Academic Dean

Quest University Canada acknowledges that we sit on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) peoples. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work, learn, and live in this blessed territory. 

Quest University is Canada’s first independent, not-for-profit, secular liberal arts and science university devoted entirely to excellence in undergraduate education. We offer an environment of intellectual rigour and personal enrichment where students gain universal skills while delving deep into topics about which they are passionate. This learning takes place in an interdisciplinary environment without Departments or Majors. The curriculum is structured in the Block format (https://questu.ca/academics/).

Quest University is searching for an Academic Dean (AD). The appointment will be for a five-year term, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors. The AD provides day-to-day oversight and leadership over academic operations. The AD is a key member of the university’s executive team. This post affords the right candidate the opportunity to enhance Quest University’s already strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation. The AD has a wide range of responsibilities. For a detailed position profile (including more information about the role, desired applicant qualifications and more about Quest), please visit: https://questu.ca/job-seekers/.  

The AD will be responsible for:

• Representing Quest at appropriate provincial, national, and international bodies;
• Oversight and management of the Academic Units in the faculty;
• Oversight and management of the course offerings and curriculum; and
• Leadership and direction to the faculty members.

The successful candidate will be a thoughtful and experienced educator, academic leader, and administrator well-versed in interdisciplinary and innovative curricular practices in higher education; have a record of excellent teaching in the context of the liberal arts; have a record of intellectual or scholarly achievement; have the skills to balance administrative and budgetary imperatives while keeping a focus on a long-term academic vision; be a dynamic and effective communicator; and have earned a PhD or equivalent terminal degree. The candidate will understand and be responsive to an interdisciplinary liberal arts faculty; be open and collaborative; and have a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. 

Applications should consist of a full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications and relevant achievements and should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria in the “Qualifications and

Experience” section of the position profile, why the appointment is of interest, and what they believe they can bring to the role.  Please also indicate your legal entitlement to work in Canada according to the following options: no restrictions or limitations, work permit, study permit, or not entitled to work in Canada.

Quest University is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to employment equity. We represent a diverse community with students representing many countries and a range of identities. We seek candidates who will help further the goal of making Quest an inclusive place and especially welcome applicants from groups that have been traditionally marginalized on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, place of origin, racialized identity, mental or physical disabilities, religion, political belief, marital or family status, age, and/or status as an Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those applicants who make the short list will be contacted.

Inquiries about the AD position may be directed in confidence to the Manager of Human Resources, human.resources@questu.ca.

Application deadline: 17:00 (PST) Friday, May 7, 2021 

Note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the successful candidate may be expected to work remotely until Quest deems it safe for employees and students to return to campus.