Overview
Program Assistant – Education, (Permanent) Jobs in Red Deer at Red Deer Polytechnic
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
This position will remain open until filled: however, the first review of applications will begin on April 10, 2026.
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Program Assistant – Education, (Permanent)
Position Summary
The School of Arts and Education is seeking a full-time permanent Program Assistant. The Program Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to programs within the designated portfolio. This position acts as the front-line support for student inquiries and will provide program-specific information as required.
This position coordinates the timetabling process and timetable entry as well as provides project administrative support during periods of curriculum renewal and/or accreditation. The incumbent will use reporting systems to generate reports and maintain databases.
The Program Assistant performs a wide variety of administrative support services, all of which contribute to the efficient and professional operations of the designated School.
Position Responsibilities
Support Associate Dean, Faculty, Operations Manager with course/program delivery and execution:
- Provides faculty and staff with information concerning RDP processes and timelines, service and support, administrative practices, office equipment and basic software questions
- Organizes and prepares for new academic year (preparing new class schedules and forwarding to internal areas as required, updating student forms, attendance and marks records for certain specific program areas, prepares student and instructor packages for each intake)
- Maintains electronic data base of course outlines and other documents related to program courses
- Assist programs in course evaluation preparation and documentation
- Maintains information on program website; updates program and faculty/staff information on website
- Completes SFI reconciliation reports each academic term; collaborates as necessary with other service providers throughout the Polytechnic to ensure that necessary supports are provided to the students, faculty and staff
- Supports the Academic Operations Manager, as required, with employment contract submission and distribution
Managing Student Inquiries & Supporting Student Success:
- Acts as an initial point of contact from students, staff, faculty, and external contacts; responding to questions as appropriate or forwarding to appropriate individual
- Provides program specific information regarding requirements, electives, procedures, timelines, and general program facts for designated portfolio. Refers students to the Student Connect Centre Advisors as required
- Communicates with Registrar’s Office in relation to student applications, continuing student registration, prior learning assessments; provides program specific information that is communicated to prospective and registered students
- Provides support for student orientation and retreats
Timetable Entry:
- Collaborates with the Academic Operations Manager, Associate Dean, and Chairs to coordinate the timetable process to ensure conflict free scheduling of course and course sections; works with Scheduling Office to correct any issues or conflicts as they arise, including those related to impacts from other events occurring on campus
- Collaborates with other Schools to schedule courses that are across Schools (i.e. Service courses, instructor who teaches course is in a different School, etc.)
Accreditation/CAQC/AIT Reporting:
- Completes, updates, and maintains documents (e.g. curriculum elements sheets, program change, and program/course proposal documents) related to program curriculum renewal, revision, and review by internal or external bodies (ex. RDP Program Review; RDP Curriculum Committee; Academic Council; external accreditation bodies)
- Provides support for program approval, program evaluation and accreditation committee logistical work
Systems Use:
- Generates reports through Banner/Cognos to provide information and up to date class rosters
- Monitors, maintains, and updates the central Blackboard program site to ensure currency of program specific information
- Maintains comprehensive databases for the programs regarding practicum placements, students, programs, Institution, and industry information
Meeting, Event, and General Administrative Support:
- Supports program and program advisory committee meetings by planning and preparing meetings, preparing agendas, attending meetings, taking and distributing minutes; Consults with Operations Manager regarding budgetary concerns (meeting expenses, printing and marketing expenses)
- Coordinates details related to events and meetings; this can include external stakeholders, internal event, program spotlights, program information nights, recruitment and retention events, specialized program meetings, etc.
- Attends meetings, records and prepares minutes, communicates and follows up on action items to relevant parties, distributes minutes as appropriate
- Assist with event planning which includes the coordination of space, invites, room set ups and AV/IT Equipment, food orders; Examples include:Orientation, Information night, Student for a day, Skills (Regionals, Provincials and Nationals) Career Expo, Program Spotlight, Industry night, Open House, Alberta Culture Days
Required Qualifications
- Two (2) years of post-secondary training, completion of a community college certificate in Business Administration, Office Administration, or related
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint
- Working knowledge of Records Management
- Ability to learn and adapt to new software programs
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse groups of people
- Experience scheduling/setting up meetings and appointments on and off campus, this may include travel arrangements
- Experience preparing meeting agendas, minutes, letters and memos accurately
Preferred Qualifications
- Current knowledge of the administration of a post-secondary educational institution would be an asset
- Experience using Brightspace, Banner, Cognos would be an asset
Salary or Hourly?
Salary
Salary
Starting at $52,438
Benefits and Compensation Information
Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.
Eligibility to access the above mentioned benefits is dependent upon the AUPE Collective Agreement and related RDP policies.
About Red Deer Polytechnic
Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.
Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.
Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community.
Posting Detail Information
Competition Number
Employment Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Vacancies
1.0
Desired Start Date
05/04/2026
Position End Date (if term-certain)
FTE
1.0
Hours of Work
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Open Date
03/27/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Note to Applicant
Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.
At RDP, we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply
Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected].
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position will remain open until filled: however, the first review of applications will begin on April 10, 2026.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
Optional Documents
Title: Program Assistant – Education, (Permanent)
Company: Red Deer Polytechnic
Location: Red Deer
