Associate Dean, Business

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

For more information, visit www.snpolytechnic.com

JOB PURPOSE

The Associate Dean, Business exists to establish and lead the development of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP)’s new Business portfolio through the five-year Mamawi initiative. The role will translate strategic priorities into accessible, culturally grounded business, accounting and entrepreneurship learning pathways, while building the partnerships, community relationships and institutional capacity needed to support their successful delivery and long-term sustainability. The position will also represent SNP in national Mamawi activities and contribute to broader sector collaboration, knowledge-sharing and advocacy related to Indigenous business education and economic development. Continuation beyond the initial five-year project period may be possible, subject to funding and institutional priorities.

The Associate Dean, Business is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values and operating policies of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) while fostering positive relations with staff, learners, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinǫshǫ:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ga’nigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Business Portfolio Development and Academic Program Leadership 30%

Lead the development and implementation of SNP’s Business portfolio, establishing new learning pathways that respond to Indigenous learner and community needs and align with SNP’s strategic priorities.

Including, but not limited to:

• Develop and advance entrepreneurship and accounting programming, including micro-credentials, certificates, diplomas and potential degree pathways.
• Lead the development of an Indigenous Accounting diploma and explore pathways to further postsecondary study and professional designations.
• Develop entrepreneurship education, workshops and potential hub-based programming.
• Incorporate Haudenosaunee histories, perspectives and approaches to business and commerce into relevant learning opportunities.
• Work with academic and instructional teams to develop innovative delivery models, including online, hybrid, part-time and community-based learning.
• Other related duties, as required

Business Development, Partnerships and Community Engagement 25%

Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, businesses, entrepreneurs, industry, professional organizations and postsecondary institutions to inform program development and create meaningful opportunities for learners.

Including, but not limited to:

• Engage Indigenous entrepreneurs, community organizations and economic development partners to identify business education needs and opportunities.
• Establish partnerships with colleges, universities and professional organizations to support credential development, articulation, pathways and access to specialized expertise.
• Develop relationships with employers and businesses to support mentorship, work-integrated learning, placements and experiential learning.
• Identify opportunities for joint initiatives, funding, applied projects and other collaborations that strengthen SNP’s Business portfolio.
• Ensure engagement is reciprocal, community-informed and consistent with SNP’s values and protocols.
• Other related duties, as required

Mamawi Project Implementation and National Collaboration 20%

Provide leadership for SNP’s participation in the Mamawi initiative, ensuring that project objectives and commitments are translated into effective implementation while contributing to national collaboration and shared outcomes.

Including, but not limited to:

• Represent SNP on the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Mamawi working group and participate in national planning, implementation and decision-making activities.
• Operationalize the Indigenous Business and Entrepreneurship Strategy and related recommendations into SNP workplans, priorities and deliverables.
• Collaborate with Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), CICan and other partners on shared initiatives, resources, pathways and opportunities.
• Contribute to national knowledge-sharing, sector engagement and advocacy related to Indigenous business education and economic development.
• Monitor project milestones, deliverables and outcomes, and contribute to required reporting and evaluation.
• Other related duties, as required

Strategic Development, Applied Research and Sector Leadership 10%

Identify and advance opportunities that strengthen SNP’s contribution to Indigenous business education, entrepreneurship and economic development through applied research, knowledge mobilization and strategic leadership.

Including, but not limited to:

• Identify opportunities for community- and industry-driven applied research related to Indigenous business, entrepreneurship and economic development.

• Develop research partnerships and connect learners, faculty and external partners to applied research opportunities.
• Support the sharing of evidence, emerging practices and lessons learned with other Indigenous Institutes and sector partners.
• Contribute to broader discussions and advocacy concerning Indigenous economic development, business education and institutional capacity.
• Other related duties, as required

Operational Leadership, Resource Management and Sustainability 10%

Establish and manage the operational foundations required to successfully develop and sustain the Business portfolio and deliver SNP’s Mamawi commitments.

 Including, but not limited to:

• Develop annual operational plans, budgets, resource requirements and performance measures aligned with project and institutional priorities.

• Recruit, lead and support staff within the Business unit, establishing roles, responsibilities and effective working relationships.
• Oversee project resources, expenditures, agreements, reporting requirements and compliance with funding obligations.
• Develop proposals and identify additional funding and partnership opportunities to support portfolio growth.
• Establish processes, infrastructure and sustainability plans to support programming and activities beyond the initial five-year project period.
• Other related duties, as required

EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Completion of a master’s degree in a specialized or occupational field or completion of an undergraduate degree plus professional certification in Business, Adult Education, management or other related field.

EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE / CULTURE AND LANGUAGE EXPERTISE

Over 3 years and including 5 years progressively responsible experience in business development, postsecondary program development, entrepreneurship, accounting or a related field is required. Experience should include developing and implementing new programs, initiatives or business opportunities; building strategic partnerships with external organizations, businesses and/or postsecondary institutions; and managing projects, budgets and operational activities. Experience working in a postsecondary or Indigenous education environment, Indigenous economic development, or with Indigenous communities and organizations would be a strong asset. The role requires demonstrated experience translating strategic priorities into practical plans and deliverables, ideally in an environment involving program or organizational development and change.

This experience may have been gained through a combination of employment, project leadership and related professional responsibilities.

The role requires experience in both technical and organizational aspects of business and program development. Technical experience should include developing educational programs or business initiatives; knowledge of entrepreneurship, accounting or business education; designing learning pathways and credentials; developing partnerships and funding opportunities; and managing budgets, projects and performance outcomes.

Organizational experience should include leading initiatives from concept through implementation, building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities and resources, and translating strategic plans into operational activities. -

Prior experience working for an Indigenous organization is preferred.

Criminal Record Check

The successful candidate will be required to provide an original Criminal Background Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening that is satisfactory to Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) prior to the first day of work at Six Nations Polytechnic, and an Offence Declaration that is satisfactory to SNP by their first day of employment at Six Nations Polytechnic. 

At Six Nations Polytechnic, we are committed to diversity and inclusion as we continue and expand our efforts to become a more inclusive, safe and respectful workplace. Human Resources will accommodate any needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Recruitment processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, as may be requested.

Applicants from Six Nations and other Indigenous communities will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community. 

Full Job description is available upon request.

POSITION TYPE: New Position

POSITION CLOSING DATE: November 26th, 2026

JOB TYPE: Full-time Permanent

SCHEDULE: 37.5 hrs Monday-Friday; 8:30am-4:00pm

WORK MODEL: Hybrid 

PAY BAND: 8; Core range $86,654.34-$101,529.38. The target hiring salary for this position is Step 1 up to 45% of the pay band. Considerations for new hire step placements include internal pay equity, experiential knowledge and/or language and cultural expertise.

BENEFITS:

• Company registered pension plan
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid sick and personal time