Deputy Director of Education #3987

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Competition #3987

Chinook School Division is seeking a strategic, student-centered, and system-focused educational leader for the position of Deputy Director of Education. This senior leadership role serves at the pleasure of and reports directly to the Director of Education.

The Deputy Director exercises delegated authority from the Director in accordance with Board policy and The Education Act, 1995, ensuring effective system leadership, legislative compliance, and operational excellence across the division. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Director provides leadership for school operations, supervises senior administrative staff, and ensures alignment of division practices with the Board’s strategic direction and the Provincial Education Plan.

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Deep knowledge of The Education Act, 1995, Ministry of Education regulations, and provincial directives, with the ability to ensure division-wide compliance and accountability.
• Proven instructional leadership and commitment to improving student achievement, graduation rates, attendance, and equitable outcomes for all learners.
• Strong strategic thinking and adaptive change management skills that support innovation while maintaining system coherence.
• Expertise in data-informed decision-making, performance monitoring, and responsive action planning aligned with the Provincial Education Plan.
• Demonstrated ability to distinguish governance and administrative roles, supporting the Board through informed advice while ensuring effective operational implementation.
• Knowledge of current research and best practices in 21st-century teaching, learning, professional learning communities, and system leadership.
• Strong organizational, project management, and fiscal stewardship skills.
• Theory and practical knowledge of human resource management, leadership development, succession planning, and performance evaluation processes.
• A visible, positive, and productive presence in schools and communities, modeling integrity, empathy, trust, accountability, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic and System Leadership

• Support the Director and Board in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Board’s strategic plan, ensuring measurable outcomes and operational alignment.
• Develop, monitor, and report on assigned strategic initiatives, including defining success measures, resource allocation, and performance indicators.
• Ensure division operations align with the Provincial Education Plan and Ministry reporting requirements.
• Monitor student achievement data, including graduation rates, credit attainment, attendance, and Indigenous student outcomes, and lead responsive improvement strategies.
• Promote system coherence and alignment across instructional, operational, and human resource functions.
• Advance Truth and Reconciliation commitments and equitable outcomes for First Nations and Métis students consistent with Treaty 4 responsibilities.

2. Governance and Board Relations

• Provide research, analysis, and administrative recommendations to inform Board policy development.
• Ensure effective implementation of Board policies and Administrative Procedures across the division.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Board on student achievement, system performance, risk management, and legislative compliance.
• Provide administrative support to the Board of Education, including attendance at meetings and preparation of required materials.
• Promote public understanding of the division’s strategic priorities and educational outcomes.

3. Supervision and Leadership Development

• Provide formal supervision, performance evaluation, and professional growth oversight for Superintendents of Education and assigned senior leaders in accordance with Board policy.
• Support, guide, and develop leadership capacity among school-based administrators.
• Lead and assist in administrative staffing decisions and succession planning processes.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and high expectations throughout the organization.

4. Operational and Fiscal Leadership

• Lead the development, monitoring, and stewardship of division budgets in alignment with Board-approved financial plans and Ministry funding allocations.
• Ensure effective internal controls, risk management practices, and system assurance processes.
• Oversee compliance with occupational health and safety, student safety, child protection requirements, and other statutory obligations.
• Develop, interpret, and implement Administrative Procedures as required.
• Conduct regular meetings with school-based administrators to ensure operational effectiveness and alignment.

5. School and Community Engagement

• Visit schools regularly to monitor educational quality, support leadership, celebrate successes, and communicate division priorities.
• Act as a catalyst for innovative and responsive educational practices.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Board members, staff, students, families, First Nations and Métis partners, the Ministry of Education, and community organizations.
• Support culturally responsive practices across diverse educational contexts, including rural, Hutterite, and First Nations communities.

Other Duties

• Address division matters in collaboration with superintendents and senior leaders.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Education consistent with delegated authority.

Qualifications

To apply, candidates must have:

• A graduate degree in Education or a related field.
• Several years of successful senior administrative leadership experience.
• Eligibility for membership in LEADS.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Saskatchewan curriculum, Ministry initiatives, and the Provincial Education Plan.
• Demonstrated understanding of governance principles and the distinction between Board and administrative roles.
• A proven commitment to public education and student achievement.
• Superior interpersonal, leadership, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport, model leadership excellence, and ensure accountability across diverse school settings.

Chinook School Division is located on Treaty 4 territory, including the Nekaneet First Nation and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The division serves approximately 6,100 PreK-12 students in 29 public schools and 33 Hutterite schools across southwestern Saskatchewan, including Swift Current and surrounding rural communities.

Employment will commence August 1, 2026.

Interested applicants are asked to apply through Chinook’s employment page at www.chinooksd.ca/employment. Please upload:

• A cover letter addressed to Mark Benesh, Director of Education (indicating Competition #3987)
• A resume including three references
• Any supporting documentation

Applications must be received by March 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM.

Successful applicants must agree to a criminal record check including a vulnerable sector search.

By submitting an application, applicants agree that the Director or designate may contact previous employers for confidential reference checks, whether or not those employers are listed as references.