University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering
The University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering offers graduates a first-class education in engineering and computer science, preparing them to skilfully practise their profession, continue with studies in their discipline or pursue a career in a related area like business, law or medicine. The Faculty encourages an entrepreneurial mindset among its students. It also strives to offer a learning environment based on excellence and innovation, ethics and a sense of responsibility to society.
The Faculty of Engineering has three departments (Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering) and two schools (the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation), which offer 42 undergraduate and 39 graduate programs. Over 130 regular or tenure-track professors, 120 support staff members, many part-time and associate professors and contractual employees contribute to the education of over 4,500 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.
Not only is the Faculty home to the highest number of graduate students, while experiencing outstanding growth within the University, but it is also a research leader. Research excellence and diversity, central to its mission, are reflected in its many collaborations with private industry and government research labs. Its professors, including 13 research chairs and members of six research institutes, work in varied fields, and the results of their efforts improve many areas of our daily lives.
For more on the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Ottawa, go to www.uOttawa.ca.
Since the appointment of former Dean Jacques Beauvais as Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs, the position of Dean of the Faculty of Engineering has been vacant. An interim Dean was named. The University of Ottawa is therefore looking for applicants for the position of:
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
Opportunities and challenges
As one of Canada’s major research universities, the University of Ottawa strongly promotes graduate studies and research. Thus, the dean must ensure the development of research- and graduate studies-related activities to further enhance the Faculty’s and the University’s reputation and visibility both within Canada and around the world. The person appointed to the position will have the opportunity to lead initiatives linked to the rapid advance of new technologies, and to increase opportunities to collaborate with industry and the business community, particularly through its campus in Kanata North, the largest industrial park in Canada. As the Faculty seeks to raise its profile and increase its accomplishments both in research and program development, particularly in graduate studies, it must face challenges that often stem from factors outside its control. Constraints imposed by government policy on university funding and admission regulations regarding international student cohorts’ countries come to mind in this regard. The Faculty would benefit from a dean who can, along with its dynamic actors, create new development possibilities and diversified revenue sources.
Key experience and competencies
The dean must have solid university experience in teaching and research, and demonstrate leadership and vision. This person must also demonstrate extensive management skills and outstanding interpersonal skills, as well as a strong command of English and French, both spoken and written. The dean must hold or be eligible to obtain an Ontario professional engineer’s licence.
The dean must develop and implement an innovative, unifying and cutting-edge strategic plan based on a sustained commitment to funding and outreach activities in the community. This top-notch position is undoubtedly an outstanding opportunity for a high-level academic to demonstrate transformational leadership skills.
Knowledge and experience
- Doctorate in engineering or a related discipline
- Peer-acknowledged experience in university teaching and research
- Knowledge and understanding of high research intensity universities
- An interdisciplinary vision and perspective that allows for collaboration with other University units in developing innovative programs and projects in both teaching and research
- An inspiring strategic and transformational leadership vision along with the proven ability to maintain strong relationships, further collaboration and motivate stakeholders and colleagues through innovation and community engagement
- Knowledge and experience of the engineering profession and the best way to align and promote the Faculty’s educational goals with the goals of the profession
- Demonstrated commitment to:
- Research
- Program modernization and improvement
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Teamwork
- Interfaculty and cross-university cooperation
- Bilingualism at the Faculty of Engineering and at the University of Ottawa
- Management experience, particularly in change management, new and entrepreneurial initiatives, and large-scale projects
- Understanding and appreciation of the responsibility to manage the budget and be fiscally viable
- Relevant experience regarding fundraising and dealing with the philanthropical community
Skills and personal qualities
- Dynamic, transformational leadership abilities
- Empathetic, collaborative, unifying and inclusive leadership style when dealing with students, professors, staff, alumni and Faculty stakeholders
- Strong commitment to university teaching and research and their importance in scholarly, economic, social and cultural growth
- Excellent teamwork, team-building and negotiation skills
- Enterprising, decision-making mindset
- Imagination, tact, diplomacy and political skills
- Humility and desire to support staff and professors in achieving their own goals and success
- Strong organization, planning and priority management skills
- Ability to focus on strategic objectives, innovate, mobilize resources and to be an agent of change
- Ability to develop fruitful partnerships with other faculties and with government organizations and industry partners
- Strong interest and desire regarding participating in campus life and improving the student experience
- Proven skill as a clear, convincing communicator with different audiences
- Clear commitment to a work environment based on inclusion, respect and recognition
- Professional-level bilingualism (English-French)
Application process
Do you think you have the profile we’re looking for? Complete the “Application Form” and attach your CV and a letter of interest. We invite those interested to familiarize themselves with the Procedure for the Appointment of a Dean before applying. All files will be handled in the strictest confidence. We thank all applicants in advance. However, we will only contact those selected for the next phase.
The selection committee will begin to look at applications in fall 2024 and continue the process until the position is filled.
The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Citizenship and Immigration Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Ottawa is proud of its over 175-year tradition of bilingualism. At the time they assume their duties, senior administration team members are expected to be able to work in a bilingual (French and English) environment.
Kenniff Leadership
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Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs such as professor jobs, dean jobs, chair / department head jobs, and other faculty jobs and professional and administrative staff employment opportunities at the University of Ottawa and at other institutions of higher education in the region on www.AcademicCareers.com
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