Dean, Interdisciplinary Studies

Royal Roads University was established in 1995 as a public, applied research university, and for more than 25 years, Royal Roads has delivered programs that call on students to transform themselves – and the world around them.  At Royal Roads, full-time students, working professionals and lifelong learners find opportunities and skills to create positive change in their careers and communities, and on the global stage.  We pioneered the blended learning model in Canada—a unique contribution to the post-secondary landscape that allows our students to learn at their convenience while staying connected to their communities. Our progressive model of applied education and practice meets students where they are, delivering on-line and in-person certificate and diploma programs along with professional graduate and undergraduate degree programs, and two applied research doctorates.  Royal Roads University is a member of the Research Universities Council of BC (RUCBC), and in 2017, Ashoka University named Royal Roads a Changemaker Campus, one of more than 40 dynamic global universities and colleges committed to social innovation at their own schools and beyond. We are proud of the vital role we play in shaping tomorrow’s leaders and in finding new ways to meet our world’s increasingly complex challenges, and our students and alumni consistently describe our programs as life-changing experiences. 

We are currently seeking a collaborative, innovative and strategic leader to serve as the inaugural Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies.  The is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop a new Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies.

The Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies is a key position in the University’s senior academic leadership.  Reporting to the Vice-President, Academic and Provost (VPAP), the Dean will be responsible for effective academic and administrative leadership, quality of programs, teaching and learning, and the overall student experience within a new Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies.  Through strong academic leadership and strategic management processes, the Dean will ensure academic excellence and continuous improvement in existing programming, new program development, and research.  The Dean will also ensure the faculty and staff contribute to the University mandate, vision, mission, goals and values.  These goals and values will be pursued through a strong focus on academic quality, excellent teaching, innovative curricula, exemplary applied research, and a commitment to the University’s Learning, Teaching and Research Model.

As a member of the senior Academic Leadership Team, the Dean provides academic leadership and administrative oversight to help meet the operational and strategic goals of the Faculty.  The Dean is expected to articulate the vision and mission of the University to both internal and external constituencies to enhance the reputation of the University.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing vision, leadership and management to the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies
• Promoting innovation and academic quality in design and delivery of Faculty of Interdisciplinary programs
• Promoting a collaborative, collegial and productive research culture that fosters and enables excellence in research and scholarship
• Commitments to Indigenization and to equity, diversity and inclusion in teaching, learning, research and Faculty operations
• Contributing to strategic planning, program coordination, business development and policy development
• Providing leadership to align resources and support the Faculty of Interdisciplinary
• Managing the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies budget
• Representing the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies externally to advance the University’s profile and reputation

This appointment is for an initial five-year term, with an opportunity for renewal.

Job Requirements

• Doctoral degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in senior academic administrative leadership in a post-secondary environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Teaching and research experience at the post-secondary level, and a champion of interdisciplinary, experiential, participatory and innovative approaches to learning, teaching and research
• Proven ability to contribute at the strategic and the operational levels for organizational growth and development
• Demonstrated leadership ability, mentorship and change-management skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders, internally and externally

If you have questions about this position, please contact VPA.Provost@royalroads.ca .  Please see the attachment for the detailed Role Profile .

Review of applications will begin June 3, 2024. 

Additional Information This is a regular, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week. This position has been evaluated at EM-B with a salary range of $181,558 (minimum) to $213,598 (midpoint) to $245,637 (maximum) per annum. Employment offers will normally be made between the minimum and midpoint of the range and are determined by knowledge, experience and internal equity. The University is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefit package.Royal Roads University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our faculty and staff including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

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