Dean, Faculty of Design

OCAD University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

OCAD University seeks an experienced Dean for the Faculty of Design to lead in fostering equitable impact through innovative design practices. The role includes overseeing educational programs, promoting collaboration within the academic community, and emphasizing decolonization, sustainability, and social justice. Ideal candidates will have extensive leadership experience in higher education and a strong design background.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in higher education required.
• Commitment to decolonization and social justice essential.
• Experience with budget management and fundraising necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee educational and research development.
• Collaborate with other faculty deans.
• Promote effective management of academic programs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Facilitation

Negotiation

Education

Advanced degree in design or related discipline

Job description

Dean, Faculty of Design - Toronto, ON

20 / 09 / 23, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious, and compassionate artists, designers, and scholars dedicated to creating a joyful, equitable, and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation, and arts administration, embracing collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum, and research. This makes OCAD U a leader at local, regional, national, and global levels.

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and the Huron-Wendat, the original land custodians.

Students benefit from hands-on studio learning in small classrooms, with access to state-of-the-art shops and studios for traditional and digital creation. Alongside a diverse and supportive team of instructors and peers, students develop employable skills. Graduates work across sectors such as advertising, urban planning, environmental design, gaming, film, animation, publishing, illustration, graphic and product design, visual arts, and arts administration.

The university seeks a new Dean to lead the Faculty of Design, aiming to foster equitable impact and bolster influence at all levels through design. The Dean will report to the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, and will oversee educational and research development, community and institutional partnerships, student experience, and alignment with the university’s strategic priorities. A focus on decolonization, equity, and sustainability is essential.

The Dean will collaborate with other faculty deans and promote effective management of academic programs, research, outreach, and university life. The role requires profound expertise and experience in design, with a strong background in a studio-based environment, recognized as a leader in the field. A substantial record in teaching, research, and professional practice across relevant program areas is necessary to advance equitable impact.

Ideal candidates will have proven leadership in higher education, advocacy for faculty and programs, curricular development, and administrative skills. Commitment to decolonization, sustainability, and social justice is critical, with the ability to embed these principles into academic and organizational practices. The candidate should be caring, compassionate, and skilled in mentoring, communication, problem-solving, facilitation, and negotiation. Experience in budget management and fundraising is also required. An advanced degree in design or a related discipline, or equivalent, is expected.

If you are passionate about shaping the next generation of creatives within a forward-looking academic environment, we invite you to apply. Questions can be directed to Mike Young. To apply, please visit our website.

OCAD U values diversity and recognizes the importance of diverse creative practices and knowledge. We are committed to employment equity and encourage applications from women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Self-identification within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire is encouraged.

Priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized and Indigenous applicants who self-identify, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, to address under-representation.

We are committed to an inclusive, accessible application process. Requests for accommodations can be made at any recruitment stage. Please contact People & Culture for assistance or refer to our Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.