Assistant to the Dean

Athabasca University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is currently recruiting for the position of Assistant to the Dean.

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is the largest Faculty in Athabasca University and offers a wide range of online courses and programs in the areas of education, humanities, interdisciplinary studies, and social sciences.

In the words of the Dean of the Faculty, "Our undergraduate and graduate courses and programs have been designed to equip our learners with critical discernment, information literacy, theoretical knowledge, and other relevant skills in our rapidly evolving globalized societies to develop an understanding of current and historical issues.

Committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion and Indigeneity, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is home to highly accomplished faculty and tutors with robust and innovative research and teaching portfolios, as well as many dedicated staff.

The faculty takes pride in being student-centred and committed to making our learners' journeys rich, meaningful, and memorable. Please make sure to browse through the faculty's website to learn more about our courses, programs, and people."

The Position:

Reporting to the Faculty Manager, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS), the Assistant to the Dean is responsible for the management and coordination of the flow of information and activities within the Dean's office. This includes administrative support to the Dean, Associate Deans, and Faculty Manager on a range of strategic and operational matters, contributing to the coordination and implementation of the FHSS operations.

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate initiative and be capable of working independently and with minimal supervision. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality, diplomacy and discretion. The incumbent must have exceptional critical thinking and written and communication skills. 

Exceptional organizational, analytical, investigatory, negotiating, and problem-solving skills are required, as is technical aptitude to use computer programs and databases.

The Assistant to the Dean maintains professionalism, including sensitivity to confidential information and documentation.

Qualifications

• A post-secondary degree with a minimum of three years' senior administrative experience with two years' supervisory experience in a distance education environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong familiarity with the Centres, Programs and administrative processes in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• The ability to work closely with the Dean and the Faculty Manager on a variety of issues and in a range of situations.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills as well as excellent organizational, time-management and administrative skills.
• Must be able to deal effectively with change management issues that arise as a result of organizational change.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant administrative policies and procedures.
• Must have excellent computer skills and proficiency in the use of University's computer systems, software and internet applications, including for example, Cognos, AUCTS, Banner Student, Banner HR, Banner Finance, Microsoft   Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Office 365 is a definite asset.
• The willingness and ability to learn to use additional software packages as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the role is essential.
• The ability to deal effectively with a varied, demanding schedule, multi-task and maintain accuracy while meeting deadlines and cope in an interruption driven environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, set priorities in relation to own work and delegate/ allocate tasks as required.
• Ability to be analytical, detail-oriented, flexible and decisive, and to analyze and resolve specific problems in a timely fashion is important.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• The ability to work independently, prioritizing and re-prioritizing simultaneous projects.
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality is a must.

A detailed job description can be viewed at: Assistant to the Dean

For more information regarding this position, please contact Krista Morland, Faculty Manager, at [email protected]

 

Athabasca First

Wherever possible, AU seeks to attract and hire qualified team members to reside in the Athabasca region. We will offer relocation assistance for the right candidate should you decide to relocate to the Town of Athabasca. As a resident of the town or county of Athabasca, you can choose to work on and from our beautiful campus in Athabasca.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, go to: Visit Athabasca.

What AU Offers: 

Benefits and Pension eligibility differs based on employee group and may include:

• Defined Benefits Pension Plan
• Alberta Health Care
• Extended Health Care
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Vacation
• Office Closure between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Discretionary Benefit Fund
• AU Course Allowance
• A Variety of Leaves (e.g., Maternity/Parental/Adoption, Compassionate Care, etc.)
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Educational credentials will be verified before an offer of employment is extended. An offer of employment is conditional upon verification of educational credentials. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. 

Athabasca University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of visible minorities. 

Where applicants have equal skills, abilities, and experience, candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the County of Athabasca will be given preference.

Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University. You are legally not permitted to work for Athabasca University if you are living outside of Canada.