— Associate Dean of Faculty

Position Title Associate Dean, Experiential Learning

Position Summary Reporting to the Dean of the School of Health & Wellness, the Associate Dean, Experiential Learning leads the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of experiential learning initiatives across the School of Health and Wellness. This role is responsible for managing simulation, immersive technologies (including VR and AR), standardized patient programs, and clinical education support. The Associate Dean ensures alignment with academic goals, industry standards, and emerging technologies to foster innovative, student-centered learning environments.

In partnership with the provincial stakeholders and subject matter experts, leads the establishment of a sustainable process for provincial student practice education policy development cycle including research, development, review, approval, implementation and ongoing maintenance.
Leads policy and practice change initiatives through planning, implementation, evaluation and ongoing monitoring; Provides coordination within a strategic context for collaborative planning tables for student practice placements; functions as a strategic resource for stakeholders to ensure that optimal structure, design and implementation of the change(s) is/are in place to achieve desired outcomes, results and benefits.
Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, by supporting the creation and utilization of simulation and immersive learning scenarios, front line support for technology and resources and responding to requests for use, to achieve the labs and resources and RDP goals.
Lead and facilitate Communities of Practice and participate in symposiums and expos as a representative of RDP.
Coordinate facility improvements and new equipment deployment, by maintaining an equipment log for use and repairs/maintenance, providing education on equipment use and oversight of new purchased/capital equipment plans to ensure effective operations
Provide orientation of faculty and students to principles of simulation, immersive learning, debriefing techniques, and provide faculty with related literature and policies, to maintain best practices
Leads and expands the utilization of experiential learning in rural sites.
Leads the design, development, implementation and evaluation of experiential initiatives within didactic and clinical phases of program curriculum, to maintain best practices
Develop data collection and record keeping procedures to evaluate training method effectiveness and to ensure student/client satisfaction
Ensures all standards and polices are met by being aware of changes in healthcare, educational technology or new techniques by attendance at in-service programs, vendors, tradeshows and conferences. In addition, acts as a resource to faculty and lab staff with skills and techniques to maintain accreditation standards
Continuously updates and refines experiential learning experiences based on identified needs Serves as a resource for faculty utilizing experiential learning
Support the annual departmental budget development, overall resource allocation and management to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability in collaboration with the Dean.
Develops, monitors and manages budget related to project and initiatives and ensures adherence to timelines and budgets. Develops clear communication channels including decision matrices and risk escalation processes.
functions as a strategic resource for stakeholders to ensure that optimal structure, design and implementation of the change(s) is/are in place to achieve desired outcomes, results and benefits.
Coordinates and aligns teams with business modeling, program development, and evaluation for student education capacity.

Orders supplies and equipment for simulation and other experiential learning experiences in compliance with procurement policies and practices
Maintains the sim and immersive learning inventory, ensuring safe and proper storage
Ensures the safe storage and disposal of hazardous materials
Monitors and assures appropriate standards of lab cleanliness, provides for equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement
Ensures a safe and healthy work environment, complies with polytechnic health and safety policies, practices, and programs in keeping with occupational health & safety legislation and regulation
This includes participating in strategic and operational planning, fostering a culture of high quality, collaborative care, and continuous improvement, ensuring the effective deployment of resources and contributing to the development of and implementing operational plans.
Demonstrates leadership within the School for continuous improvement, innovation, and learner centred operations.
Operationalizes and applies Collective Agreements and institutional policies as they apply to School/Division Experiential Learning program, in conjunction with the Dean of Students, the Associate Vice President Teaching, other Deans, Associate Deans and People and Culture.
Recruits, selects, coaches, and develops Lab staff in compliance with People Advising & Partnership Team policies and procedures, and POPA (Protection of Privacy Act), and in support of a high performing team
Facilitates, where necessary, discipline and dismissal of reporting staff and faculty in consultation with the Dean and People and Culture.
Conducts performance enhancement process in accordance with standard practice and collective agreements; escalates issues or concerns to the Dean
Plans, organizes, and coordinates formal and informal orientation and training of employees under direct supervision
Approves, monitors, and reports vacation and other absences for all staff under the direct supervision; arrange coverage for all vacation and long-term absences as required
The School Associate Dean, Experiential Learning endeavors to integrate and advance the Polytechnic’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusivity, and creates an environment where diverse ideas, perspectives, and achievements are recognized, rewarded, and celebrated.
Ensure that all regulations of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) are adhered to in order to provide a safe work environment and follows up on reports generated by People Advising & Partnership Team to ensure compliance with OH&S and WHMIS training
Develops department specific onboarding materials
Oversees the coordination of the exit procedures to ensure the appropriate collection and tracking of information
With Dean and Associate Deans of the School, resolves issues related to learner success within School programs
Leads and Associate Deans the resources necessary to facilitate experiential learning and simulation
Designs and delivers appropriate training for standardized patients
Coordinates with the Operations Associate Dean to communicate contractual needs
Teaching, Research and Scholarly Activity
Facilitates the growth and development of an applied research culture within the Experiential Learning program in support of continuous innovation for our region and the economic, social, and cultural growth of our communities.
Fosters the growth and development of a culture of scholarly activity in an environment of open inquiry, academic freedom, creativity, and innovation.
Ensures compliance with research policies and standards as well as intellectual property policies, standards, and rights.
Assists in the generation of resources (funds, facilities, equipment, partnerships, etc.) to support engagement of faculty and students in research and scholarly activities.
Encourages and supports faculty members’ sharing of their scholarly activity both within their school and broadly to the Polytechnic community.

Actively participates in training and professional development activities as they become available
Familiarizes oneself with policy and procedures in order to meet user needs
Strategic Planning
Prepare clear, compelling briefing materials that enable timely decisions and build confidence among senior leaders.
Anticipate organizational impacts, manage interdependencies, and identify opportunities for integration across the School and RDP
Use data and feedback to evaluate initiatives, identify systemic challenges, and recommend enhancements that deliver long-term value.

Graduate degree in Adult Education or related graduate education emphasizing experiential learning and instructional design

• 5 years or more of teaching and/or practical experience with experiential learning
• 3 years or more experience in Healthtech policies/processes and tools
• 5 years of progressive leadership experience within an academic institution;
• 2 years experience in coaching and mentoring staff;
• 2 years of experience in project management;
• Simulation and Healthcare education and training
• Familiarity with technology in the healthcare field with specific training for the maintenance and operation of high-fidelity human patient simulator

About Red Deer Polytechnic Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.

And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community .
Employment Type Permanent Full-Time

We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.
Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code.