Cape Breton University is one of Canada’s youngest and most innovative universities. Committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and thought leadership, CBU strives to create a global academic experience and build a sustainable future for Cape Breton Island. Home to nearly 5,500 students, CBU is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning. This excellence extends throughout the Institution’s diverse community of valued faculty and staff who relish the idea of helping to create and promote a quality environment at CBU.
CBU prides itself on providing personalized educational opportunities that focus on academics, research, student services, a vibrant campus life and cutting-edge technology. CBU is also known as Atlantic Canada’s leader in Indigenous post-secondary education, and is home to Unama’ki College, an environment that embraces the knowledge, wisdom and traditions of the Mi’kmaq People.
Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives, the Dean of Unama’ki College promotes excellence in Indigenous education, research and scholarship, promotes Indigenous culture, offers educational courses and programs within Cape Breton University and communities in Mi’kma’ki, and provides Indigenous student support to promote an enriched and successful post-secondary experience. As the Dean of Unama’ki College, they will enhance the experience of Mi’kmaq students through innovative and effective student services that support the physical and emotional well-being of students and positively impact their engagement and success. As a passionate leader who understands the role of the College, the Dean will communicate with students, internal and external stakeholders, and First Nations communities and ensure that policies, procedures, practices, and programs work to serve the Mi’kmaw student population and advance the development of Unama’ki College. Additionally, the Dean will be accountable for ensuring that Unama’ki College strategies and services are aligned with the University’s strategic objectives and supportive of the academic mission and will work in collaborative partnership with academic and administrative leaders across the University.
As a key member of the Unama’ki College Executive Team and Cape Breton University’s Executive Committee, the Dean will promote interaction and cooperation between Unama’ki College programs such as Mi’kmaq Studies and diverse areas of study within the CBU community and efficiently and effectively manage the day-to-day operations of Unama’ki College in the pursuit of long-term goals in accordance with CBU’s Strategic Plan and directions.
As the ideal candidate, you have Graduate degree, or a Bachelor’s degree plus relevant experience in working with and understanding the cultural context of First Nations Peoples, specifically Mi’kmaw cultural history. A doctoral degree is considered an asset. You also have knowledge of the workings of regional educational organizations (particularly Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey) and a good understanding of relevant national organizations. You are committed to preserving indigenous languages and fluency in Mi’kmaq language would also be an asset. You have relevant professional experience in a multi-stakeholder environment, preferably within the post-secondary sector and have a demonstrated history of successful leadership and administrative skills.
As a leader, you bring strong communication and relationship building skills and have a track record of progressive leadership in First Nations communities and organizations. Aligned with the values of courage, cooperation, and quality, you work cooperatively with others inside and outside the university, to accomplish objectives to build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships, leverage information, and achieve results. You are a strategic advisor and provide solutions-oriented advice to support decisions that best reflect the needs of the University community. You bring a track record as a successful people leader, someone that coaches and inspires others by setting clear expectations, fostering others’ development, providing constructive feedback and identifying and creating opportunities for professional and career development.
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank or Beth McLennan at kfrank@kbrs.ca or bmclennan@kbrs.ca. Completed applications can be submitted online on the KBRS website.
Cape Breton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Cape Breton University and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.