Director, School of Social Work [Internal search]
FCS, Social Work
| Posted: | May 14, 2026 |
| Deadline to Apply: | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 |
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 School of Social Work in the Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University [www.torontomu.ca] (formerly Ryerson University) invites applications for the position of Director. The appointment as Director shall be for a term of five years (subject to an extension vote in year 3 by the tenure-stream faculty in the School), commencing July 1, 2026 with the possibility of renewal for an additional three or five-year term.
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 School, the Director 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 School, 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 Director is the visible face of the School and will engage in collegial governance and work collaboratively with faculty and staff to ensure that curriculum planning, program development, and community engagement activities support excellence in scholarship, research, teaching, and learning. In addition, the Director will provide strong advocacy on behalf of the School in relation to other University departments, the profession itself and external stakeholders.
The Director will apply innovative strategies, effective leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, and a student-centred approach, to solve complex problems to enable the School to achieve its goals. The Director will role model the School’s and the University’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) values and commitments, and furthermore promote EDIA in the context of the profession and the academic discipline.
The preferred candidate will be an established scholar with strong academic leadership skills and progressive university administrative experience. Required qualifications include a doctoral degree in social work or related discipline. The Director will possess an open and collegial style, outstanding management, communication and interpersonal skills, a creative approach to problem solving, the ability to foster an environment that encourages and supports faculty, staff, and students to exercise creativity and initiative. Qualified applicants must display a capacity to meet high expectations for teaching, scholarship, academic leadership, collaboration and collegial service. Candidates must provide evidence of experience with course/curriculum review/development, excellent pedagogical practice and in scholarship, research and creativity, as well as evidence of strong communication skills.
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 May 27th, 2026:
- a curriculum vitae;
- a letter of interest outlining a vision, including a statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion, for the portfolio for the next 3 to 5 years;
Toronto Metropolitan is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. For any confidential accommodation needs and/or inquiries regarding accessing the Faculty Recruitment Portal, please contact vpfa@torontomu.ca.
About the Faculty of Community Services
The Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University [www.torontomu.ca/fcs] is a community of innovators, creators, collaborators, scholars, designers, planners and practitioners who understand and care about multiple perspectives.
We strive to impact individuals and communities to propel positive and enduring change. With passion, rigour and curiosity, we develop knowledge for action, prepare students to address complex social and ecological challenges, and work to create a just society by working with communities.
About the School of Social Work
The TMU School of Social Work prides itself both on the quality of its teaching and the breadth and excellence of its research. Currently, the School offers a four-year BSW program, as well as an advanced standing BSW degree to students with prior education and experience, and a Master of Social Work program. The School is located within the Faculty of Community Services, which offers a range of programs that provide rich opportunities for collaborative and international initiatives in teaching and research.
Additional information about the School of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University can be found here: School of Social Work
Working at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Serving a highly diverse student population of over 45,000, TMU offers over 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs built on the integration of theoretical and practical learning. Distinguished by a professionally focused curriculum and a strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and creative activities, TMU is a vibrant, urban university known for its culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, community engagement and city building, reflected in its award-winning architecture.
At the intersection of mind and action, TMU is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Our new academic plan, Transformative Futures, offers an exciting roadmap towards our ongoing pursuit of academic excellence and to addressing the complex and evolving challenges of our time.
At the heart of TMU’s remarkable achievements and its ambitious aspirations are its students, faculty and staff. Committed to a people first culture, the university prides itself on offering exceptional benefits and perks, celebrating the achievements of its faculty and staff and maintaining its unwavering commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including its ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, confronting Anti-Black Racism and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Among its many recognitions include being ranked number one on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity. We invite you to explore employment at TMU as well as our community of diverse faculty and staff networks.
Connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest news and opportunities at TMU.
Contacts
Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to Dr. Kiaras Gharabaghi, Dean, Faculty of Community Services at k.gharabaghi@torontomu.ca.
Candidates who belong to one or more of the equity-deserving groups recognized at TMU are welcome to contact Debbie Thompson [debbie.thompson@torontomu.ca], Executive Director, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion [www.torontomu.ca/equity].
Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about working at Toronto Metropolitan University are welcome to contact James McKay, Indigenous Human Resources Lead at indigenous@torontomu.ca.
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