Dean, The Creative School

Toronto Metropolitan University

Guided by a bold Academic Plan, an ambitious research agenda, and a Master Plan to revitalize the campus and surrounding neighbourhood, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is among the most applied-to universities in Ontario, and its reputation with business and community leaders continues to rise. TMU offers 128 programs; 60 undergraduate, 45 Master’s, 20 Doctoral, and 4 graduate Diplomas. Culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to approx. 47,000 students, including nearly 3,000 graduate students, over 4,420 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.

For over 75 years, TMU’s The Creative School has offered highly esteemed, top-ranked programs recognized across various industries. Students are immersed in an environment that puts them in close contact with cultural, entrepreneurial, and industry leaders, integrating real-world experiences into every aspect of their educational journey. This dynamic setting not only cultivates leaders but also pioneers those who are ready to innovate and influence the creative landscape globally. The Faculty comprises 6,350 students and 27 programs, over 150 full-time faculty, and over 80 contract lecturers.

It is within this context that Toronto Metropolitan University invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Dean, The Creative School, commencing July 1, 2025, or soon thereafter. This appointment will be for a term of five years and is renewable for a second term as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Relating to Search Committees and Appointments in the Academic Administration (AAA Policy).

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, the Dean, The Creative School (“Dean”) provides academic and administrative leadership to The Creative School and is responsible for its academic programs and quality, budgets, student and personnel matters, and strategic planning. The Dean is assisted by a team of three Associate Deans (Undergraduate Education & Student Affairs, Scholarly Research & Creative Activities, and Graduate Education), and exceptional staff in the Dean’s office. In order to meet the goals of TMU’s Academic Plan, the Dean will be expected to provide exemplary leadership in promoting excellence in teaching, scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activities and supporting experiential learning and studio-based pedagogy, while building positive and collaborative relationships with TMU’s academic units across campus. Working with Departmental Chairs, the Dean must develop a deep understanding of the unique and constantly evolving programs within the Faculty and mobilize the inherent strengths offered through its range and diversity to articulate and advocate for its mission both within and beyond the University. Externally, the Dean will maintain and expand the many positive relationships that exist with alumni and corporates who employ The Creative School graduates and will provide leadership to partnership-building activities and fundraising, in consultation with, and in support of, all of The Creative School’s departments. To fully support the Faculty, the Dean must successfully synthesize and foster the diverse visions and mandates of the nine schools, and promote undergraduate and graduate programs, with the goal of raising its internal, national and international profile, while also supporting and sustaining international activities and partnerships that enhance the Faculty’s global engagement.

As the ideal candidate, you are an exemplary leader with a strong commitment to serving the needs of students and promoting teaching, SRC, program development, and the overall reputation of The Creative School. Candidates must hold a terminal degree, PhD preferred, in a relevant field and a record of academic and scholarly accomplishment. Candidates must hold the rank of associate or full professor. Your career has provided you with an understanding of university-based academic and professional programs, and you have a commitment to nurturing and supporting excellence in experiential and studio-based learning and in multi- and interdisciplinary programs. You bring a successful track record of leading with, and driving vision, adopting the principles of collegial governance or distributive leadership, within a unionized environment. You possess an open and collegial style, outstanding management and interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire a dedicated group of faculty and staff. You cultivate strong relationships with alumni and donors, community partners, and students. A genuine interest in and commitment to students, combined with the ability to be open, accessible, and visible to them, is essential. Leadership style and attributes that will benefit the successful candidate include being consultative and collaborative, having outstanding communication, with strong listening skills. A strong advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and an engaging and respectful problem solver, you possess the leadership skills to foster positive and collaborative relationships with TMU's academic units and ensure ongoing success in an entrepreneurial setting. The ideal candidate embodies what Toronto Metropolitan University is known for: creativity, collegiality, equity, innovation and entrepreneurship, nimbleness, and responsiveness.

Application Information
Please note that once in this position, the successful candidate will be an “associate member” of the Toronto Metropolitan University Faculty Association (TFA) (https://www.tfanet.ca/). The TFA collective agreement can be viewed here; a summary of TFA benefits can be found here.

To apply, or explore this key academic leadership position at Toronto Metropolitan University further, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca)and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca), or visit: https://griffithgroup.ca/tmu-dean-the-creative-school/.

All applications must be received before 5pm ET May 26, 2025.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in expanding our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. TMU is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. To find out more about legal and policy obligations, please visit the accessibility and Human Rights websites.

TMU recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions can contribute to an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions.
Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority in accordance with Canadian immigration regulations.