Parkland School Division is seeking a visionary and results-driven executive leader to serve as our next Deputy Superintendent.This is a unique opportunity to shape the Division’s future, drive strategic priorities, and ensure excellence in education, strategic communications, and human resource management. The Division seeks a Deputy Superintendent; however, we remain open to an appointment at theAssociate Superintendent of Human Resourceslevel for candidates who possess strong leadership potential but have yet to attain the specific executive experience required for the Deputy designation.

WHO WE ARE

Parkland School Division (PSD) is a large, innovative school jurisdiction serving Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and Fort Chipewyan. Our division is home to more than 12,600 students across 23 schools and several alternative learning locations. We foster a diverse, inclusive workplace where professional growth is driven by our collective commitment to continuous learning and educational innovation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the designated Deputy Superintendent, this position is directly accountable to the Superintendent and assumes Superintendent responsibilities in their absence. The successful candidate will be a strong systems thinker who drives a positive organizational culture, champions long-term sustainability, and ensures improved student outcomes. They will model ethical leadership and contribute meaningfully to collective executive decision-making in support of the Board’s vision and mission. The position will contribute to a positive organizational culture, long-term sustainability, and improved student outcomes, while ensuring human resource practices align with legislative requirements, collective agreements and the Division’s commitment to supportive learning environments, meaningful experiences and healthy relationships that create opportunities to develop resilience, to gain diversity in perspectives and to achieve enduring success.

The successful candidate will initially oversee the Human Resources and Communications departments and be chiefly responsible for school operations and crisis management. The scope of this portfolio may change, based on the successful candidate and needs of the Division.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Capacity

Oversees the operations of the Communications Department to ensure unified divisional messaging.

Serves as the primary lead for crisis response and emergency management protocols.
Acts as the first point of contact for school principals regarding significant operational matters.
Exercises executive oversight of the student disciplinary process, adjudicating high-level hearings and providing final divisional determinations on complex student conduct matters.
Cultivates administrative excellence and scales leadership capacity across the Division in alignment with the Superintendent’s vision.
Oversees the strategic design and execution of Teacher and School Administrator Induction Programs.

• Provides high-level recommendations on strategic workforce planning to ensure long-term organizational stability.
• Provides leadership and strategic counsel, in partnership with the Associate Superintendent Corporate Supports & Services, to the Board’s negotiating committees.
• Models a high standard of professional ethics, fostering a culture of trust and organizational integrity.

Comprehensive Human Resource ManagementLeads the selection process for all administrative leadership positions, ensuring a high caliber of talent acquisition.

Manages the recruitment, hiring, and classification systems for all personnel.
Establishes and maintains rigorous frameworks for the supervision and evaluation of all staff; directly oversees the evaluation of school-based leadership.
Administers employment contracts, leaves, and transitions with a focus on the Division’s best interests and long-term sustainability.
Serves as a senior consultant to Principals and Division personnel on complex human resources matters, including conflict resolution and mediation.
Directs and oversees workplace investigations, ensuring all processes are conducted with institutional integrity and procedural fairness.

• Serves as the primary divisional contact for legal counsel on all human resources matters, ensuring proactive risk management and regulatory compliance.

Student Excellence & Wellness

• Provides executive oversight for the implementation of School Education Plans and the school review process.
• Ensures the delivery of welcoming, safe, and respectful learning environments that champion diversity and foster student belonging.

Fiscal Stewardship

Formulates staff allocation recommendations for the Division budget and maintains executive oversight of department expenditures.

• Ensures all department operations are conducted with high levels of fiscal prudence and accountability.

Policy & Governance

Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of Board Policies and Administrative Procedures within the scope of responsibility.

• Ensures all departmental actions align with legal mandates, Ministerial requirements, and Board directives.

Communications & Community Engagement

Maintains transparent internal and external communication channels to ensure high levels of service satisfaction among staff, students, and parents.

Acts as a senior facilitator in resolving complex organizational concerns and community conflicts.

• Manages complex, high-pressure situations working closely with the Communications department, to navigate sensitive incidents—ranging from crisis communications and trauma response to VTRA protocols—ensuring that the Division’s messaging is strategic, timely, and aligned with our commitment to a safe and caring learning environment.

Superintendent RelationsMaintains a high-functioning, professional partnership with the Superintendent, providing the critical data and insight necessary for exemplary divisional governance.

• Facilitates the seamless implementation of the Board’s roles and responsibilities as defined by Division policy.

Required Qualifications

Masters Degree in Education and eligibility for Alberta Teacher Certification.

Possesses certification in the Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard(SLQS) or eligible for SLQS certification.
Extensive leadership experience in both school and division-level roles with a minimum 5 years in executive leadership.
Senior leadership experience in Human Resources within a school division or other complex educational setting, having managed multi-faceted labour relations and systemic operational challenges.
Visionary Educator: A "students first" leader who understands complex organizational change.
Instructional Leader: A collaborator who fosters innovation and inclusive learning.

• Effective Communicator: An active listener who builds trust with staff and the community.

Additional Information

Applicants who are shortlisted will undergo employment reference checks before any offer of employment is made. Candidates are required to submit professional references with their cover letter and résumé.

This position requires a current criminal record check and child intervention record check.

PSD provides a competitive total compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits program.

How to Apply:

-**Portfolio:**Create and/or update your profile at Apply to Eduction. -**Apply:**Submit your application to this posting.

Application Deadline:This competition will remain open untilApril 15, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is found. Early applications are encouraged, as the selection process may begin prior to the closing date.

For a confidential inquiry or to learn more about this leadership opportunity, please contact:

Mark Francis, Superintendent of Schools

Email: mark.francis@psd.ca.