Lakehead University, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Dean, Social Sciences and Humanities

Lakehead University, located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is seeking its next Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities to lead the Faculty to further excellence in teaching and research and work collaboratively with a variety of internal and external partners to continue to raise its achievements, reputation, and resources.  

Lakehead University, recently recognized in the Top 100 of Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, is an innovative comprehensive university that provides an education that is about how to think, not what to think. Closely tied to that enterprising spirit is a deep connection to place. Lakehead is committed to making a difference in the communities it serves, developing a broader understanding of societal issues, and inspiring action for thoughtful, positive change. Lakehead University is also committed to the success of Indigenous learners and to its relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity, and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around its two campuses.  

Lakehead University has just under 10,000 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Maclean’s 2022 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and second in Ontario among primarily undergraduate institutions. Lakehead has a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research and offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. 

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities has programs and departments on both campuses and includes the following disciplines: Criminology; English; Gender and Women's Studies; History; Indigenous Learning; Interdisciplinary Studies; Languages; Media, Film and Communications; Music; Northern Studies; Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism; Philosophy; Political Science; Sociology; and Visual Arts. Through these disciplines, students gain the ability to grapple with important challenges facing society and shape their thinking about social justice and responses to pressing social issues at a local, national and international level. Students in the Faculty stand out in the crowd having acquired the knowledge and skills to effect change in all aspects of contemporary society. Currently, the Faculty employs 67 full-time faculty and offers programs in 15 different disciplines. Current enrollment is approximately 1,550 students, including nearly 100 graduate students. 

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities is also home to the Anishinaabe Kendaasiwin Institute (AKI). AKI is an Indigenous-governed research institute with a mandate to support mino-bimaadiziwin (the good life) amongst Anishinaabe peoples, nations and territories through research situated in Anishinaabe Kendaasiwin and good relationships. As part of its strategic framework, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities promotes and supports Indigenous visions and aspirations for self-determination through transformative education for Indigenous well-being, growth and prosperity. 

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities will be an advocate for the Faculty, an inspiring leader and mentor, a skilled administrator, a respected academic and scholar, a valued community partner and collaborator, and most importantly a dynamic and engaging institution builder with several years of academic administrative experience. The Dean is the chief academic and operating leader and is responsible for all academic, administrative and operational activities of the Faculty. Providing dynamic leadership, the Dean leads in the areas of student, faculty and staff matters, academic programs and research, fiscal and resource stewardship, budgeting, internal and external relations, and strategic planning within the Faculty. The Dean is accountable for ensuring the academic quality and integrity of the Faculty and for program quality and accreditation while also fostering a supportive and collegial culture that invites diverse ideas and perspectives, and reflects a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in a discipline relevant to the Faculty and will have a demonstrated academic record consistent with appointment to the rank of Associate or Full Professor at the University.  They will have a record of successful academic administrative leadership experience within an academic environment involving both financial and human resource management, as well as a record of successful leadership in research, academic planning, program development and implementation. The ideal candidate will also have experience leading strategic initiatives or strategic change, as well as experience developing external partnerships with individuals, groups, and communities locally, nationally and internationally. As a leader, the ideal candidate will bring strong communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills with an ability to inspire faculty, staff and students. A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion demonstrated by leadership in inviting and authentically listening to diverse cultures, communities, voices, points of view and perspectives, particularly those of indigenous communities, is required. Lived experience as an Indigenous person with strong ties to Indigenous nation(s) and Indigenous knowledges will be considered a significant asset. 

If you are interested in this opportunity at an organization that is committed to making a difference in the communities it serves, please apply online at www.kbrs.ca/career/16737.  For more information, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). 

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. 

KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca.