TheCreativeSchool-Dean'sOffice

Posted:

December 19, 2025

Deadline to Apply:

Monday, January 26, 2026

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] invites applications for the position of Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs, at The Creative School. 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.

In recognition of the under-representation of members of equity-deserving groups in academic leadership, 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 providing strategic academic leadership and administrative oversight for the development, coordination, and continuous improvement of undergraduate programs within The Creative School. Responsibilities include managing academic policies and procedures, overseeing curricular administration and Periodic Program Reviews, and addressing student-related matters such as academic appeals and concerns. In collaboration with School/Department Chairs, the role supports the advancement of interdisciplinary curricular initiatives and provides guidance on faculty and student issues. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of, and a sustained commitment to, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of their work, particularly in fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments that support the engagement and success of a diverse student population. The incumbent also facilitates faculty mentorship opportunities in partnership with the Associate Deans of Graduate Studies and International and SRC Activities and Partnerships, and oversees the administration of student awards.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing strategic leadership to promote the overall quality and visibility of undergraduate education, encompassing curriculum and program review/development, student engagement, and community initiatives.
• Supporting student engagement, addressing concerns, and overseeing critical student processes (e.g., academic appeals).
• Leading interdisciplinary curriculum development and innovative pedagogy.
• Overseeing program quality, including Periodic Program Reviews and the mode of curricular delivery.
• Chairing the Faculty Curriculum Committee.
• Supporting faculty members and facilitating the development of mentorship opportunities.
• Providing guidance to Chairs on complex faculty and student issues (acting as the primary resource for policies on course management, curriculum, and student conduct).
• Overseeing the management of awards for both students and faculty.
• Supporting the Academic Clusters and the activities emerging from collaborative activities.
• 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.
• Participating in various initiatives, strategies, goals, policies and priorities.
• Undertaking other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Dean.

Duties will also involve teaching one (1) course per year.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the foundational competencies necessary to thrive in a demanding academic environment. This includes the ability to work effectively and foster collegiality within a team-oriented setting. They must maintain a thorough understanding of the university’s policies, procedures, and collective agreements, and be able to operate effectively within these frameworks.The candidate should bring an inclusive perspective that recognizes the diverse academic units within the Faculty and values their unique contributions to undergraduate education and related initiatives. They will possess an understanding of student engagement; experience with curriculum design and implementation; and familiarity with pedagogical practices, SRC activities, and broader operational issues within the University.

The successful candidate must 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; make data-informed decisions; demonstrated commitment to TMU’s leadership competencies;
• creative, artistic and/or media-making experience and taking an integrative approach to curricular design that synthesizes theory and applied, experiential learning;
• experience with innovation, and a strong commitment to supporting a diverse array of interdisciplinary programs that represents the diversity of The Creative School’s 10 schools/departments;
• a demonstrated commitment to students and the student experience, including a track record of building a vibrant student culture and strengthening curricular and co-curricular engagement;
• experience with, and a strong interest in, curriculum development and renewal; optimizing academic programming; institutional quality assurance and Senate approval processes; supporting Periodic Programme Reviews; and collaborating with faculty to deliver high-quality, relevant, and up-to-date curriculum;
• exceptional interpersonal skills and positive rapport with faculty and students;
• experience mentoring faculty and students, especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous, women, 2SLGBTQ+, racialized, and those with disabilities, and a deep understanding of the barriers that they face in academia;
• familiarity with curriculum design and implementation processes, navigating complex university operational issues, and executing the strategic vision for internationalization initiatives;
• 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; 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.

Prior academic administrative experience (e.g. Program Director and or Chair) and experience in curriculum design and implementation with an interest in how SRC activities can drive curricular innovation and currency would be assets.

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 Monday, January 26, 1159pm:

• a 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
• 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, 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.