Department Chair - Dept. Accessible Learning Services

Position Summary In collaboration with the Director, Student Affairs and Department non‑instructional faculty and staff, the Chair serves a key role in providing day‑to‑day educational leadership and operational oversight of the Department, as listed in the Major Duties and Responsibilities section below. While the role is administrative in nature, the position of Department Chair is a faculty role in which the incumbent provides collegial leadership to a work group, with managerial decision‑making remaining with the Director.

The Chair fosters a collegial environment that promotes high‑quality standards of teaching, scholarship, service, student support and success. The Chair ensures the effective and efficient operation of the Department and provides leadership in educational planning, review and outreach activities to support the development and achievement of College and Department goals and objectives.

Position Competencies While the position of Chair is filled through an election process within a Department/School in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement, candidates should consider that the following competencies are necessary for the successful performance of the duties and responsibilities:

Collaborative skills and the ability to build a team environment and support change management

Ability to foster a collegial, positive, student‑centred working environment that supports learning for students, faculty and staff

Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities including the ability to provide educational leadership to a diverse department/school as well as collaborate across departments/schools

Experience and interest in program design, development, delivery and evaluation within a post‑secondary environment

Knowledge of and/or interest in financial management practices, including budgeting and expenditure control

Knowledge of and/or interest in human resource management practices

Duties & Responsibilities

Department Chairs in instructional areas perform regular teaching functions, and would normally have release time for administrative duties within the range of 20% to 60%. The amount of release time necessary will be determined by the Dean in consultation with the Department.

Department Chairs shall act independently in routine administrative matters pertaining to their program area.

Department Chairs assist in the identification and development of external contracts.

Department Chairs may, from time to time, supervise CUPE members.

Department Chairs may be required to facilitate across disciplines.

Department chairs are involved in establishing policies for the program areas.

Department Chairs provide work leadership to fulfill the day to day functions of the programs.

Department Chairs shall be elected by their peers.

The role of Department Chairs in the evaluation process will be negotiated by the parties under the Collective Agreement.

Department Chairs are responsible for ensuring departmental participation in the selection process.

Department Chairs do not have a role in the formal grievance procedure.

Department Chairs will recommend to the Dean/Director on matters relating to vacations and short term leaves of absence within their department.

Department Chairs have the authority and responsibility for monitoring approved expense plans for their department.

Department Chairs shall advise students and the public with regards to the nature and scope of their program area.

Department Chairs shall participate in the recruitment of students.

Department Chairs shall provide input into program or service evaluation.

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