Career Opportunities

Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies [Internal Search]

Arts, Dept. Geog and Envir Sty

Applications are invited for the position of Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, in the Faculty of Arts. This appointment will be for a term of five years (subject to extension in year 3), commencing January 1, 2025, with the possibility of renewal for an additional three or five-year term. 

The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend (subject to required deductions) and a reduction in teaching workload during the term of the appointment.
 

Responsibilities

In recognition of the under-representation of members of equity-deserving groups in academic leadership, applications from those who self-identify as one or more of the following groups are particularly encouraged: First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. 

The duties and responsibilities of Chairs and Directors are laid out in detail in article 26.1.E. of the Toronto Metropolitan University Faculty Association Collective Agreement. Reporting to the Dean and guided by the mission to advance the profile of the Department, the Chair will be a visionary and inclusive leader committed to providing exemplary academic and administrative leadership in the areas of academic programs, students, supporting faculty colleagues, stewardship of human and financial resources and participating actively in the intellectual life of the Department, the Faculty, and the University, through collaboration internally and externally within the community and with other academic institutions and the industry. 

As a tenure stream faculty member, the successful candidate will be responsible for engaging in a combination of teaching, scholarly research or creative activity and service duties while maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and collegial work environment across all activities. 

The Chair is responsible for providing academic and administrative leadership in respect of (but not limited to) teaching; the development and delivery of the undergraduate and graduate curricula and programs; creating a fair, equitable, inclusive and supportive environment for student learning and engagement; supporting faculty involvement in scholarly, research and creative activity; stewardship of the human and financial resources of the Department; representing the Department in the University; and liaison with the profession and community. The Chair will facilitate a collegial, interactive environment nurturing the best qualities and achievements of all students, faculty and staff. Teaching is a requirement of the position. They will also be responsible for overseeing the implementation of University equity, diversity and inclusion priorities and initiatives within the Department.
 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate must have a PhD in Geography(or related field) and shall be a tenured faculty member or be eligible for tenure upon appointment. The candidate must present evidence of: 

• knowledge and skill in academic and administrative leadership;  
• experience with university teaching, curriculum development, excellent pedagogical practices and student engagement and related university policies; 
• a commitment to building an inclusive and supportive environment for quality student life and engagement;
• proactive support and demonstrated abilities with faculty mentoring and professional development, particularly for pre-tenure faculty and faculty from under-represented communities;
• demonstrated commitment to implementing equity, diversity and inclusion practices and policies in research, teaching, and administration, among colleagues, staff and students.
• ability to promote the Department across the University and within the industry/profession; 
• experience in developing strategic partnerships;
• an active scholarship of research or creative activity. 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application online via the Faculty Recruitment Portal [https://hr.cf.torontomu.ca/ams/faculty/] by clicking on “Start Application Process” to begin. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., November 27, 2024. The application must contain the following: 

• a letter of application; 
• a curriculum vitae; and 
• a statement outlining a proposed three-year plan, including your vision for the Department that builds on the existing strengths of the programs and what you believe the responsibilities of the Chair will entail and how you can best accomplish them. 
   

Any inquiries pertaining to the Chair search may be sent to Dr. Amy Peng, Interim Dean, at apeng@torontomu.ca.