Dean, Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education

Ontario Tech University acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. We are thankful to be welcomed on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered under the Williams Treaties and the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to a number of Indigenous nations and people.

Recognized as a top ranked institution, Ontario Tech University has grown out of a bold, ambitious vision: to take on the grand challenges we face as a society and find solutions to meet and exceed tomorrow's needs. By focusing on striving for academic excellence, alongside teaching students new approaches to problem solving along with innovative uses of technology, Ontario Tech University’s commitment to scholarship produces new types of graduates: highly engaged citizen leaders with a creative and innovative spirit; people prepared to excel in the modern workplace, and ready to lead their peers. The University’s faculty experts and researchers collaborate with industry, community, government, and academic organizations, bringing them together alongside our students to uncover innovative solutions for society’s most pressing problems.

Ontario Tech University's Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education offers cutting-edge online and in-person undergraduate and graduate degrees, and undergraduate and graduate diploma programs designed to develop future educators, leaders, and specialists in teaching, learning, and technology. Its vibrant community of faculty, researchers, professionals, and students supports evidence-based, technology-enhanced research and life-long learning within a caring environment that is highly attuned to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The Faculty prides itself on the use of innovative classroom technology, meaningful and impactful research, and the education of thoughtful, well-informed, and socially responsible educational leaders. The Faculty has 38 faculty and staff, and over 40 sessional instructors who support 1000 students, 21% of whom are engaged in graduate degree programs.

Through a landmark gift agreement of $3 million from the Frazer family, the Centre for Digital Innovation in Education was established. Serving as a hub for research, collaboration and outreach activities, the Centre will develop strategies and initiatives to enhance equitable education and foster innovation in education. The Faculty of Education was renamed the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education in September 2023. As one of only two donor-named faculties of education at Ontario universities and the third in Canada, the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education became the first donor-named faculty at Ontario Tech.

It is within this context that Ontario Tech University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean, Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education commencing as soon as possible and by no later than January 1, 2025. Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President Academic, and as part of the University’s leadership team, the Dean will provide strategic direction, academic planning leadership, and administrative oversight to achieve the highest possible standards in education, research, and service. To further the vision, mission and goals of the Faculty, the Dean will engage with a variety of internal and external partners, and champion the Faculty locally, nationally, and internationally. The Dean will foster an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for the Faculty’s vibrant community, and build on the Faculty’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. The Dean will work closely and effectively with administrators, faculty, staff, and fellow Decanal colleagues to develop, implement, and adapt ideas and visions as the Faculty and University moves forward in meeting the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the education community.

As the ideal candidate you are a respected and innovative educator with proven leadership and administrative experience, in addition to having academic qualifications (suitable for appointment at the rank of Full Professor) and research achievements relevant to the academic mission of the Faculty. You have a passion for education and innovative, technology-based pedagogy, coupled with a commitment to student success and experience in enhancing the student experience. You have knowledge of educational policy and the professional environment, and the skill to build strong relationships with a variety of external stakeholders including school boards, government, education-related community organizations, and other Faculties of Education. You have the ability to engage in advancement activities, and champion the Faculty locally, nationally, and internationally. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with an open and collegial style, and a flexible approach to problem solving are required. A demonstrated commitment to advancing Indigenization, reconciliation, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility is also required.

The appointment of the Dean is for a five-year renewable term commencing no later than January 1, 2025. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately.

To apply or explore this academic leadership position at Ontario Tech University further, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Noshina Choudhary (noshina@griffithgroup.ca).

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact sam@griffithgroup.ca