Dean, faculty of Community Services

Dean, Faculty of Community Services

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is one of Canada’s most innovative, urban, and career‑focused universities – recognized for its bold vision and deep commitment to community impact. Guided by a bold Academic Plan, a strong research agenda, and a transformative Campus Master Plan, TMU is shaping the future of applied, experiential education. With approximately 47,000 students, over 130 academic programs, and a rapidly growing research enterprise, TMU is a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive institution located in the heart of downtown Toronto.

The Faculty of Community Services (FCS) is a national leader in community‑engaged education and research. Home to nine schools, FCS serves more than 6,500 undergraduate and 460 graduate students across 11 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. With over 4,800 field placements each year and partnerships with more than 1,400 organizations, FCS has a powerful impact on health, social well‑being, equity, and community development. More than 50,000 alumni are making a difference locally and globally.

The Opportunity

TMU invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean, Faculty of Community Services. TMU is seeking an accomplished senior leader to provide strategic and inspiring leadership with a strong commitment to serving the needs of the students and promoting teaching, scholarly, research and creative activities (SRC), program development, and the overall reputation of the Faculty of Community Services. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a leading role in a highly regarded Faculty in one of the most appealing, progressive, creative, innovative and dynamic universities in Canada. The Faculty is dedicated to strengthening communities and improving quality of life. This is an exceptional opportunity to guide a faculty deeply engaged in social justice, health equity, education, and urban well‑being.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Dean, Faculty of Community Services provides academic and administrative leadership. This is a critical role in TMU’s Faculty of Community Services’ continued success and growth. The incumbent will be responsible for the following:
● Providing visionary and strategic leadership to the Faculty and assisting Directors across our nine Schools in realizing the aspirations;
● Implementing the Faculty’s new academic plan with a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and access;
● Developing an understanding of unique and constantly evolving programs within the Faculty, while fostering a culture of service and collegial governance and mobilizing the inherent strengths offered by FCS’s range and diversity;
● Articulating and advocating for the nine Schools’ missions both within and beyond the University;
● Promoting SRC activities across the Faculty and supporting experiential learning;
● Maintaining and extending positive relationships with the many alumni and individuals and organizations who provide experiential learning opportunities and employ the graduates of the Faculty;
● Providing leadership in external relations, partnership-building, and fundraising in consultation with, and in support of, all of the FCS schools;
● Encouraging and promoting innovative solutions to complex financial and other challenges in the implementation of the University’s, Faculty’s and Schools’ academic plans;
● Ensuring and expanding quality undergraduate education across the Faculty in the face of funding pressures and increasing class sizes, while supporting faculty members responsible for this area;
● Promoting graduate program renewal and development within the face of funding pressures;
● Developing and managing the Faculty’s funding and budget allocations in an equitable and transparent fashion;
● Attracting and retaining diverse faculty, students and staff committed to excellence, and supporting and ensuring their development and growth;
● Ensuring world-class infrastructure by continuing to update classroom facilities, teaching and research lab spaces and information technology; and,
● Raising the internal, national and international profile of the Faculty.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will possess:
● a demonstrated record of scholarly achievement and progressive academic leadership that establishes credibility internally and externally.
● the ability to balance and support excellence in both SRC activity and teaching.
● a strong understanding of university culture and commitment to diverse scholarly perspectives.
● an awareness of the evolving higher-education landscape, including emerging technologies and their alignment with institutional mission.
● a commitment to student engagement, accessibility, and visibility, alongside a dedication to, and experience in community engaged scholarship and experiential/service learning.
● a dedication to excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and student services.
● a demonstrated record of support for graduate education, interdisciplinary collaboration, internationalization, and scholarly and creative initiatives.
● knowledge of professional programs, accreditation processes, and experiential learning, and experience supporting these initiatives.
● capacity to work effectively across diverse and applied disciplines.
● strong managerial skills in planning, delegation, prioritization, and decision-making.
● experience with transparent, accountable budget administration.
● proven strengths in communication, relationship-building, team development, and transparent governance.
● a leadership style grounded in collaboration, trust-building, and open decision-making.
● the ability to foster inclusive dialogue, integrate diverse perspectives, and lead with integrity, empathy, and humility.

Why you should consider this opportunity
● Work at a university that is committed to putting people first and has a thoughtful and purposeful EDI strategy;
● Further the advancement of Indigenous content, faculty and students within FCS, while addressing anti-Black racism and other forms of oppression;
● Be part of a Faculty that is deeply rooted in community and delivers tangible, measurable impact. Collaborate within a Faculty that is advancing healthier cities and a more inclusive world;
● Contribute to a Faculty strengthening its research enterprise and expanding graduate education;
● Play a role in strategic global expansion, scaling community programs and solutions beyond our borders; and,
● Be part of a Faculty defined by collegiality, compassion, and a deep commitment to impact in teaching, scholarship, and service.

For further information please visit: https://www.torontomu.ca/content/dam/careers/executive-academic-administrators-opportunities/tmu-dean-fcs.pdf

How To Apply

To apply or explore this key academic leadership position at Toronto Metropolitan University further, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to TMUDeanFCS@dhrglobal.com by April 10, 2026.

Please note this is a five-year term and is renewable for a second term as outlined in TMU’s Policy and Procedures Relating to Search Committees and Appointments in the Academic Administration (AAA Policy). Once in this position, the successful candidate becomes an “associate member” of the Toronto Metropolitan University Faculty Association (TFA). The TFA collective agreement and summary of benefits are available online.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes applicants who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

TMU is committed to accessibility and encourages candidates to share relevant information regarding career interruptions or accommodations. Applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, per Canadian immigration regulations.

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