Executive Director

As a cornerstone of Alberta’s educational landscape, the Alberta Post-Secondary Network (APSN) unites the leaders of 25 publicly funded post-secondary institutions.  They strengthen Alberta’s world class advanced education system and student experience to drive discovery, creativity, and innovation.  This vibrant collective of universities, colleges, and polytechnics play a central role in the socio-economic and cultural growth of Alberta and is essential in preparing the next generation of students to build our communities and industries of the future.

Reporting to the Chair of APSN, the Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the APSN in alignment with the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.  The APSN stands on the cusp of a new era ready to welcome an Executive Director who will play a key systems-level and province-wide leadership role as a core connector among and between the members of the APSN, government, and community stakeholders.  The Executive Director will ensure the APSN’s short- and long-term sustainability through operationalizing and executing on the APSN’s Board of Directors goals, in coordination with the Executive Committee. Leading a small professional team, the Executive Director will support the APSN members’ connection with provincial ministers, departments of the provincial government, and committees concerned with advanced education, talent development, research, and innovation.  The essence of this role lies in bridging diverse perspectives, crafting consensus on critical issues, and leading with a bold vision that aligns with the aspirations of Alberta’s post-secondary community.

In this strategic position, the Executive Director will harness their understanding of the post-secondary landscape to lead APSN’s priorities and projects, ranging from government relations to system governance and stakeholder engagement.  With an eye on both present challenges and future opportunities, they will steer the network through the complexities of higher education policy, funding, and collaboration.  The role demands a leader skilled in balancing diverse member needs with systemic objectives, fostering a culture of excellence, and propelling the APSN toward achieving its mission of creating the best possible post-secondary system for Alberta.

As the ideal candidate, you are community orientated with a bachelor’s degree and 10 to 15 years of progressive leadership experience.  You possess a demonstrated strength in building relationships and trust, and you are widely recognized as a collaborator with the capacity to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders.  You are an accomplished and progressive executive with experience in government relations, policy engagement and development, and administrative management skills in the post-secondary or public sector environment.  Recognized as an exceptional communicator, you are visionary and authentic with knowledge of scholarly activity, research, community service, and executive administration.  Your strategic insight, public and fiscal policy acumen, knowledge of political and bureaucratic processes, and dedication to student centered diverse communities will be the keystones of APSN’s journey under your leadership.

Step into a role where your impact goes beyond advanced education by supporting the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy, a vision that will transform the adult learning system to focus on providing the high-quality education, skills and training needed for Alberta’s future. This is your chance to drive innovation and collaboration that will ensure current and future generations have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the Alberta Post-Secondary Network.  To explore this opportunity further, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest in confidence, with the subject line “APSN Executive Director” to: apply@jssearch.ca

This role is currently based in Edmonton, Alberta and includes a province-wide travel commitment for the purpose of maintaining contact with member institutions, regional organizations, and affiliated groups and partners.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.  Please be advised that only those invited for an interview will be contacted.  If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.