University of British Columbia, Dean of Arts Office

Head, Department of History

Head, Department of History

University of British Columbia

The Faculty of Arts at The University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver campus invites applications for the position of the Head of the Department of History, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2021. The administrative appointment as Head is typically for an initial five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term. We expect that the successful candidate will be appointable at a senior professorial rank; thus, we seek applicants who have a PhD degree and a distinguished record of research publications and scholarly activity commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor, in addition to the requisite administrative and leadership skills and experience. Associate Professors at a senior level may be considered.

While the area of specialization is open, we seek applicants with demonstrated ability to publish research of exceptional quality and originality that complements or expands upon research strengths in the UBC Department of History. We seek scholars who demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented groups in academia; to engaging the needs of diverse student populations; and to broadening and transforming what and how we know about the past. The successful candidate will have an excellent record of high quality undergraduate and graduate teaching, and graduate supervision.

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate vision and creativity, and to show their ability to foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty, and community partners. Demonstrated administrative skills, experience, and prior involvement in leadership are a requirement. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

How to apply: Apply online by August 31, 2020 at https://ardo.air.arts.ubc.ca/?p=4451. Applicants must be prepared to upload a single bookmarked PDF file containing the following items, in the order listed: a letter of application; a curriculum vitae; and statements (no longer than 1 page each) summarizing their: (a) research program, (b) teaching philosophy/practice, (c) experience in and approach to administrative and leadership roles, (d) vision for the department in a research-intensive University, and (e) contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion and experience working with a diverse student body. Applicants are also asked to provide the names and contact information for at least four referees who may be approached at a later date to provide confidential and objective assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the headship position and a professorial appointment.

Enquiries may be directed to Associate Dean Gillian Creese, via email to arts.headships@ubc.ca with “HIST Head search” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin in September 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. At a later stage of the search process, longlisted applicants will be asked to provide evidence of teaching effectiveness and representative publications. The position is subject to final budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC-Vancouver’s Point Grey Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Musqueam people, with whom UBC shares a framework Memorandum of Affiliation. For information relating to Aboriginal initiatives that are available at UBC, visit the UBC Vancouver Aboriginal portal at: http://aboriginal.ubc.ca/. The UBC Department of History offers BA, MA, and PhD degrees in History. For further information about the Department, please visit: https://history.ubc.ca/

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.  An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.