Dean, Audain Faculty of Art
/ORGANIZATION:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
DEADLINE:
Oct. 31, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Situated on unceded, traditional and ancestral xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories in Vancouver, Canada, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) is where creativity meets practice. Ranked among the world’s top 30 universities for art and design (QS 2024), ECU is recognized globally for its hands-on, practice-based teaching and learning environment that equips students to experiment, take risks, and drive innovation.
Since 1925, ECU has championed bold ideas and emerging talent through a close-knit, studio-intensive setting that connects students with award-winning faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and real-world opportunities. Today, ECU serves more than 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students, along with thousands more through continuing studies, contributing to Canada’s cultural and creative sectors and shaping the future of art, media, design, and research.
As ECU marks its centennial in 2025, the university continues to ask what art and design can make possible. One hundred years in the making, ECU is shaping what comes next.
WEBSITE:
http://www.ecuad.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Dean of the Audain Faculty of Art provides strategic direction and leadership for a faculty that encompasses over 800 students, faculty, staff, and extensive curricular and technical resources. With a focus on practice-based pedagogy, critical inquiry, and material engagement, the Audain Faculty of Art supports a wide range of studio-based and interdisciplinary practices (Ceramics, Drawing, Illustration, New Media, Painting, Performance, Photography, Praxis, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Sound Arts). The Dean is responsible for ensuring academic integrity, quality assurance, fiscal accountability, governance, and administrative direction, while cultivating a culture of collegiality and transformation.
Reporting to the Vice-President, Academic + Provost, this role is critical to advancing ECU’s Strategic Plan, upholding academic and creative excellence, and aligning the Faculty with institutional priorities. As a member of the Academic Leadership Team, the Dean works collaboratively with all Faculties and research/operational areas, contributing to university-wide projects and initiatives. Externally, the Dean serves as an ambassador for ECU in academic, professional, creative, and cultural networks.
The Dean will be a dynamic and imaginative academic leader with experience building strong teams, advancing research and practice, supporting curricular growth, and leading change in ways that are responsive, innovative, and inclusive.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide leadership to overall University vision and strategic priorities as part of the Academic Leadership Team.
Translate strategic vision into operational reality in alignment with ECU’s Strategic Plan.
Foster collaboration through governance, planning, chairing, and participation in internal committees.
Develop a respectful and inclusive culture, embracing contributions from Indigenous, international, multilingual, and cross-cultural students, faculty, and staff.
Represent ECU on external committees and establish institutional community partnerships.
Build strong relationships with students and staff, fostering communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Provide leadership for curricular and pedagogical reform, quality assurance, program review, and academic assessment.
Oversee and maintain ECU’s academic standards, teaching excellence, and student-focused activities.
Support faculty development, retention, recognition, and mentorship.
Ensure accountability with respect to faculty and staff appointments, probation, tenure, promotions, and collective agreements.
Supervise staff, oversee budgets, and participate in strategic planning for capital and equipment requests.
Work with Student Services on admissions, registration, transfer credits, and student-related activities.
Foster a culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
Engage students in decision-making and resolve complex student issues.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MFA or terminal degree in a relevant discipline with a background as a practicing artist or scholar.
Distinguished record of publication, exhibition, or other achievements commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment.
7–10 years’ related experience, including at least 5 years of progressive management and 5 years of teaching in post-secondary education.
Evidence of successful teaching, academic administration, and interdisciplinary pedagogy.
Experience in budget management and strategic planning.
Strong leadership, decision-making, and community engagement skills.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
HOW TO APPLY:
The term of a Dean appointment is three to five years, subject to satisfactory performance, and is renewable. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application (including a statement of interest and qualifications), a curriculum vitae, and supporting materials at https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. Competition closes on Oct. 31, 2025.
ECU encourages applications from equity-deserving groups, including women, gender-diverse persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
REMUNERATION:
$162,938 to $217,251 per annum
