President and Chief Executive Officer

The Institution – Keyano College

Located in the City of Fort McMurray in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Keyano College plays a pivotal role in supporting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of the region and beyond. Established in 1965, Keyano College takes its name from a Cree word meaning “sharing,” reflecting a deep commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and regional engagement.

Keyano College is a comprehensive post-secondary institution offering a broad spectrum of programs, including certificates, diplomas, university transfer pathways, trades and apprenticeships, and continuing education. Areas of focus include business, health sciences, sports, environmental studies, and skilled trades—many of which are closely aligned with the region’s major industries such as energy, construction, and healthcare. With strong partnerships across sectors, Keyano is uniquely positioned to respond to regional labour market demands while fostering innovation and lifelong learning.

Keyano’s purpose extends beyond academic excellence. It serves as a vital hub for community development, Indigenous engagement, and economic sustainability. Keyano College serves students through its Clearwater Main Campus and Suncor Energy Industrial Centre in Fort McMurray, and through learning initiatives in Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, and Gregoire Lake. The College offers modern facilities, industry-relevant training environments, and flexible learning options that serve a diverse student population.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to Keyano’s identity. The College is committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment for learners and staff from all backgrounds. Dedicated Indigenous student services, international student supports, and culturally responsive programming reflect this core value, ensuring that Keyano remains a welcoming institution where everyone can thrive.

Keyano College is governed by a Board of Governors currently comprised of a Chair, 1st Vice Chair, 3 Public Members and a Public Representative.  The Board is completed by two staff and two student members, in addition to the President & CEO.

Vision: Keyano, educating to change lives.

Mission: In partnership with industry and community, develop a relevant workforce and leaders of tomorrow, in a safe learning environment that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI).

Keyano College is located on Treaty No. 8 Territory, the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, and Metis people.

About the Region and Municipality

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) offers a compelling backdrop for visionary leadership. At the heart of this vast and dynamic region lies Fort McMurray—a vibrant, resilient city that blends urban amenities with the natural beauty of northern Alberta’s boreal forest.

Home to one of Canada’s most diverse and youthful populations, Fort McMurray is more than just the hub of Canada’s energy sector. It’s a thriving, multicultural community where innovation, entrepreneurship, and a strong sense of belonging define the local spirit. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, supported by modern infrastructure, excellent schools, an expanding healthcare system, and a wide range of recreational and cultural amenities.

RMWB spans an impressive area, making it one of the largest municipalities in North America. It includes picturesque hamlets, Indigenous communities, and natural treasures such as Wood Buffalo National Park and the Athabasca River Valley. This unique geography offers rich opportunities for outdoor recreation—from hiking and paddling in summer to skiing and northern lights viewing in winter.

Civic investment continues to transform the region, with initiatives aimed at enhancing livability, supporting economic diversification, and promoting arts and culture. Fort McMurray’s downtown revitalization, expanding transit system, and community-focused development projects are all signs of a region looking toward the future.

For those considering an opportunity at Keyano College, the RMWB presents not just a place to work, but a place to call home. The community’s strong commitment to education, inclusion, and sustainability aligns with the College’s mission, offering a supportive environment for meaningful impact and growth.

For more information regarding economy, community, services, recreation, and other amenities in Fort McMurray and throughout the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo visit – https://www.fmwb.ca/

The Opportunity

As Keyano College looks to the future, it is seeking visionary leadership to advance its mission, strengthen its impact, and champion innovation and inclusivity. For a leader who values education, community, and transformative potential, Keyano offers an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Located in the heart of Alberta’s dynamic northeast, Keyano plays a vital role in serving a diverse and growing region, including strong ties to Indigenous communities, industry partners, and learners from across Canada and beyond. With a dedicated team and a deeply rooted sense of purpose, the College is poised to evolve and thrive.

This creates a compelling opportunity for bold, adaptive leadership grounded in collaboration, committed to community, and driven by a clear sense of purpose. The next President & CEO will shape Keyano’s next chapter, building on its strengths and charting a confident course for the future.

Key Opportunities and Challenges

Keyano College is at a pivotal point, offering its next President & CEO the opportunity to lead with vision, resilience, and innovation. As with many post-secondary institutions, Keyano must navigate funding pressures, evolving learner expectations, and workforce demands, while embracing regional, technological, and demographic change. The opportunities, however, are substantive; under the right leadership there is capacity and support to be an educational innovator setting the bar for others to follow.  The President & CEO will play a vital role in shaping Keyano’s future through:

• Strategic Growth: Strengthening enrollment—both domestic and international—through relevant, accessible, and industry-aligned programming.
• Community & Industry Partnerships: Expanding engagement with local industry, Indigenous communities, and educational partners to enhance visibility, diversify revenue, and support economic development.
• Institutional Sustainability: Driving financial resilience, improving infrastructure, and aligning with the strategic goals of the institution.
• People & Culture: Fostering a collaborative and future-focused workplace culture that attracts, retains, and supports a high-performing team.
• Student Success: Promoting an inclusive and responsive learning environment that prioritizes student experience across all modalities.

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate, you equally appreciate and understand college (and polytechnic) institutional settings and the challenges associated with operating in a northern and rural community. You have an academic, post-secondary career foundation and are a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who can lead a team by guiding and clearly articulating a strategic vision, influence operational excellence, and cultivate commitment to collaboration and community partnerships. As a senior leader with complex public sector or post-secondary experience, you are skilled in navigating change, managing diverse teams and budgets, and fostering innovation. You will accept and embrace the role of brand ambassador and inspire and develop positive and mutually complimentary relationships with internal and external existing and other potential public, private and indigenous stakeholders and partners. You understand that this collective success can only be accomplished by investing in the community and becoming a member of the community and resident of the RMWB.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction that is consistent with the College’s mission, mandate, values, and vision.
• Champion the College’s mission, values, and strategic vision—guiding the institution with clarity and purpose.
• Lead with integrity, ensuring all operations align with regulatory requirements, public policy, and good governance practices.
• Steward the financial health of the College through sound planning, efficient resource use, and strategic investment in people, programs, and infrastructure.
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration and inclusion that supports academic excellence, student success, and employee engagement.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with faculty, staff, and students, fostering an environment where learning and development thrive.
• Drive strategic planning and innovation to ensure programs, services, and facilities reflect the changing needs of students and the region.
• Lead the development of an Indigenous education strategy that reflects partnership, respect, and responsiveness to community needs.
• Anticipate change and position the College to lead within Alberta’s evolving post-secondary landscape.

External Relations

• Act as an effective and visible ambassador for Keyano College, strengthening its reputation and reach across sectors and communities.
• Forge strong, collaborative partnerships with industry, Indigenous communities, business leaders, public institutions, and all levels of government.
• Inspire engagement and investment through strategic fundraising and alumni relations.
• Promote a welcoming, student-centered environment that reflects the region’s diversity and supports equity and reconciliation.
• Represent the College in provincial and national forums, contributing to broader conversations around education, innovation, and economic development.
• Balance a wide range of external relationships while remaining focused on the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

Board Relations

• Partner closely with the Board of Governors, providing timely, strategic advice and fostering a culture of transparency and trust.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair to set priorities, shape agendas, and support effective governance.
• Serve as a voting member of the Board of Governors.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• A graduate degree, ideally a Ph.D. is preferred, but a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Significant executive leadership experience in complex organizations; post-secondary experience is an asset.
• Strong financial acumen with a track record of managing large budgets and diverse resources.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, including Indigenous communities, government, and industry.
• Experience with board governance and strategic planning.
• Exceptional communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience championing strategic and meaningful community partnerships.
• A collaborative, student-focused leadership style grounded in integrity, inclusion, and results.

Compliance

Final candidates for this position will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check, Credit Check and Education Verification Check.

Equal Opportunity

Keyano College is committed to fostering an equitable, caring and resilient environment where everyone feels valued and connected to the common goal and the college community. They welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage candidates who will contribute to the diversity of the College to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

This Fort McMurray based position offers a competitive compensation and total rewards benefits package. Details will be discussed with potential candidates.

Confidentiality

In compliance and consistency with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (« PIPEDA »), HumanEdge shall respect the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information provided directly or indirectly verbally, electronically or in print throughout the process of candidate engagement in our search assignments.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to:

Norine Pike
Director, Professional & Executive Search
Email: norine@humanedgeglobal.com
Website: www.humanedgeglobal.com