Dean, Health, Community and Education

Location: Calgary, AB

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University (MRU) 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 programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research.

MRU serves approximately 16,000 students, with a full-load equivalent (FLE) of 11,948. The university offers 14 bachelor's degrees encompassing 38 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. MRU also boasts one of Canada's elite Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited programs.

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.

At MRU, we recognize 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. We will further indigenize and internationalize our campus, enhance our research culture, and expand fundraising efforts. Together, we will achieve these strategic priorities through a strong focus on our employees as the driving force behind the University’s success.

With state-of-the-art classrooms, amazing recreation facilities, a world-class concert hall, LEED-certified eco-buildings and spacious residences, MRU provides the spaces and resources for student success.

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 programs, 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, 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 organizations, 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 program 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.

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

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Mount Royal University recognizes 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 diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace where each person's individuality is celebrated. In the spirit of cultivating inclusiveness, candidates who meet the qualifications may have diverse educational and experiential backgrounds, which will be considered. MRU is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Mount Royal University is also committed to supporting individuals who require accommodation to the point of undue hardship.

Should you need any accommodations for physical or cognitive disabilities during the recruitment process, please notify DHR Global and we will be happy to assist.