Dean, Faculty of Health

The University of Victoria (UVic) acknowledges and respects the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the University stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

UVic’s commitment to research-inspired dynamic learning and vital impact makes it Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. UVic is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. Impact drives UVic’s sense of purpose. An internationally renowned teaching and research hub, we tackle critical issues that matter to people, places, and the planet. It’s different at UVic, naturally and by design. Situated in the Pacific Rim, its location and surroundings inspire a passion to defy boundaries, discover, and innovate in exciting ways.

The University of Victoria’s newly established Faculty of Health is recruiting its inaugural Dean. The comprehensive Faculty of Health combines six existing schools on campus: Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education; Health Information Science; Medical Sciences; Nursing; Public Health and Social Policy; and Social Work, as well as the counselling psychology and clinical psychology graduate programs. Through these and other integrations, we highlight our existing strengths in health and wellness education, training, and research and provide a stronger external profile to attract and foster a diverse and talented community of students, faculty, and partners committed to addressing systemic barriers to health care and creating healthier communities. This includes enhancing the university's strengths and expertise in Indigenous health, knowledge, and wellness. The Faculty of Health will innovate solutions and advance services that support healthy communities and address local and global health care issues, engaging students in research-enriched undergraduate and graduate programs that include significant experiential learning opportunities, such as work-integrated learning in health care settings.

The Dean will report directly to the Vice-President Academic and Provost and will lead the Faculty of Health’s community of faculty and staff as well as the related research centres and special projects. As a member of the University’s senior leadership team, the Dean will collaborate with other Deans, academic leaders, senior administrators, staff, and other key stakeholders to implement and proactively advance objectives. The Dean will play a national leadership role in shaping health education in Canada and provide visionary leadership for the Faculty’s future strategy and growth in health programming.

The University is seeking a dynamic and progressive academic leader with a recognized track record of scholarship. The candidate will be eligible for appointment at the rank of full Professor within the Faculty of Health. They will also possess evidence of extensive administrative leadership experience, demonstrated commitment to collaboration and collegial governance, and direct experience or openness to working in an organizational environment excited to embrace change. They must also bring a commitment to and have demonstrated experience in advancing the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, anti-racism, Indigenization, decolonization, and sustainability.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The five-year renewable appointment will be effective July 1, 2025, or as mutually agreed.

An executive search is being undertaken by the University of Victoria search partner Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the University in helping to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.

Interested individuals should review the appointment details document (at the below link) which includes the position description and selection criteria. Applications should consist of a full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications and relevant achievements and should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the ‘candidate criteria’ particularly the ‘Core Qualifications’ listed in the appointment details, why the appointment is of interest, and what they believe they bring to the role.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning, and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. In your cover letter, please include whether you self-identify as a member of a group with historical and/or current barriers to equity.

The candidate's qualifications, experience, and overall market demand will determine a candidate's final salary offer. The position at the professor's rank includes a competitive salary range of $250,000 - $350,000 plus the decanal stipend. UVic is committed to offering an equitable and competitive salary, including a generous benefits package, eligible leaves, and a pension plan.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should advise Perrett Laver of any accommodation needs. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Please indicate in your application package if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.