OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Associate Dean, International Education
THE ORGANIZATION VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Known as a centre of excellence for teaching, applied research and learning, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is producing quality graduates in demand by employers across the country and around the world. With roots dating back to 1936 when Nanaimo s first vocational training school opened its doors, VIU shares a rich history and connection with its communities. It is this history and commitment to people that has provided VIU with a solid foundation on which it continues to grow. In 2008, Malaspina University-College became a university under an amendment of the University Act and officially began operation as Vancouver Island University on September 1, 2008. The main campus of VIU is located in Nanaimo, with regional campuses in Cowichan Valley and Powell River and a campus centre in Parksville. VIU has evolved into a dynamic, internationally-known university supporting a student population in excess of 18,000 full- and part-time learners (including 1,500 international students and over 2,000 Aboriginal students), and employing over 2,000 faculty and staff. VIU proudly fosters student success, strong community connections, international collaborations, and provides access to a wide range of programs academic, applied, career/technical, vocational, and developmental designed for regional, national, and international students. VIU is a dynamic and internationally respected university with a reputation for its Aboriginal-focused programs, for attracting international students, for leading-edge Coastal Resource Management programs, and for trades and technology programs. Located on British Columbia s spectacular West Coast, VIU offers both students and employees the opportunity to live and learn in a beautiful and scenic region. Vancouver Island University, a values-based university, developed the following Mission, Purpose, and Visionary Goal for the organization, as articulated in the University s integrated plans: Mission Vancouver Island University is a dynamic and diverse educational organization, dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, service and research. We foster student success, strong community connections and international collaboration by providing access to a wide range of university and college programs designed for regional, national and international students. Purpose As a leader in providing high-quality learning, Vancouver Island University supports the well-being of the people of Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia by promoting a high quality of life for their communities through commitment to student success, community engagement and associated scholarship. Visionary Goal Through the promotion of excellence in learning, we inspire our students and the people of Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia as a trusted educational partner in the search for sustainable cultural, economic, environmental and social prosperity. To learn more, visit: www.viu.ca VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Associate Dean, International Education 1
THE OPPORTUNITY ASSOCIATE DEAN, INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION The Faculty of International Education at Vancouver Island University (VIU) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean and Director of the English Language Centre. VIU attracts around 2000 international students, from over 80 countries, each year for short- and long-term programs in English language and a wide variety of academic disciplines at undergraduate and graduate levels. The Faculty is responsible for overseeing all international activities and programs at VIU, from the recruitment, admissions, and support of international students, to education abroad, international projects, and campus internationalization. The Faculty also houses the English Language Centre, offering communications and academic preparation programs at many levels, and the High School, which teaches the grade 10-12 BC curriculum to Canadian and international students. Duties and Responsibilities Under the direction of the Dean, this position is responsible for the academic planning, budget, organization, and management functions that facilitate international students success in English language and undergraduate/graduate programs at VIU. The Associate Dean will have primary responsibility for the operations of the English Language Centre, including assignments for 50 faculty and staff, student success initiatives, program development and accreditation. He/she will lead the international students retention and support team, working in collaboration with other departments and faculties across the University. The Associate Dean is part of the decanal executive team and will work with the Dean and Directors to ensure the smooth running of the Faculty s operations. The Associate Dean must have an extensive knowledge of programs and evaluation in English as a Second Language as well as excellent leadership skills, an understanding of University governance and expertise in the management of union collective agreements. Oversee the daily operations of the English Language Centre, in collaboration with the Chairs, including student support, faculty workload and timetabling, professional development and evaluation; Co-ordinate the hiring, orientation and supervision of faculty and staff in the English Language Centre; Develop and coordinate, in collaboration with other VIU faculties and departments, an international student support and retention plan ; Ensure that the provisions of collective agreements and University polices are observed and advise faculty and staff of policies and practices as required; Work with the Dean, faculty, and staff to establish and implement strategic plans and communicate to faculty and staff institutional directives and organizational changes; Liaise with other University departments, including Human Resources, Student Affairs, and Facilities Services, and undertake necessary actions to ensure the needs of international students in all programs are fully understood and met; Develop and maintain partnerships with government departments and sponsorship agencies; VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Associate Dean, International Education 2
In consultation with the Dean, work with students to address and mediate complaints, conflicts, and grade appeals; Identify new program needs and opportunities and work with faculty and the Dean to revise existing programs and/or implement new initiatives; Be responsible for assigned capital and operating budgets, including regular monitoring of budget performance against plans and taking corrective action as required; Participate on Faculty and University committees on academic programs and student success; Assist in ESL program reviews and co-ordinate the preparation for the accreditation of programs, in collaboration with the Dean and Chair; Promote and support research and professional activities in English language teaching and the related needs of international students; Undertake occasional travel to conferences and key international student markets; Assume responsibilities as Acting Dean in the Dean s absence. May take on special decanal tasks and projects as assigned by the Dean. THE PERSON Required Qualifications A minimum of a Master s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Teaching English as a Second Language, Applied Linguistics, and Linguistics, from an appropriately accredited institution; A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including at least three years successful leadership in the post-secondary environment, including faculty/staff hiring, training and supervision; At least five years successful post-secondary teaching experience in English as a Second Language or related discipline; Demonstrated team building skills and ability to provide leadership in a multi-union environment; Demonstrated expertise in program and/or curriculum development within a post-secondary context; Demonstrated competence with budget development, monitoring and management; and Excellent written and oral communication skills and experience in partnership development. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in a language other than English is preferred. Significant cross-cultural and/or overseas experience. A record of research and scholarly activity in English language teaching or related field. VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Associate Dean, International Education 3
Competencies and Personal Characteristics Strategic Leadership Ability to set goals and communicate them effectively across an organization. Inspire and motivate others through their own example, instilling enthusiasm and commitment. Ability to analyze, assess and make appropriate recommendations both internally and externally. Team Player / Teamwork Demonstrated success leading a high performance team, talks openly with others, establishes expectations, holds self and others accountable, supports group decisions, shares credit, builds enthusiasm for goals, and resolves conflict appropriately. Project Management Identifies need for project, develops plans, manages projects and subordinates role(s), consults stakeholders as necessary, implements change effectively; makes contingency plans. Results Focused Takes high-level plans and translates them into practical action plans. Has a track record of meeting and exceeding goals. Financial Competence Experienced with capital and operating budget development and management; ability to manage the financial performance of a department or program; experienced overseeing expenditures within budgets and taking corrective action if required. Creativity and Innovation Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills Effectively consult, identify needs, thoroughly collect data, analyze problems in context of organizational goals, use sound judgment, build consensus, make independent decisions appropriately, and implement solutions or resolutions accordingly. COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed further in a personal interview. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Robin Noftall or Greg Longster Davies Park Vancouver #880 609 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5 Phone: (604) 688-8422 Email: vancouver@daviespark.com Additional information can be found at: www.daviespark.com VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Associate Dean, International Education 4