Associate Vice President of Advanced Skills Centre Project

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at www.nait.ca/careers

Please Note: This is a 5-year temporary position with possibility of extension contingent on project pace.

Are you ready to shape the next generation of education in Alberta? NAIT is embarking on its most significant capital project of the decade—a $500-$700 million transformation to create a state-of-the-art Advanced Skills Centre (ASC). As Associate Vice President (AVP), you will lead the planning and delivery of approximately 640,000 square feet of innovative new space designed to redefine how learners, instructors, and industry partners interact and thrive.

Part of NAIT's refreshed Campus Development Plan, this initiative will redefine how space, programming, and people converge to deliver next-generation education—particularly in the skilled trades. Ensuring the financial sustainability of NAIT is crucial to providing the resources needed for this project and safeguarding the mission of the institute during financial challenges. The ASC investment itself is an investment in the efficiency of our building space and instructional delivery, which will aid financial sustainability, but we must overcome the initial investment hurdle first. Your role will involve evaluating all options across the campus development and land development plans, and programme efficacy data (including market demand, learner demand, and programme margins) to determine the right size of the building. Additionally, you will need to understand the government budgeting as well as the relationship to other funding sources such as federal grants, donors, reserves, operating funds, and/or borrowing. This is more than a construction project—it's a bold vision for the future. Your leadership will ensure that this investment not only delivers cutting-edge facilities, but also drives lasting impact through strategic planning, financial stewardship, and deep community engagement. From evaluating program and market demand to navigating complex funding strategies, you will play a critical role in bringing this vision to life—brick by brick, and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the Advanced Skills Centre project, ensuring alignment with NAIT's long-term goals and institutional strategy, The NAIT Effect..

• Drive thoughtful prioritization of the programs and space types included in the final design, reflecting the needs of a complex set of stakeholders including students and instructors, staff, industry, government, and community.

• Align the project with long-term institutional goals as outlined in the Campus Development Plan, championing decisions that drive efficient use of existing campus resources, not just physical expansion.

• Ensure the space supports emerging models of instructional delivery, enhanced flexibility of section sizes, and future-forward learning environments that prepare students for an evolving world of work.

• Interaction with NAIT's Board of Governors and senior leadership.

Project Management and Execution:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of the Advanced Skills Centre construction project, ensuring it meets budget, timeline, and quality standards.

• Lead engagement with internal stakeholders and external partners—especially industry, which will play a key role in informing the project and hiring future graduates. Include K-12 pathways and community inspiration as part of the broader vision.

• Manage budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation for the project, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

• Assess and mitigate risks associated with the project, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and institutional policies.

• Develop compelling investment cases and framing documents to support institutional governance, board oversight, and capital decision-making.

• Work with a renowned, multidisciplinary project team, including a senior project manager with 30+ years of experience on major public infrastructure projects. Cultivate a high-trust, high-performance environment across all levels of the project.

Performance Improvement:

• Identify and implement best practices for operational efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue enhancement.

• Lead organizational change initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

• Ensure the initiative delivers full institutional value—not just on time and on budget, but as a catalyst for academic transformation, operational excellence, and community inspiration.

• Lead the project with a sense of urgency, making tough trade-offs when necessary to ensure timely and successful completion.

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership and the board of directors on project progress, challenges, and achievements.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic Mindset: Anticipates future trends and aligns actions with long-term organizational goals to drive sustainable success.

• Manages Complexity: Navigates ambiguity and breaks down complex problems into clear, actionable solutions.

• Communicates effectively: Conveys ideas clearly and confidently, adapting style and tone to suit the audience and context.

• Balances Stakeholders: Builds trust and manages competing interests by considering diverse perspectives and delivering equitable outcomes.

• Organizationally Savvy: Understands the dynamics, power structures, and informal networks within the organization to influence outcomes and navigate effectively.

• Decision Quality: Makes timely, well-informed decisions by analyzing data, assessing risks, and considering short- and long-term impacts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Education, Public Administration, Architecture, Planning, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in capital project strategy, institutional transformation, or large-scale program delivery, preferably in a higher education or large corporate environment.

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; strong communication and interpersonal abilities; proficiency with project management software and financial analysis tools.

• Leadership: Proven track record of leading large-scale projects and driving organizational change; demonstrated ability to inspire, influence and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Remuneration: $183,791.92 - $243,501.44 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT's culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at careers@nait.ca.

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