Dean, Faculty of Culture + Community
/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 we mark our centennial in 2025, ECU continues to ask what art and design can make possible. 100 years in the making, we are shaping what comes next.
WEBSITE:
http://www.ecuad.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Community provides strategic direction and leadership for one of ECU’s core academic areas, encompassing first-year curriculum, practice-based research, community engagement, critical studies, and the humanities. The Faculty supports undergraduate and graduate students across programs including the Foundation program, the major in Critical and Cultural Practice, the minor in Social Practice and Community Engagement, and a range of bridge and graduate offerings. The Dean is responsible for academic integrity, quality assurance, fiscal accountability, governance, and administrative direction.
Reporting to the Vice-President Academic + Provost, the Dean advances ECU’s Strategic Plan, strengthens academic and creative excellence, and aligns the Faculty’s work with institutional priorities. As part of the Academic Leadership Team, the Dean partners with other Faculties and operational areas to support institution-wide initiatives and represents ECU externally in academic, professional, cultural, and community networks.
The Dean will be a collaborative academic leader with experience building strong teams, expanding research and critical studies, enriching curriculum, and guiding change in inclusive, socially engaged, and impactful ways.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Contribute to overall University vision and strategic priorities as a member of the Academic Leadership Team
Translate strategic vision into operational reality and adapt based on data and the Strategic Plan
Foster collaboration through governance, planning, and participation in committees
Develop a respectful culture that embraces contributions from diverse communities, including Indigenous, international, and multilingual students, faculty, and staff
Represent ECU on external committees and establish partnerships
Build strong relationships with students and staff across the University
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and remove barriers to joint initiatives
Provide leadership for curricular reform, program review, and academic assessment
Oversee policies, procedures, and academic standards, ensuring excellence in teaching and student activities
Align undergraduate and graduate programs and credit and non-credit offerings
Mentor and support Faculty as educators, practitioners, and researchers
Promote recruitment, retention, development, and recognition of faculty members
Maintain positive labour relations and ensure accountability under the Collective Agreement
Supervise staff and oversee evaluation procedures
Assist with budget preparation, monitoring, and oversight of faculty budgets
Participate in capital, equipment, and space utilization planning
Collaborate with Student Services on admissions, credit transfers, waivers, and work-integrated learning opportunities
Work with other University departments to ensure effective academic and administrative support
Foster a culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and recommend improvements
Engage with students, prioritize their involvement, and address grade appeals and complaints
Perform other duties related to academic excellence
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education + Experience
Terminal degree (Master’s or Doctoral level) in a relevant academic discipline
Distinguished record of publication, exhibition, or equivalent achievement for tenure appointment
7–10 years’ related experience, with at least 5 years progressive management in post-secondary education
Minimum 5 years successful teaching in post-secondary education
Experience with interdisciplinary art, design, and media education models
Ability to support studio, critical studies, and humanities curriculum and pedagogy
Leadership in academic administration, management, decision-making, and community involvement
Understanding of accreditation standards for professional programs
Skills + Competencies
Deep understanding of critical thinking, writing, and practice-based pedagogy
Strong communication and collaboration skills across diverse communities
Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and team-building skills
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation
Effective decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Proven change leadership and people leadership ability
Capacity to promote excellence in art and design education in line with ECU’s mission and vision
HOW TO APPLY:
The term of a Dean appointment is three to five years, renewable upon satisfactory performance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, statement of interest and qualifications, curriculum vitae, and supporting materials at https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. Competition closes Oct. 31, 2025.
Emily Carr University invites applications from candidates committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and particularly encourages applications from historically marginalized groups, including women, persons with diverse gender identities, persons of all sexual orientations, 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
