Dean of Arts

Brandon University (BU) is currently accepting applications for the position of Dean of Arts.  We are seeking a collaborative academic leader who will lead the Faculty of Arts of Manitoba’s third largest university. Brandon University campuses are located on Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 territories, the homelands of the Dakota, Anishanabek, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene and the Red River Métis. We at Brandon University acknowledge and respect the history, land and the people of this area.  

Brandon University enjoys a long and storied history as an institution of higher education. First as a college and since 1967 as a University, BU is a mature institution. With faculty from around the world and a strong cohort of international and domestic students, we serve not just our region but Canada and beyond. Brandon University has a strong culture of research, from faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates. Our smaller class size provides opportunities to work with professors that are not readily available in larger institutions. Brandon University recently launched Mamaawii-atooshke aakhihkiwiin, the University’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027, with a bold and ambitious vision to be Canada’s finest regional university.  

Brandon University highly values diversity, inclusion and equity. We are committed to redressing the wrongs of settler colonization inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, and we work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to implement strategies to eliminate educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, in line with the calls to action in the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We welcome diversity in all its forms with the knowledge that more and different voices create a better community.   

Brandon University is committed to improving equity and diversity among University employees and particularly within leadership. In accordance with this commitment, preference will be given to individuals who may contribute to the diversification of the University, especially those who are Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, living with a disability, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Candidates from these groups are encouraged to self-identify.  Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority. Evidence of citizenship must be provided. 

The Position 

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, and working and consulting with internal and external stakeholders, the Dean of Arts is responsible for providing strategic leadership and executing on a shared vision for the Faculty of Arts. The Dean of Arts will provide administrative leadership to the Faculty including academic programs and budgets, mentoring and supporting faculty and staff, and serving on key University committees. The Dean of Arts will collaborate with a diverse and engaged group of faculty, staff and students in a variety of disciplines, and guide the Arts at Brandon University into the future. 

Aligned with the University’s mission, vision and strategic plan, the Dean will develop, lead and manage student-focused education and resources while fostering a positive learning and working culture. The Dean is accountable for building effective and collegial relationships within the Faculty of Arts and among cognate disciplines in the University, with service and academic partners, and with partners in the community. 

The Individual 

As the ideal candidate, you are an engaged and collaborative leader who shares and invites ideas and insights and inspires others in pursuing shared goals. You have an ability to lead within and across a broad range of disciplines, with an understanding of the particular challenges and unique strengths of each. You value the unique benefits of a small university setting, of direct student-to-faculty access, and of educational programming that supports the growth and success of Indigenous learners. As a strong people leader and relationship builder, you are able to manage effective relations with faculty and staff through open and inclusive dialogue, and have the ability to build a strong and collaborative team. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, you have a demonstrated understanding of developing the highest quality of teaching and research.  You have a strong commitment to increasing accessibility, equity, and diversity, and the ability to maintain an inclusive climate that reflects the University’s goals related to EDI and reconciliation. You are a seasoned decision-maker who builds trust with integrity and transparency, with a commitment to collegial governance. You value relationships within, across, and outside the University and actively build and maintain relationships that support University and community goals.  

Experience and Qualifications 

• A doctoral degree in a discipline represented by the Faculty of Arts at Brandon University 
• A record of scholarly activity commensurate with an appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. 
• Experience in a leadership role within a complex academic arts environment.  
• Experience in financial and human resource management, as well as academic labour relations within a unionized environment including working within a negotiated collective agreement context. 
• Experience in leading strategic initiatives or strategic change and executing on strategic plans. 
• Exemplary scholarship with a record of outstanding research achievement. 
• An outstanding record of teaching and student advocacy. 
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to inviting and authentically listening to different cultures, communities, voices, points of view, and perspectives. 
• Proven experience providing faculty mentorship, advocacy and support.  
• A proven record of successful leadership in research, academic planning and program development and implementation. 

How to Apply 

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting opportunity, please apply online at: www.kbrs.ca/Career/16852. For more information, please contact Katherine Frank at kfrank@kbrs.ca or Lauren Wright at lwright@kbrs.ca.  

KBRS will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including any accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require an accommodation to participate as a candidate, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca