Associate Dean, Graduate Studies & International (Internal search)
TheCreativeSchool-Dean'sOffice
| Posted: | December 11, 2025 |
| Deadline to Apply: | Monday, January 12, 2026 |
Please note, we are accepting applications from internal candiates only at this time.
Located in downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada and on the territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples, The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University [www.torontomu.ca] invites applications for the position of Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and International. The successful candidate will be appointed for a five-year term commencing July 1, 2026, with the possibility of renewal of up to one additional five-year term.
During the term of appointment as Associate Dean, the incumbent shall be an “associate member” of the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association (TFA) in accordance with the TFA Collective Agreement. The processes related to the recruitment and selection of the successful candidate for the Associate Dean position are governed by the Appointment of Academic Administrators Policy and Procedures (the “AAA Policy”). Consistent with other senior university appointments, the successful candidate will receive an administrative stipend for the period of appointment as Associate Dean.
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.
Under the general direction of the Dean, this role is responsible for providing strategic leadership in the development, enhancement, and administration of both graduate studies and internationalization within The Creative School. The role requires close collaboration with The Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (YSGPS) and the Graduate Programs Administration to support key operational areas, including effective student recruitment, ensuring efficient program operations, and the responsible management of financial resources. The Associate Dean will also work directly with the Vice-Provost and Dean of Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to proactively promote and maintain high-quality graduate education standards across the Faculty. Furthermore, the Associate Dean will drive the Faculty’s research and global mandate in partnership with the Associate Dean, SRC Activity and Partnerships, providing support to The Creative School’s graduate programs and actively participating in the formulation and implementation of the Faculty’s research agenda as it relates to graduate student education.
The Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and International, will also drive the Faculty’s international agenda. This involves working closely with the Associate Director of Communications and International to ensure that all international development programs are strategically aligned with the Faculty’s local academic plan. Crucially, the Associate Dean will design an internationalization strategy that centres considerations of equity and access across all initiatives, including international student recruitment, global partnerships, semester exchange, and more. A key focus will be to facilitate access to resources for these global initiatives and to significantly expand learning and career opportunities around the world for our students.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Providing strategic leadership in graduate education across crucial areas, including curriculum review and development and enhancing student engagement and community initiatives.
- Promoting the overall quality and visibility of graduate education and international initiatives.
- Fostering an environment that supports and advances cross-disciplinary learning and, in collaboration with the Associate Dean, SRC Activities and Partnerships, the integration of graduate students within SRC initiatives.
- Leading initiatives for faculty development in research and teaching related to graduate supervision and instruction.
- Designing and implementing an internationalization strategy and new graduate programs.
- Fostering and maintaining international partnerships.
- Advancing inclusive practices in graduate program development, student recruitment, and international collaborations.
- Overseeing the development and management of global initiatives, including international student recruitment, global partnerships, and semester exchange programs.
- Supporting equitable access to global opportunities.
- Supporting the Academic Clusters and the activities emerging from collaborative activities, especially with respect to graduate student involvement and international collaboration opportunities.
- On behalf of the Dean, attending other relevant Faculty and University Committee meetings, and representing the Faculty’s plans, views, opinions and concerns in all areas related to relevant academic programs and student experience.
- Fostering an environment that supports and advances cross-/inter-disciplinary learning and research.
- Leading a transparent process with respect to the recruitment and selection of graduate program directors, in consultation with the Dean.
- Participating in various initiatives, strategies, goals, policies and priorities.
- Undertaking other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Dean.
Duties will include teaching one (1) course per year.
The successful candidate must possess the foundational competencies required to thrive in this demanding environment. This includes the ability to function effectively and promote collegiality within a team-oriented setting. They must maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and the capacity to operate within, the university's established policies, procedures, and collective agreements. Crucially, the candidate must assume a perspective that is inclusive of the diverse areas within the Faculty, ensuring that all academic units and their unique contributions are valued and supported in the context of graduate studies and international initiatives.
The successful candidate will be a tenured faculty member who holds a terminal degree and demonstrates excellence in teaching, SRC and service activities and will further present evidence of:
- an ability to be a visionary, empathetic and collaborative leader with superior organizational and people skills; demonstrated commitment to TMU’s leadership competencies;
- creative, artistic and/or media-making experience;
- experience with innovation, and a strong commitment to supporting a diverse array of interdisciplinary programs that represents the diversity of The Creative School’s 11 graduate programs;
- adaptability and deep intercultural understanding necessary to engage successfully with potential international partners;
- exceptional interpersonal skills and positive rapport with faculty and students;
- experience mentoring faculty and students, especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or People of Colour, and a deep understanding of the barriers that they face in academia;
- familiarity with curriculum design and implementation processes, navigating complex university operational issues, and executing the strategic vision for internationalization initiatives;
- a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) including an understanding of EDI principles and evidence of application of those principles, or clearly defined plans of how EDI principles will be applied and promoted in research and teaching;
- a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning;
- prior academic administrative experience would be an asset; and
- an ability and willingness to work effectively in a team-oriented, unionized environment and to assume and maintain a broad perspective that is inclusive of the diverse units within the Faculty.
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, consisting of the following, must be received by January 12, 2026:
- a letter of application outlining:
- your interest in the position and how it aligns with your qualifications and career aspirations
- your professional qualifications and achievements as an administrator, educator, and researcher
- your vision statement based on your understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in this role
- an EDIA statement outlining your successful approaches to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and how you would apply those in this role; and
- a curriculum vitae demonstrating your academic and professional record and skills.
Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to Adriana Manni, Operations Manager, The Creative School.
For any confidential accommodation needs in order to participate in the recruitment and selection process and/or inquiries regarding accessing the Recruitment Portal, please contact vpfa@torontomu.ca.
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