Dean, Faculty of Arts

University of Ottawa

Location: Ottawa, ON

The University of Ottawa pays respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future.

Since its establishment in 1848, and as the largest French-English bilingual university in the world, the University of Ottawa remains a major research university where scholarship and knowledge are foundational to a global reputation for excellence in research and academic programs. The University boasts over $480m in annual research revenue and is home to over 48,000 students enrolled in 550 academic programs. It is also home to the fifth largest co-op program among Canadian universities. With 148 countries represented on its campuses in Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor, the University of Ottawa is a vibrant centre of learning where a variety of cultures and perspectives come together to create a truly unique educational experience. The University community directly reflects Canada’s diversity, bilingualism, and spirit of openness.

As one of the oldest and largest faculties at the University of Ottawa, the Faculty of Arts has established itself as a leading institution with 13 buildings spread across campus. It encompasses 17 units within three key areas: Humanities, Languages and Literatures, and Fine and Performing Arts. The Faculty is home to close to 200 full-time faculty members dedicated to educating more than 4,000 undergraduate and 700 graduate students.

In response to an ever-evolving society, the Faculty is focused on key strategic priorities: reimagining programs, attracting and supporting students, promoting la Francophonie, and research. Its mission is to foster a dynamic community of students, artists, thinkers, and innovators committed to generating new ideas, tackling contemporary challenges, and deepening the understanding of the world’s diverse cultures, languages, and environments.

The University of Ottawa is seeking a Dean of the Faculty of Arts who will be responsible for all aspects of the Faculty’s operations, including budget and fund development, research, undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, developing and supporting faculty members and administrative staff as well as continuing or developing strong relationships with the Faculty’s many partners.

The successful candidate must be bilingual (French and English), possess a Ph.D. and demonstrate a record of outstanding senior academic leadership in education or a related field. The candidate must demonstrate a deep commitment to, and provide strong support for, reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenous values. In addition, the Dean should have knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of education in a bilingual minority setting. Finally, the Dean must demonstrate a strong unifying leadership style and foster collaborative initiatives across faculties, promoting interdisciplinary approaches that enhance academic excellence and address complex societal challenges.

Applications, or expressions of interest may be submitted in confidence to Eric Lathrop and Maja Messam at Boyden at mmessam@boyden.com.

The University of Ottawa and Boyden provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting Boyden at elathrop@boyden.com. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, administrative staff, and faculty members. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 176-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to all employees and to their spouses in their second official language.