[APPLICATIONS CLOSED] Dean, Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics

The University of Guelph's campuses reside within the lands of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. The University recognizes that the Anishinaabeg, Hodinohso:ni, Lūnaapéewak and Huron-Wendat peoples have inhabited these lands for centuries and that today these lands are home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. The University upholds its commitments to seeking truth and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and affirms its responsibility to realize these commitments through its ongoing actions.

The University is committed to fostering inclusive excellence within and across communities, founded on the principles of reconciliation and diversity. The Indigenization of higher education and the fostering of equitable learning and work environments empower the University in its pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact. Programs like the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, the Black and Indigenous Hiring Initiative, EDI in Research, GenEQ: Advancing the Status of Women at UofG, and the President’s Advisory Committee on Anti-Racism ensure the University makes good on its commitments to Indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion.

The University of Guelph’s mission is to Improve Life. These two simple words are the cornerstone of an institution committed to building a better future.

The institution’s culture is what draws the best and the brightest to the University of Guelph. Students, faculty and staff choose the University of Guelph for its reputation as one of the best comprehensive and research-intensive universities in Canada. The University’s reputation for academic excellence is matched by its dedication to student success.  The University consistently places at the top of student satisfaction rankings year-over-year. Its graduates and researchers change the world for the better every day in big ways and small.

The University’s strength is in its people. If you are looking for a place to make a difference and improve life, you’ve found it at the University of Guelph.

It is within this context that the University of Guelph invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Dean, Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics (the Lang School). This appointment, for an initial five-year term, begins as soon as possible thereafter.

Reflecting the University of Guelph’s commitment to ‘Improve Life’, the Lang School’s mission is built upon the belief that ‘business as a force for good’ is important in the world. The Lang School’s priorities are to enhance its reputation for excellence and leadership in sustainability; to create leaders for an inclusive future; research excellence; educational innovation and exceptional student experiences; and to foster strong external partnerships and meaningful career development.

The Lang School offers a wide range of disciplines in business and economics across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. The Lang School is home to four academic units: Economics and Finance; Management; Marketing and Consumer Studies; and Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management. It also hosts five centres and institutes: the John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise; the International Institute for Sport Business and Leadership; the Marketing Analytics Centre; the Institute for Sustainable Commerce at Guelph; and the Business Career Development Centre. The Lang School is proud to be an AACSB accredited institution. The School’s commitment to accreditation is indicative of its high standards and excellence across all its initiatives; from academic programming and community engagement, to research with impact.

Renamed in April 2019 for the late businessman Gordon Saunders Lang, the Lang School fosters business education and scholarship and reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and community. A transformational gift of $21 million from Stu and Kim Lang, the largest in the University’s 150-year history, provides support for new faculty, scholarships, experiential education and capital improvements.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President (Academic), the Dean is a key member of the senior leadership team of the University. As the Chief Academic Officer of the School, the Dean is responsible for the academic and administrative leadership of all aspects of the operations of the Lang School, including budgeting and fund development. The Dean has overall responsibility for ensuring educational innovation, exceptional student experiences, and excellence in teaching and research/scholarship. The Dean will build on the Lang School’s commitment to global experiences, Indigenization, reconciliation, and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and foster a thriving community of students, scholars, researchers, and leaders where each person is valued and supported.

The Dean is also responsible for advancing the Lang School’s vision to be recognized locally and globally for its commitment to developing future leaders for a sustainable and equitable world. Working in partnership with the Lang School’s community of scholars, faculty, students, and staff, and externally with the broader business sector, the Dean will elevate the Lang School’s reputation and profile. The Dean will continue the Lang School’s leadership in sustainability and responsible business, and its steadfast commitment to inspiring future leaders to use business as a force for good.

As the ideal candidate you have proven leadership and administrative experience, in addition to possessing a solid teaching profile and exemplary record of scholarship in business administration, economics, or a related field. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline (suitable for appointment at the rank of Full Professor). You have a strong reputation in the business community and can interact credibly with senior leaders in the private sector. You have the ability to promote excellence, integrity, and creativity in research and scholarly activity; a commitment to student success and experience in enhancing the student experience; and the ability to engage in advancement activities intended to enhance the academic and financial strength of the Lang School. You have strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, coupled with a passionate commitment to developing an outstanding and collegial community of faculty, students and staff. A demonstrated commitment to advancing Indigenization, reconciliation, and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility is required.

To apply or explore this key leadership position at the University of Guelph, please submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) and Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca).

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, and strongly encourages applications from women, members of Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people; people with disabilities; and members of other equity-deserving groups.

The University of Guelph acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and encourages applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of research achievement.

The University of Guelph and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and assessment processes.

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration regulations. Candidates must therefore indicate in their application if they are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.