Program Chief, People Development

Ensure that Emergency Health Services personnel have the training, tools, and support for the demanding jobs they do - now and in the future. Emergency Health Services (EHS) is now looking for a forward-thinking, people-focused leader to provide leadership in practice readiness, lifelong learning, a supportive work environment, and employee well-being in the role of Program Chief, People Development. Working in collaboration with EHS leadership and other program chiefs, the Program Chief, People Development will offer leadership to teams responsible for new staff orientation, practicum, education days and rounds, curriculum development, mental health and wellness promotion, employee wellness strategy, attraction and retention of staff, and maintenance of a safe workplace culture. As this is a provincial position, the physical work location is negotiable within Alberta. Emergency Health Services - Alberta (EHS-AB) is an Alberta Provincial Health Corporation purpose-built to lead the future of pre-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency care across the province. EHS-AB is focused on rapid, community-based emergency response, ensuring Albertans receive life-saving care wherever and whenever they need it most. As we build this modern, province-wide service, we’re looking for passionate professionals who want to shape a new era of emergency health care in Alberta.

The Program Chief, People Development leads clinical training and professional development to ensure EHS staff have the skills, tools, and support needed for their roles. Reporting to the Chief, People and Practice Excellence, this role advances EHS strategic priorities by advocating for People Development, making portfolio‑aligned decisions, and carrying out leadership direction. Working with four Program Managers and two Program Leads, this role oversees orientation, practicum, education days and rounds, curriculum development, mental health and wellness promotion, employee wellness strategy, attraction and retention, and safe workplace culture. You guide the development, review, and updating of these programs, prioritizing organizational needs, emerging trends, and staff interests. As the Program Chief, you will develop leadership programs including coaching, succession planning, and leadership pipelines, ensuring time and resources for performance evaluation, coaching, and mentoring. You also lead a proactive Employee Wellness strategy that supports mental health, psychological safety, and continuous improvement. As the Program Chief, you will champion person‑centred practices that help staff feel respected, informed, and supported. You build and maintain strong partnerships across EHS Operations, EHS Transformation, Acute Care Alberta, Health Shared Services, and external bodies such as the Alberta College of Paramedics to support organizational goals.

Bachelor’s degree in health, human services, or education related field. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in Emergency Health Services or Health services organization, particularly of significant size, diversity, and complexity.

Significant experience in education, employee well-being, organizational culture, human resources. Strong understanding of Emergency Health Services (EHS) systems and work environment, along with experience implementing evidence-based practice. Understanding of best practices in creating a supportive and safe EHS work environment, including through training, retention, and holistic safety and well-being support practices. Experience managing interdisciplinary teams of senior out-of-scope professionals as well as in-scope staff. Proven ability to foster collaboration with healthcare partners. Demonstrated ability to manage a moderate sized program budget.

Previous experience in a health care or emergency leadership setting is an asset.