Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts

The University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge), Alberta’s Destination University, is a comprehensive and  research-intensive university founded on the principles of liberal education, a place where inspired scholars truly and effectively integrate research, creative activity and performance with teaching. Our University’s work also focuses on fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse campus grounded in the principles of truth and reconciliation. Many world-class researchers, visual, sound and performing artists have made their home here and continue to push the boundaries of their fields supported by outstanding facilities and a thriving graduate and postdoctoral program.   

The University of Lethbridge is seeking a passionate, inclusive and charismatic leader for one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions. Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts is the academic and administrative leader of the Faculty of Fine Arts and has responsibility for enhancing the reputation and profile of the Faculty, and for providing leadership in setting vision and strategy as the Faculty continues to seek ways to differentiate itself in a rapidly changing and complex education environment. The Faculty of Fine Arts has four departments: Art; Drama; Music; and New Media offering programs leading to a range of Bachelors of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelors of Arts, Combined Degrees with other Faculties, and Masters’ degrees.   

Founded in 1967 in Blackfoot Confederacy Territory, we are a place where student engagement is prioritized, and students at all levels are involved in research and creative activities as part of their learning experiences on a daily basis. uLethbridge offers more than 150 successful undergraduate and 60 specialized graduate programs in the faculties of Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, the School of Liberal Education, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Dhillon School of Business, at two campuses – Lethbridge and Calgary – to more than 8,750 students. uLethbridge takes pride in enhancing community engagement and is committed to collaborating with Indigenous peoples and communities to ensure that their partnerships, and ensuing programs, meet the needs of these communities.   

As a visible, approachable, inclusive and decisive member of the senior leadership team of the University, the Dean will lead the Faculty of Fine Arts in an ethical and transparent manner to achieve long term sustainability through continued innovations in programming, collaborations, research and creative directions. As an exceptional relationship-builder, the Dean will play a key role in developing and maintaining strategic relationships internally and external to the Faculty of Fine Arts and the University of Lethbridge. The next Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts must be inspiring and enthusiastic, and a recognized community collaborator with the ability to articulate a vision to internal and external stakeholders.   

Through their ongoing commitment to keeping the University student-focused, faculty-led, research-intensive, and grounded in an equitable and inclusive perspective on liberal education, the Dean will support students and graduates to succeed in their careers and contribute to a better global society. As a passionate advocate for the Faculty, the Dean will promote inclusive excellence and integrity in research, scholarly and creative activity, while fostering a climate that encourages faculty and students to identify and pursue excellence. The Dean will support and demonstrate a record of equity, diversity and inclusion and provide a healthy environment for people of all backgrounds in which to work and study.   

The successful candidate will possess a terminal degree in Fine Arts or an associated field, (MFA, Doctorate or equivalent), and would be seen as an accomplished scholar and passionate fine arts leader and will have proven leadership experience in an academic setting, as a Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair or equivalent. The ideal candidate is community orientated with a proven ability to navigate internal and external interests within and outside of the post-secondary environment. A strong relationship builder, the next Dean for the Faculty of Fine Arts will foster respect, integrity and self-awareness in interpersonal relationships and will advocate for the Faculty of Fine Arts while balancing the various multifaceted demands of the role.   

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a cover letter and CV online via this link: https://uleth.peopleadmin.ca/postings/6048.   

Additionally, for more information about this opportunity, you may send an email in confidence to provost@uleth.ca.   

The finalist candidate(s) will be required to provide references and undergo a confidential background check to verify academic credentials. Review of applications will commence on December 5, 2022, until the position is filled.   

uLethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and representative workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. The University welcomes all applications from qualified candidates including all employment equity groups of Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals and persons of diverse gender and sexual orientation protected under the Alberta Human rights code. In accordance with the Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.