Dean, Faculty of Health Studies

Brandon University is a leader in providing high quality education in arts, sciences, education, music, and health studies. Based in southwestern Manitoba, Brandon University also offers pre-professional and Masters programs, as well as innovative and award-winning outreach programs in a personalized learning environment.

Brandon University (BU) is currently accepting applications for the position of Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies. We are seeking a collaborative academic leader who will lead the Faculty of Health Studies of Manitoba’s third largest university. Brandon University campuses are located on Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 territories, and are gathering places for people from many backgrounds and from around the world.  In this way, we carry on the Indigenous customs of our home in Brandon, which is the traditional shared territory between the Dakota, Anishanabek, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. Today, many other Indigenous people call Brandon their home, including the Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene and Inuit.  We at Brandon University acknowledge and respect the history, land, plants, animals, and the people of this area.

Brandon University enjoys a long and storied history as an institution of higher education. First as a college and since 1967 as a University, BU is a mature institution. With faculty from around the world and a strong cohort of international and domestic students, we serve not just our region but Canada and beyond. Brandon University has a strong culture of research from faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students. Our smaller class sizes provide opportunities to work with professors that are not readily available in larger institutions. Mamaawii-atooshke aakhihkiwiin, Brandon University’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027, puts forward a bold and ambitious vision to be Canada’s finest regional university.

Brandon University highly values diversity, inclusion and equity. In line with the calls to action in the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we are committed to redressing the wrongs of settler colonization inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, and we work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to implement strategies to eliminate educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. We welcome diversity in all its forms with the knowledge that more and different voices create a better community.

The Position
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and working and consulting with internal and external stakeholders, the Dean is responsible for providing strategic leadership and executing on a shared vision for the Faculty of Health Studies. The Dean of Health Studies will provide administrative leadership to the Faculty with responsibilities including academic programs and budgets, mentoring and supporting faculty and staff, and serving on key University committees. The Dean of Health Studies will collaborate with a diverse and engaged group of administrators, faculty, staff and students in a variety of disciplines, and guide the Faculty into the future.

Aligned with the University’s mission, vision, and Academic Plan, the Dean will develop, lead and manage student-focused education and resources while fostering a positive learning and working culture. The Dean will also encourage, promote, and facilitate research in the Faculty. The Dean is accountable for building effective and collegial relationships within the Faculty of Health Studies, among other Faculties and disciplines in the University, with regulatory and accreditation bodies, with service and academic partners, and with partners in the community.

The Individual
As the ideal candidate, you are an engaged and collaborative leader who shares and invites ideas and insights and inspires others in pursuing shared goals. You have an ability to lead within and across both the Nursing and the Psychiatric Nursing programs, with an understanding of the particular strengths and challenges of each. You value the unique benefits of a small university setting, of direct student-to-faculty access, and of educational programming that supports the growth and success of Indigenous learners. As a strong people leader and relationship builder, you are able to manage effective relations with faculty and staff through open and inclusive dialogue and have the ability to build a strong and collaborative team. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, you have a demonstrated understanding of developing the highest quality of teaching and research.  You have a strong commitment to increasing accessibility, equity, and diversity, and the ability to maintain an inclusive climate that reflects the University’s goals related to equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and Reconciliation. You are a seasoned decision-maker who builds trust with integrity and transparency, with a commitment to collegial governance. You value relationships within, across, and outside the University and actively build and maintain relationships that support Faculty, University, and community goals.

Experience and Qualifications

• A doctoral degree, and current licensure or eligibility for licensure with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM) or the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM).
• A record of scholarly activity commensurate with an appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
• Experience in a leadership role within a complex academic environment, with experience in cross-Faculty collaborations.
• Experience in financial and human resource management, as well as academic labour relations within a unionized environment including working within a negotiated collective agreement context.
• Experience in leading strategic initiatives and strategic change, and executing strategic plans.
• Experience fostering a collaborative environment, and working collaboratively with other senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other internal and external stakeholders to advance the strategic goals and priorities of the Faculty and the University.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies (ex. CRPNM, CRNM, CASN), and with regulatory program and accreditation requirements.
• Exemplary scholarship with a record of outstanding research achievement, including winning external grants.
• An outstanding record of teaching and student advocacy, and an interest in creating and sustaining student-centered experiential learning opportunities.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenization, and to inviting and authentically listening to different cultures, communities, voices, points of view, and perspectives.
• Proven experience providing faculty mentorship, advocacy and support, as well as strong inter-personal and conflict resolution skills.
• A proven record of experience in research, academic planning and program development and implementation.

How to Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this exciting opportunity, please send by 31 January 2025, a letter of application including a statement of Canadian citizenship, along with a current cv and the names of at least three referees who will not be contacted without your permission, to [email protected]. Requests for the Dean of Health Studies Search Executive Brief, and all other enquiries may be directed to the same email address.

For more information visit: www.brandonu.ca