Dean of Arts

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the traditional territory of Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, and Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe nations; lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7, and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

The University of Alberta (U of A) is one of Canada’s top teaching and research-intensive universities, with an international reputation for excellence. Home to more than 39,000 students (with over 7,600 graduate students enrolled in more than 500 graduate programs in 300 research disciplines) from 100 countries, the University attracts over $500 million in annual research funding.

The U of A’s Faculty of Arts is one of the most diverse Arts faculties in Canada, comprised of 15 departments, two interdisciplinary units, and 13 research institutes and centres within Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Faculty and teaching staff ignite creativity and innovation in their 7,000 undergraduate and 675 graduate students. Home to nine Canada Research Chairs, a Canada 150 Chair, 41 Royal Society of Canada members, and eight 3M National Teaching Fellows, the Faculty of Arts is known globally for its research and teaching excellence and for the rich diversity of its programs. The Faculty is Indigenizing and decolonizing its programs and continues to focus on promoting systemic equity, including racial equity, towards the achievement of substantive forms of diversity. The many changes unfolding in the University, province, and society create a unique and exciting opportunity for the incoming Dean. The Dean will lead with clarity and conviction, advancing the Faculty on all fronts, and growing its impact locally, nationally, and globally.

Reporting to the Provost & Vice-President (Academic), the Dean is accountable for the strategic vision and academic quality and integrity of the Faculty’s programs and operations. Engaged in fundraising efforts and outreach, the Dean is a vocal advocate for the value of an arts education. They will support faculty members in the pursuit of their scholarly activities and will encourage and promote their ongoing advancement and development. As the Faculty navigates restructuring to a shared services model, the Dean will listen carefully, act transparently, and make evidence-based decisions. Fostering an equitable and inclusive culture will be at the core of the Dean’s role.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent scholar appointable to the rank of full professor and will have significant administrative experience earned in a complex academic environment. Highly collegial and collaborative, the successful candidate will bring exceptional communications skills, well-developed networks (nationally and internationally), and have a strong orientation to relationship building, both inside the University and externally. In addition, a track record of leading through change and enabling faculty, teaching and support staff to flourish is essential. The Dean will bring a lens that celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusivity. An active champion for the Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the new Dean will bring energy, enthusiasm, and passion to the role.

The University of Alberta is committed to fostering equitable, diverse, and inclusive work and learning spaces and looks forward to receiving applications from candidates who can contribute to the further diversification of ideas in the Faculty of Arts. We welcome applications from all qualified persons, and encourage First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and women to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and University of Alberta throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Applications are encouraged immediately at https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/17346. The Committee will begin considering candidates in November 2021, with the new Dean to take office in the summer of 2022. To submit a nomination or learn more, please write to ualbertaarts@odgersberndtson.com