Dean, Arts

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders and citizens for the common good.

CUE campus is situated on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton’s historic Highlands neighborhood. Supporting a student body of nearly 3,000, we are known for our small class sizes and our excellence in teaching. Our small classes and diverse student population provide an excellent opportunity for engaging with students in a sustained and nurturing way unique within the Canadian university system. CUE is an institution that values research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and management. Our vision is to become Canada’s preeminent small university.

CUE is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for work, study, and living. We actively promote dignity for all, rejecting action and language that are harmful to mutual respect.

To learn more about CUE’s Faculty of Arts, visit our website: https://concordia.ab.ca/faculty-arts/

ROLE SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Provost & Vice President Academic, the Dean, Arts provides strategic leadership for all academic, research, and administrative functions within the Faculty. The Dean is responsible for ensuring the Faculty's programs across Fine Arts, Literature and Language, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Psychology, and Social Sciences are innovative, sustainable, and aligned with the University’s mission.

The Dean, Arts will implement the academic and administrative policies and decisions of the University to achieve strategic goals and objectives. The successful candidate will promote a high standard of teaching, research, and community service in the context of collaborative teamwork and the growing diversity of faculty, staff, and students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of academic programs, research initiatives, and administrative functions.
• Act as an ambassador for the Faculty and University, promoting CUE’s reputation, mission, and strategic priorities.
• Actively participate and collaborate as a member of senior management in the leadership of the faculty and institution.
• Provide regular updates, including written reports and data collection, to the Vice-President Academic & Provost, and senior administration.

Academic Quality, Curriculum, & Innovation

• Champion faculty research and ensure its relevance to industry, academic, and community needs while supporting the academic mission.
• Lead program innovation, evaluation, and growth by ensuring existing undergraduate and graduate offerings remain high-quality, sustainably enrolled, and aligned with evolving labour market and societal needs, while identifying and developing strategic new academic programs.

Faculty & Operations Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Faculty. Such activities include:
• Lead and support faculty and staff within the Faculty.
• Oversee faculty workload allocation, complement planning, and instructional resourcing across departments.
• Ensure robust academic governance, oversight of student academic appeals, and enhancement of the overall student academic experience.
• Serve as budget control officer for the Faculty, providing strategic financial management, budget planning, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal sustainability and strategic growth within the faculty.
• Lead in a diverse, inclusive and changing environment while engaging others in shaping that environment.

External Relations & Other Support

• Develop and nurture partnerships with external stakeholders such as other post-secondary institutions, international partners, not-for-profit organizations, individuals, accrediting bodies, industry partners, and all levels of government.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• An earned doctorate in a relevant discipline, coupled with a solid record of success as a teacher, researcher, mentor, and administrator who carries an academic appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, is required.
• A minimum of five years of progressive academic leadership and management experience, including program development, review, and renewal, is required.
• Demonstrated success in scholarship, research, mentorship, and academic administration is required.
• Proven ability to build internal and external partnerships, including with government and community organizations, is required.
• Knowledge of Concordia University of Edmonton’s culture, opportunities, challenges, and strategic priorities would be considered an asset.
• Ability to pass a clear criminal background check is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office environment: long periods of sitting and monitor usage.
• Long periods of travelling may be required.
• Attending events: long periods of standing and talking.

APPLICATION:

Please attach the following documents along with your CV:

• Cover letter
• Statement of leadership philosophy

Applications will be reviewed in early January 2027.

Please direct all questions and inquiries to Human Resources at Concordia University of Edmonton [email protected].

Concordia University of Edmonton encourages applications from members of racialized groups, visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and others who may support a diversity of perspectives at CUE. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.