Dean, Health, Community and Education

Mount Royal University Career Services; Calgary; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Calgary is seeking a Dean for Health, Community and Education to provide visionary leadership across various academic disciplines. The successful candidate will contribute to strategic planning and lead operational advancements in academic programs and community partnerships. This role prioritizes candidates with strong academic leadership and demonstrated experience in engagement and curriculum development. A hybrid work model is offered along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package

Paid vacation and personal days

Health and dental benefits

Qualifications

• Demonstrated strategic academic leadership experience in a university or post-secondary environment.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, budgeting, faculty development, and external engagement.
• Experience with accreditation, curriculum renewal, academic governance, and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to the Faculty spanning human services, health, wellness, education.
• Oversee strategic, academic, operational, and financial activities of the Faculty.
• Lead the strategic and operational advancement of academic programs and community partnerships.

Job description

Dean, Health, Community and Education

Job Type: Limited Term

Union: Union

Management: Management

Position Classification: MDEAN Dean

Salary Grade: FT or PT

Work Mode: Hybrid

About This Position

Reporting to the Provost and Vice‑President, Academic, the Dean provides visionary leadership to a diverse and interdisciplinary Faculty that spans human services, health, wellness, education, and related fields. The Dean, Health, Community and Education is the senior academic and administrative leader of the Faculty and plays a critical role in shaping and advancing Mount Royal University’s commitment to academic excellence, research, community engagement, and inclusive education.

The Dean, Health, Community and Education is responsible for leading the strategic and operational advancement of the Faculty’s academic programmes, research initiatives, and community partnerships. As a key member of the University’s academic leadership team, the Dean actively contributes to institution‑wide planning and policy development, while ensuring alignment between Faculty priorities and the University’s broader mission, values, and strategic goals. The Dean will contribute to strategic priorities outlined in the Academic Plan, including initiatives such as strengthening general education, expanding experiential learning, developing new academic programmes, and major capital planning.

The Dean, Health, Community and Education oversees the strategic, academic, operational, and financial activities of the Faculty. They provide high‑level leadership in academic planning, budget development, curriculum renewal, faculty recruitment, and external partnership building.

Informed by the Faculty’s vision and Mount Royal University’s strategic priorities, the Dean, Health, Community and Education is responsible for articulating the Faculty’s annual goals and ensuring alignment with university‑wide initiatives and the Division of Academic Affairs. The Dean plays a central role in institutional governance and serves on numerous internal and external committees. This role involves frequent collaboration with units such as human resources, faculty relations, research services, finance, enrolment and student services, and community engagement.

The Dean, Health, Community and Education represents the Faculty to a wide range of external stakeholders, including professional associations, regulatory bodies, ministries, Indigenous and community organisations, and health‑sector bodies. The Dean is also a key driver of strategic partnerships, research, and community‑engaged scholarship. As a senior leader, the Dean, Health, Community and Education promotes and models inclusive leadership, academic excellence, and a student‑centred culture across all areas of responsibility.

As the ideal candidate, you will bring demonstrated strategic academic leadership experience in a university or post‑secondary environment. You will have demonstrated success in strategic planning, budgeting, faculty development, academic programme management, and external engagement. You should also possess experience with accreditation, curriculum renewal, academic governance, and policy development; as well as proven ability to foster community partnerships, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and support research. You should hold a doctoral degree or terminal degree in a discipline relevant to the Faculty; and have academic qualifications and teaching/research experience suitable for appointment at the rank of Professor (preferred) or Associate Professor (required). A demonstrated understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, indigenization of curriculum, and creating and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities will be important to carry out the vision for the institution and Faculty.

Application Note

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and others currently legally authorised to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid‑sized university in 2009. A student‑focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top‑calibre programmes, high‑quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full‑time and 4,030 part‑time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU’s Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post‑secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognise that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programmes encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.

How to apply to this job

If you’re interested in applying to this opportunity, please email Lane Miller (Senior Associate, DHR Global) at [e-mail] with your CV and Cover Letter expressing your intent to apply.