Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)

York University
Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)

York University recognizes that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which York University campuses are located that precede the establishment of York University. York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.

As York University embarks on its next chapter of growth and impact, the University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS). This pivotal moment calls for bold, globally-minded leadership at an institution recognized for advancing positive change.

Canada’s 3rd largest university, York provides scholars and students with access to outstanding research and an exceptional teaching and learning environment. With three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area—one of the most vibrant and multicultural regions in the world—York hosts a diverse and dynamic community of over 53,000 students and nearly 7,000 faculty and staff. Reflecting both its scale and ambition, in recent years the University opened its Markham Campus, unveiled The Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery at Keele, and is advancing its School of Medicine; the first in Canada with a core mission to train community-focused primary care physicians, the medical school is set to welcome its first cohort in September 2028. York has also been building on its strong research foundation across all disciplines, with large-scale funded projects, award-winning scholars and groundbreaking research with transformative, real-world impact. The University takes special pride in its distinctive progressive, forward-looking ethos summed up in its motto, Tentanda Via: the way must be tried.

Many of the University’s strengths are found in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York’s largest Faculty and one of the most diverse liberal arts faculties in Canada. It is distinguished by its integration of rigorous liberal arts scholarship with professionally-oriented programs that connect critical inquiry, civic engagement and career-ready learning. Home to approximately 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 600 full-time faculty, and 300+ staff, LA&PS brings together the humanities, social sciences and professional fields within an inclusive and student-centred learning environment. Within the Faculty, the LA&PS Colleges (McLaughlin, Founders, New and Vanier) create smaller, supportive communities that offer academic support, co-curricular programs, social events, peer mentorship and leadership development to enrich students’ personal, academic and career success from orientation through graduation. Guided by its values of access, excellence and engagement, the Faculty is dedicated to academic distinction, innovative and experiential teaching and research that advances social justice and global understanding. Through 90 undergraduate programs and certificates and more than 35 graduate programs across 21 departments and schools, LA&PS fosters intellectual curiosity, professional preparation and community connection. Its mission is to educate the whole student—cultivating not only academic success but also social, cultural and personal growth that empowers graduates to make meaningful contributions in Canada and around the world.

About the Role and Qualifications

Reporting to the Provost & Vice-President Academic, the Dean of LA&PS serves as the Faculty’s principal academic and administrative officer and is a member of the University’s senior leadership team. The Dean will champion the Faculty’s vision and values, advancing excellence in research, teaching and community engagement while supporting an outstanding student experience at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. The Dean will foster interdisciplinary and community-engaged scholarship, support faculty in securing external funding and elevate the Faculty’s national and international profile.

While no one candidate is expected to possess the following credentials and/or experiences in equal measure, they will guide the committee’s review of candidates who express interest in the role:

• An earned doctorate in a relevant discipline and a distinguished record of achievement in research, teaching and service and a commitment to academic excellence;
• A proven record of academic leadership, ideally within a large and complex environment, with experience overseeing diverse academic units and programs;
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning and implementation while fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity and transparency;
• Financial acumen and experience with budgeting, resource allocation and institutional planning;
• Evidence of success in building and sustaining productive relationships with internal and external partners, including community, government and industry;
• A track record of promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenization and accessibility and of engaging diverse communities with respect and integrity;
• Experience recruiting, developing and retaining faculty, staff and students and in creating inclusive, supportive learning and working environments;
• Aptitude for fundraising, external relations and representing the Faculty and University on local, national and international stages; and
• A leadership style grounded in collegiality, listening and shared purpose—demonstrating agility, responsiveness and an investment in people and ideas.

How to Apply

The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment. As this is a global search, all interested applicants are invited to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

York University is partnering with BES Executive Search, a firm committed to ensuring that every search mandate engages a pluralistic and intersectional range of candidates. Applicants are guided through what BES calls ‘The BES Experience’—a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that meets candidates with support and care throughout the search process. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.

BES Executive Search does not use AI to screen, assess or select applicants. This posting reflects an existing vacancy within the organization. We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates who advance to the interview stage will be informed of the outcome of the recruitment process.

In accordance with the AODA Act, for applicants living with a disability, accommodation will be provided throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, or if candidates have any other questions, please make Jason Murray aware by emailing jmurray@bessearch.com.