Chair in Philanthropy, School of Public Policy and Administration

Carleton University

About the Position
Fields of Specialization: Philanthropy; Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Academic Unit: School of Public Policy and Administration
Category of Appointment: Associate Professor
Rank/Position Title: Chair in Philanthropy
Start Date: July 1, 2026 or as soon as possible after that date
Closing Date: October 15, 2025

The Faculty of Public and Global Affairs at Carleton University invites applications from qualified candidates for Canada’s first Chair in Philanthropy, associated with the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership graduate program, School of Public Policy and Administration. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Associate Professor (Tenure Track).

The Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership graduate program at the School of Public Policy and Administration seeks an exceptional scholar specializing in philanthropy and nonprofit research to be a leader in advancing the field in Canada and internationally. The successful candidate is expected to develop a high-quality, impactful research program related to philanthropy and the charitable and nonprofit sector. The position is open to a diversity of disciplines and a variety of research agendas that contribute to understanding: philanthropic behaviour and culture; philanthropic institutions and their role in supporting social change or climate action; volunteering and volunteerism; nonprofit organizations and management; ethical issues in the sector; funding, fundraising and grantmaking; professional practice in the sector; and/or charity regulation and public policy. Interest in research in a Canadian or comparative context and the ability to use big data would be assets. The Chair is expected to engage with professional and philanthropic communities and participate in international research networks.

As the first Chair in Philanthropy in Canada, the successful candidate will be a research leader who can help build this field of scholarship across the country in collaboration with sector organizations and other researchers. The Chair is funded by a consortium of individuals and is not named for a specific individual or family.

About the Academic Unit
Established in 2013, the Master and Diploma of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL/DPNL) is the only graduate program of its kind in Canada. The MPNL is delivered in a two-week, executive-style Summer Institute and through online courses to cohorts of 30-35 students who are a mix of aspiring and experienced professionals. The research-intensive MPNL faculty lead major projects including work on justice and systems-change philanthropy, women in philanthropy, the Charity Insights Canada Project (https://carleton.ca/cicp-pcpob/), and a transatlantic study on trust and accountability in charities. Canada provides a rich data environment in this field including easily accessible charity tax data and the national research data centre housed on campus. Please visit the MPNL website (https://carleton.ca/mpnl) for more information about its research leadership and the SPPA website (https://carleton.ca/sppa/) for information about the interdisciplinary School and its many graduate programs.

The program is housed in the interdisciplinary School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA), a national leader for over 80 years in research and preparing students for careers of leadership and meaningful contribution across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. SPPA offers a PhD and a range of professionally-relevant academic programs that balance theory and practice, tradition and innovation. We offer an energizing intellectual environment, an expansive community of scholars and practitioners, as well as a welcoming culture that respects and supports diverse perspectives.

Qualifications
The position requires:

A track record of high-quality, scholarly, peer-reviewed research on issues relating to philanthropy, charities and nonprofits;
A PhD in a relevant discipline;
A record of success in attracting external research funding;
Experience attracting, supervising, and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows;
Capacity to attract, develop and build relationships with sector leaders, the MPNL Advisory Council, public officials and other researchers in university and professional settings;
A track record of mobilizing research for non-academic audiences;
Willingness to assume a leadership role in the MPNL program;
A teaching record that suggests a capacity for outstanding teaching contributions at the graduate level with instruction delivered online and in-person executive-style; and
Willingness and potential for development and teaching of professional development courses.
Application Instructions
Applications must be sent electronically to PhilanthropyChair@carleton.ca in a single PDF file.

Complete applications will include:

a signed letter of application;
curriculum vitae;
three publications;
and a five-page statement describing (1) the proposed research program including research objectives, potential contribution to knowledge, and methods; (2) the training and mentoring plan; and (3) experience and/or future plans to help advance the university’s EDI action plan (https://carleton.ca/edi-plan/).
Applicants invited to an interview will be asked to have three reference letters sent separately at that time.

Please indicate in your application if you are currently legally eligible to work in Canada.
Questions regarding the position should be sent to the attention of Dr. Josh Greenberg, Associate Dean (Research and Graduate) and Chair of the Selection committee, Carleton University at odfpga@carleton.ca

We invite all applicants to provide an optional Career Interruption Statement outlining any career interruptions https://carleton.ca/deputyprovost/career-interruptions-special-circumstances-statement-tiers-1-and-2/.

About Carleton University
Located in Ottawa, Carleton is an innovative research and teaching institution with a tradition of leading change. Internationally recognized academics, staff, and researchers engage more than 31,000 students in over 100 programs of study. Carleton has long been known for promoting research excellence and connectedness and is involved in partnerships around the globe. Our proximity to government and cultural institutions, media, and a thriving knowledge economy make Carleton and Ottawa a great place to work, learn, and live. Our picturesque campus is fully accessible and, along with award-winning student services, Carleton’s Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities has been heralded as the gold standard for disability support services in Canada. Learn more about our university and the city of Ottawa at https://carleton.ca/deputyprovost/jobs/.

Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including but not limited to: women and gender equity-seeking groups; racialized individuals; Indigenous Peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation and/or gender expression. Furthermore, Carleton understands that career paths vary and interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process. We invite you to review our revitalized Indigenous strategy, Kinàmàgawin at https://carleton.ca/indigenousinitiatives/cu-files/kinamagawin/ and visit our Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities at http://carleton.ca/equity for information about our commitment to leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Accessibility is a university strategic priority and applicants selected for an interview who require accommodations are invited to contact the Chair as soon as possible to ensure that appropriate arrangements may be made.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.