###FCS, Disability Studies

Posted:

April 7, 2026

Deadline to Apply:

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

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 School of Disability Studies in the Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University [www.torontomu.ca] (formerly Ryerson University) invites applications for the position of Director. The appointment as Chair shall be for a term of five years (subject to a majority vote for continuation in the role in year 3), commencing July 1, 2026 with the possibility of renewal for an additional three or five-year term.

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.

The duties and responsibilities of Chairs and Directors are laid out in detail in article 26.1.E. of the Toronto Metropolitan University Faculty Association Collective Agreement. Reporting to the Dean and guided by the mission to advance the profile of the School, the Director will be a visionary and inclusive leader committed to providing exemplary academic and administrative leadership in the areas of academic programs, students, supporting faculty colleagues, stewardship of human and financial resources and participating actively in the intellectual life of the School, the Faculty, and the University, through collaboration internally and externally within the community and with other academic institutions and the industry.

As a tenure stream faculty member, the successful candidate will be supported in their engagement of teaching, scholarly research or creative activity and service duties while maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and collegial work environment across all activities.

The successful candidate will be a tenured faculty member who holds subject matter expertise in the field of Disability Studies and demonstrates excellence in teaching, SRC and service activities and will further present evidence of:

• an ability to be a visionary, strategic, collaborative and inclusive leader
• well developed and/or emerging interest in cultivating and maintaining community partnerships to support community-based research and workplace learning.;
• strong communication, organizational and relationship and consensus building skills;
• well developed and/or emerging interest/commitment to understanding of the university governance structure and the internal and external factors affecting the university sector;
• a capacity to provide effective academic and administrative leadership, including stewardship of human and financial resources;
• strong, active track record of scholarly and/or creative activities;
• proven track record of teaching excellence;
• an ability for strategic planning, visioning, and actioning/implementation;
• a commitment to building an inclusive and supportive environment for quality student life and engagement;
• proactive support and demonstrated abilities with faculty mentoring and professional development, particularly for pre-tenure faculty and faculty from under-represented communities;
• a commitment to leading and supporting a rich diversity of curriculum;
• a commitment to upholding the values of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as it pertains to service, teaching, and scholarly, research or creative activities.

##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 byApril 29th, 2026:

• a curriculum vitae;

• a letter of interest outlining a vision for the portfolio for the next 3 to 5 years, including a statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion

##Working at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)

Serving a highly diverse student population of over 45,000, with 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs built on the integration of theoretical and practical learning and distinguished by a professionally focussed curriculum with a strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and creative activities, TMU is a vibrant, urban university known for its culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, community engagement and city-building through its award-winning architecture.

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. At TMU, we believe that equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to this path; our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Dedicated to a people first culture, TMU is proud to rank number one on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity. We invite you to explore the range of benefits and supports available to faculty, including access to our diverse faculty and staff networks. Visit us on X (previously known as Twitter): @torontomet, @VPFAtorontomet and @TorontoMetHR, and our LinkedIn page.

TMU is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. To find out more about legal and policy obligations please visit the Accessibility and Human Rights websites.

##About the Faculty of Community Services

The Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University [www.torontomu.ca/fcs] is a community of innovators, creators, collaborators, scholars, designers, planners and practitioners who understand and care about multiple perspectives.

We strive to impact individuals and communities to propel positive and enduring change. With passion, rigour and curiosity, we develop knowledge for action, prepare students to address complex social and ecological challenges, and work to create a just society by working with communities.

##About the School of Disability Studies

The School of Disability Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University provides a transformative, degree completion/post-diploma full-time and part-time Bachelor of Arts program. The School emphasizes flexible, accessible learning through online and hybrid delivery, integrating theory, research, rights and justice frameworks, and engagement with disability communities. Students develop critical analysis, advocacy, communication, and leadership skills to advance equity, inclusion, and social change in interpersonal, community, and structural contexts. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across a wide range of disability-related fields, including policy, community development, education, public service, and the arts, while some pursue further advanced studies. Faculty and curriculum draw on scholarly, activist, and artistic perspectives, ensuring that learning is relevant, innovative, and grounded in lived experience.

Additional information about the School of Disability Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University can be found here: School of Disability Studies

##Contacts

Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to Dr. Kiaras Gharabaghi, Dean, Faculty of Community Services.

Candidates who belong to one or more of the equity-deserving groups recognized at TMU are welcome to contact Debbie Thompson [debbie.thompson@torontomu.ca], Executive Director, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion [www.torontomu.ca/equity].

Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about working at Toronto Metropolitan University are welcome to contact James McKay, Indigenous Human Resources Lead at indigenous@torontomu.ca.

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.