TheCreativeSchool-Dean'sOffice

Posted:

November 24, 2025

Deadline to Apply:

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Please note, we are accepting applications from internal candiates only at this time.

Located in downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada and on the territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee**and the Wendat Peoples, The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University [www.torontomu.ca] (formerly Ryerson University) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean, Scholarly, Research and Creative (SRC) Activities and Partnerships. The successful candidate will be appointed for a five-year term commencing July 1, 2026, with the possibility of renewal of up to one additional five year term.

During the term of appointment as Associate Dean, the incumbent shall be an “associate member” of the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association [TFA] in accordance with the TFA Collective Agreement. The processes related to the recruitment and selection of the successful candidate for the Associate Dean position are governed by the Appointment of Academic Administrators Policy and Procedures (the “AAA Policy”). Consistent with other senior university appointments, the successful candidate will receive an administrative stipend for the period of appointment as Associate Dean.

Applications from those who self-identify as one or more of the following groups are particularly encouraged: First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense.

Under the general direction of the Dean, this role is responsible for promoting the vision and importance of SRC across The Creative School, the University, and with strategic partners both nationally and internationally. Key responsibilities include supporting all SRC initiatives and the core SRC services team, developing and implementing strategies to enhance research and creative excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, nurturing a vibrant culture of SRC, and supporting partnerships that expand the reach and impact of SRC activities. The role also involves providing guidance to academic units, championing research and creative initiatives, and demonstrating a strong commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) across research, teaching, and service.

The Associate Dean, SRC Activities and Partnerships will provide direction and support to the various academic units in the Faculty and act as a steward for new research-based and creative initiatives. The successful candidate must have the ability to function effectively in a team-oriented environment, fostering productive relationships with pre-tenure faculty, tenured faculty, students, staff and industry partners. Highly-organized and efficient, the Associate Dean works within the University's policies, procedures and collective agreements to assume a perspective that is inclusive of the diverse areas within The Creative School.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• In consultation with the Dean, developing and implementing a strategy to enhance and support existing faculty scholarly, research and creative activities, including that of the Research Chairs.
• Developing an SRC-focused agenda in alignment with the Dean’s strategic priorities, The Creative School’s Strategic Research Plan and the broader TMU Strategic Research Plan that will help increase funding and support a diverse range of projects.
• Developing SRC initiatives as well as research and creative partnerships with industry partners, government, community groups and other universities that advance the strategic priorities of The Creative School.
• Cultivating and supporting partnerships? including long-term, sustainable community-based relationships with Indigenous partners? that expand the reach and impact of ?The Creative School's SRC activities and local Academic Plan globally and nationally.
• Providing leadership in advancing and committing to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in all SRC policies and activities, including but not limited to the University’s commitment to challenge anti-Black racism and all other forms of discrimination.
• Promoting the development of interdisciplinary SRC activities.
• Providing oversight over the SRC services team and The Catalyst.
• Working closely and collaboratively with Dean’s Office Directors and Associate Directors in promoting the various SRC accomplishments of the Faculty and evaluating existing practices, services, and facilities to address SRC needs.
• Liaising with the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and advising and assisting the Dean as well the Faculty's leadership team with respect to the formulation and implementation of the Faculty's Academic Plan, as well as the Faculty's Strategic Research Plan.
• Consulting with Graduate Program Directors and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and International to provide support for graduate students in their SRC endeavours.
• On behalf of the Dean, attending other relevant Faculty and University committee meetings, and representing the Faculty’s plans, views, opinions and concerns in all areas related to relevant academic programs and student experience.
• Supporting the Academic Clusters and the SRC activities emerging from collaborative activities.
• Participating in various initiatives, strategies, goals, policies and priorities as advised by the Dean.
• Undertaking other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Dean.

Teaching duties will involve one (1) course per year.

The successful candidate will have a passion for Scholarly, Research and Creative work, an interest in innovative and unique approaches to SRC, and a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity of work. This is an administrative appointment for a dynamic and visionary individual who is open to exploring and challenging traditional notions of scholarly research. The successful candidate will nurture a culture of SRC, its activities and support the pursuit of excellence in all areas.

The successful candidate will be a tenured faculty member who holds a terminal degree and demonstrates excellence in teaching, SRC and service activities and will further present evidence of:

• An ability to be a visionary, empathetic and collaborative leader with superior organizational and people skills; demonstrated commitment to TMU’s leadership competencies;
• A proven record of strong SRC output and of fostering SRC activities, including attracting funding;
• creative, artistic and/or media-making experience;
• Experience with innovation, and a strong commitment to supporting a diverse array of research practices and output that represents the diversity of The Creative School’s 10 Schools/Department;
• Excellent negotiation skills to undertake discussions with potential funders and research partners;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and positive rapport with faculty and students;
• Experience mentoring faculty and students, especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or People of Colour, and a deep understanding of the barriers that they face in SRC;
• Familiarity with pedagogical practices, SRC, and operational issues in the University;
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) including an understanding of EDI principles and evidence of application of those principles, or clearly defined plans of how EDI principles will be applied and promoted in research and teaching;
• A commitment to excellence in teaching and learning;
• Prior academic administrative experience would be an asset;
• Experience in curriculum design and implementation would be an asset; and
• An ability and willingness to work effectively in a team-oriented, unionized environment and to assume and maintain a broad perspective that is inclusive of the diverse units within the Faculty.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application online via the Faculty Recruitment Portal [https://hr.cf.torontomu.ca/ams/faculty/] . Applications, consisting of the following, must be received by December 18, 2025:

• A 2-3 page letter of application outlining:
  • your interest in the position and how it aligns with your qualifications and career aspirations
  • your professional qualifications and achievements as an administrator, educator, and researcher
  • your vision statement based on your understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in this role
  • how your practices and planned activities will align with and actively support the? priorities set out in the university’s? Strategic ?Research Plan
• An EDIA statement outlining your successful approaches to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and how you would apply those in this role; and
• A curriculum vitae demonstrating your academic and professional record and skills.

Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to Adriana Manni (adriana.manni@torontomu.ca), Operations Manager, The Creative School.

For any confidential accommodation needs in order to participate in the recruitment and selection process and/or inquiries regarding accessing the Recruitment Portal, please contact vpfa@torontomu.ca.