The Dehcho Region is one of eight educational regions in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It has eight communities in the regional office situated in Fort Simpson. The Dehcho Divisional Education Council (DDEC) oversees the operation of nine schools.  DDEC fully embraces Education Renewal in partnership with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE).

Educational jurisdictions throughout the world are in a period of profound transformation. ECE, in partnership with educational bodies throughout the world, is leading a comprehensive effort to renew education in the Northwest Territories (NWT). This renewal is grounded in eight foundational concepts: meaningful relationships as the foundation of all learning, education as an ecosystem, supporting a positive sense of identity, supporting diverse needs, constructing knowledge together, valuing diversity, supporting all learners, and developing competencies. The impetus behind Education Renewal is to determine how we can improve the NWT education system for all learners so that they can meet the challenges of the 21st century as capable northern citizens.

Are you a seasoned leader in education seeking an exciting career opportunity in one of the Northwest Territories most beautiful regions? Are you ready to lead a team of administrators, teachers, and support staff in eight communities in the vibrant Dehcho Region in delivering approved educational programming in our nine schools? If so, the position of Superintendent of Schools, in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories may be the right fit for you. 

The Superintendent, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), is responsible for following the directive of the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and the Dehcho Divisional Education Council as an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team. The Superintendent is responsible to the Dehcho Divisional Education Council and accountable to the Minister for overall administration, fiscal management, supervision of employees and the implementation and monitoring of approved educational programs for the nine schools in the division. 

This role reports to the Chairperson of the Dehcho Divisional Education Council. The Dehcho Divisional Education Council (Dehcho DEC) is the governing body for the Dehcho region as legislated under the Education Act. The Dehcho DEC consists of one member from each of the eight District Education Authorities (DEAs) that represent the beautiful communities of Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte, Wrigley, Trout Lake, Jean Marie River, and Kakisa Lake.

The position is based in the hub of the Dehcho, Fort Simpson (Liidlii Kue First Nation) which is a community of approximately 1200 people and is rich in tradition, culture and modern amenities and activities and is located at the confluence of the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers which provide the entry point to the Nahanni National Park Reserve. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

As the Superintendent, you are the Senior Leader in a diverse northern environment and the ability to work in a multicultural setting is a must. Your ability to utilize your leadership, communication and coordination skills will help you develop relationships at the community and territorial level which is integral to our governments, commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity. This position is dynamic and your ability to manage priorities effectively is important to your success. 

Your knowledge will also include: 

• Classroom teaching and education administration in a K-12 school setting
• Knowledge of and ability to understand and implement legislation and employment agreements
• Deep understanding of adult learning principles and their application in leadership development, particularly for training and mentoring school principals and other emerging leaders
• Strong analytical and evaluative problem-solving skills 
• Skill at coordinating and facilitating group decision-making
• Business, financial planning and reporting skills 
• Ability to write effectively in the areas of policy, programs and correspondence
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong computer skills

This job typically requires a Bachelor of Education degree or related degree, a master's degree in educational administration or educational Leadership along with a minimum of five (5) years of classroom teaching experience and eight (8) years administrative experience in a K-12 school setting. Additionally, you will require Eligibility for an NWT Teaching Certificate and eligibility for an NWT Principal Certification obtained through completion of the NWT Educational Leadership Program offered over two summers. Your participation and completion of a variety of training programs offered by the employer and other professional organizations is always considered an asset.

Additionally, experience at a Senior Administrative level such as: Assistant Superintendent, Director of Instruction, District Principal or similar level of senior management would be preferred. As the successful candidate, you would have experience working in First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities and have knowledge or understanding of the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) calls to action in education and reconciliation. 

Inquiries Only:

Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGAL ROAD
BOX 876
FORT SMITH, NT  X0E 0P0
Tel (867) 445-3388
jobsfortsmith@gov.nt.ca

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.