Deputy Superintendent of Education

Job Responsibility:

Peace River School Division

Learning Together - Success for All

______________________________________________________________________

Deputy Superintendent of Education Location: Grimshaw, Alberta

The Peace River School Division (PRSD) is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our executive team as Deputy Superintendent of Education. This is one of two executive-level positions within the division that reports directly to the Superintendent of Education. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education across the division by championing instructional excellence, fostering collaborative leadership, and driving system-wide innovation. Duties will commence on August 1, 2025 or at another mutually agreed upon time. The initial deadline for applications is April 11, 2025, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired.

About the PRSD :

The PRSD is located in the North Peace region of northwestern Alberta with the Central Operations office located in Grimshaw, Alberta. The division operates 21 schools across a vast geographical region from Red Earth Creek in the East to Bear Canyon in the West near the B.C. border, and from Nampa in the South to Manning in the North. The diverse educational needs of approximately 3000 students are met through the operation of 15 mainstream schools, 3 colony schools, 2 outreach schools and the Peace Home Learning Connection. The division also offers a Virtual Education Program for Grades 10-12 students as part of its Alternative Education Program. With an annual operating budget of approximately $55 million, the division employs about 560 total staff that includes 205 teachers and 150 educational assistants who provide daily classroom support. The division is currently into the first year of a five-year education plan that is committed to the provision of high-quality educational services focused on literacy and numeracy development in an inclusionary culture that is responsive to the diverse needs of all our students.

The Opportunity :

As Deputy Superintendent of Education, you will work closely with the Secretary-Treasurer to provide seamless executive-level leadership support to the Superintendent/CEO to help ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency throughout the organization. In this role, you will also lead the Learning Services Department and drive excellence in student programming and achievement, and lead efforts to ensure education assurance planning, curriculum implementation, and instructional leadership aligned with the division's priorities as outlined in its new five-year education plan. In addition to providing broad-based oversight for the Learning Services Department, you will also have some key responsibilities within the Human Resources Department. These responsibilities will be established to complement your strengths as the ideal candidate, hence maximizing your executive leadership impact across the division.

Key Responsibilities :

In addition to working collaboratively with the Secretary-Treasurer to support the Superintendent's operational and governance work through timely analyses of data and completion of various reports and other executive leadership tasks, the Deputy Superintendent will have the following key responsibilities in working with the Directors of Learning Services and Human Resources:

• provide executive-level oversight in operationalizing the division's five-year education plan, and ensuring priorities are effectively implemented across all schools;
• provide direction, oversight and support for all aspects of teaching and learning, including effective implementation of instructional and assessment practices throughout the division to enhance student learning outcomes;
• support and empower school administrators to provide strong instructional leadership in their schools;
• ensure effective implementation of evidence-based inclusive practices, including a Collaborative Response (CR) approach to responsive teaching;
• support the establishment of welcoming, caring, and safe learning environments that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging;
• support initiatives that enhance student learning and promote the health and wellbeing of students and staff;
• establish and maintain a positive culture among the Learning Services Team and across Departments within the division;
• facilitate effective resolution to parent/student concerns and Human Resources conflicts;
• develop and manage the Learning Services budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation;
• assist with various Human Resources functions such as hiring, staff supervision, and evaluation;
• coach, mentor, and build staff capacity to strengthen instructional and leadership excellence across the division; and
• develop and/or revise the division's Administrative Procedures as required,

Qualifications and Experience :

The successful candidate will:

• hold a Bachelor of Education degree and Master's degree in education or a related field from an accredited university;
• hold or qualify for an Alberta Teaching Certification;
• hold or qualify for the Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) and the Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard (SLQS) Certifications;
• have a minimum of 10 years of successful and progressively responsible experience in school and/or system leadership positions;
• have successful supervisory and leadership experience in a team-focused environment; and
• demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, education assurance, curriculum and instruction processes, and human resources processes.

Ideal Candidate Attributes/Skills :

• Proficiencies in:
• building and sustaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including trustees, school leaders, staff, families, and community partners;
• communicating with clarity, diplomacy, and influence in both written and oral formats;
• leading instructional excellence and fostering a culture of continuous learning and high student achievement;
• managing complex change initiatives, navigating resistance, and driving systemic improvements;
• making sound, data-informed decisions that balance operational needs with student-centered priorities;
• resolving conflicts and managing crises effectively while maintaining trust and stability;
• promoting collaboration and distributed leadership within schools and across the division; and
• ensuring equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness in all decision-making and leadership practices.
• Highly skilled in:
• visioning, strategic planning, and aligning division-wide priorities with educational excellence;
• using technology to enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and instructional innovation;
• analyzing and interpreting multiple data sets to inform policy, improve student outcomes, and assess organizational effectiveness;
• supporting school leaders in instructional leadership, professional growth, and system alignment;
• coaching, mentoring, and developing staff capacity to maximize individual and collective performance;
• managing human, financial, and physical resources with integrity, accountability, and long-term sustainability;
• designing and delivering professional learning experiences that drive instructional improvement and leadership growth;
• navigating political and governance structures, ensuring strong relationships with the Board, government agencies, and external partners; and
• leading initiatives to improve student achievement, well-being, and access to high-quality education for all learners, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.

Application Process :

This is a full-time position with a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes Alberta School Employee Benefits Plan (ASEBP) coverage and membership in the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF) pension. Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, copies of relevant qualifications and certifications, and the names and telephone numbers of three recent professional referees, to:

Dr. Jeff Thompson, Superintendent of Schools Peace River School Division

P.O. Box 380, 4702-51 Street

Grimshaw, AB T0H 1W0

Phone: View phone number on ca.edajobs.com

Email: View email address on ca.edajobs.com

Application Deadline: All applications received prior to April 12, 2025 will receive full consideration. The position will remain open and advertised until a suitable candidate is hired, so applications received after the April 11, 2025 deadline may be considered. While we appreciate the expression of interest from all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The successful applicant will be required to provide an up-to-date Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector Check at the point of hire that meets the Division's guidelines for employment. By submitting an application, applicants consent to the Superintendent or designate contacting previous employers to conduct confidential reference checks, whether or not those employers are listed as referees.