management, budget development and oversight as well as academic organization and administration.
•    Values and embraces the importance of the development of new and enhanced sources of funding for the Faculty and is committed to be personally engaged in fundraising activities.
•    Ability to advance the quality and content of programs, courses, initiatives, and the student learning experience.
•    A record of working across multiple disciplines in a highly collaborative manner; practices distributed leadership; values expertise from colleagues, empowering and offering ownership in achieving objectives.
•    A demonstrated appreciation for students and for the role of a student‐focused institution; a real affinity for students and for the elements that contribute to a rewarding campus life.
•    Successful track record in working with others, both individually and in a team setting to identify issues and develop consensus to achieve goals, and objectives, through teamwork and participatory decision making.
•    Demonstrated an ability to actively engage with stakeholders in the community, able to promote the value and relevance of the Faculty’s mission to external stakeholders. 
•    Demonstrated ability to build leadership capacity in the Faculty of Trades and Technology by hiring, mentoring, and supporting others.
•    Energetic leader that is value driven, demonstrates integrity, credibility, sound judgment, inclusivity, and fosters a trusting, supportive environment.
•    Excellent administrative and organizational skills applicable to operational and logistical tasks.
•    A record of working across multiple disciplines in a highly collaborative manner; practices distributed leadership; values expertise from colleagues, empowering and offering ownership in achieving objectives.
•    A demonstrated appreciation for students and for the role of a student‐focused institution; a real affinity for students and for the elements that contribute to a rewarding campus life.
•    Intercampus travel is required, possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is preferred.

What education & experience should you have?

•    A Masters’ degree in a related discipline is preferred. 
•    A trades qualification with Interprovincial/Red Seal is a strong asset.
•    Five or more years of relevant leadership experience as well as a minimum of five years of faculty experience preferably within a post-secondary environment.
•    Experience working in a large, complex organization and in a unionized academic environment.
•    A broad understanding of higher education issues within post-secondary education.
•    Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The Location:

The Dean’s office operates at KPU Tech campus located in Cloverdale, however intercampus travel is required. Due to the current pandemic, a hybrid of work from home and work from campus is required.

Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don’t check every box?

We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.

Note to Applicants:
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. 

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students,   and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.  

Position will remain open until filled, but candidates will be reviewed on April 11, 2022. All applications must be submitted via the online Career Centre - email applications will not be considered. 

For inquiries or recommendations related to this position, please contact:
Brittany Berger
Interim Human Resources Business Partner
Email: brittany.berger@kpu.ca