OPPORTUNITY PROFILE DEAN, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Transcription

1 OPPORTUNITY PROFILE DEAN, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

2 CONTENTS THE ORGANIZATION VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY 1 THE LOCATION NANAIMO, BC 2 THE OPPORTUNITY DEAN, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES 3 Organization & Structure 3 Key Responsibilities 4 Other Functions and Responsibilities 5 THE PERSON 6 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 6 Competencies and Personal Characteristics 7 COMPENSATION 9 CONTACT 9

3 THE ORGANIZATION VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Known as a centre of excellence for teaching and scholarship, including applied research and learning, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is renowned for producing quality graduates in high demand by employers across the country and around the world. With roots that date back to 1936 when Nanaimo s first vocational training school opened its doors, VIU shares a rich history and connection with its communities. It is this history and commitment to people that has provided VIU with a solid foundation on which it continues to grow. In 2008, Malaspina University-College became a university under an amendment of the University Act and officially began operation as Vancouver Island University on September 1, The main campus of VIU is located in Nanaimo, with campuses in Cowichan Valley and Powell River and a site in Parksville. VIU has evolved into a dynamic, internationally-known university supporting a student population in excess of 16,000 full- and part-time learners (including over 2,100 international students and over 1,500 Aboriginal students), and employing over 2,000 faculty and staff. VIU proudly fosters student success, strong community connections, international collaborations, and provides access to a wide range of programs academic, applied, career/technical, vocational, and developmental designed for regional, national, and international students. 1 Page

4 Vancouver Island University has developed the following Purpose and Visionary Goal for the organization, as articulated in the University s Academic Plan: Purpose As a leader in providing high-quality learning, Vancouver Island University supports the well-being of the people of Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia by promoting a high quality of life for their communities through commitment to student success, community engagement, and associated scholarship. Visionary Goal As a trusted educational partner in the search for sustainable cultural, economic, environmental, and social well-being, we inspire our students, faculty and staff, our communities and the people of Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia through our commitment to excellence in learning, student success, respectful discourse, and Indigenous ways of knowing and personal well-being. To learn more, please visit VIU s website. THE LOCATION NANAIMO, BC Nanaimo is a city of approximately 90,000 residents, located on beautiful Vancouver Island a tourist destination blessed with the natural beauty of mountains, forests and seashore, a mild climate, and many opportunities for year-round outdoor sport and recreation. Nanaimo is close to the major metropolitan areas of Vancouver and Victoria, providing the best of all worlds to its residents. 2 Page

5 THE OPPORTUNITY DEAN, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Organization & Structure Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences leads a team that prides itself on the excellent reputation of its graduates. The Faculty consists of the Departments of Anthropology, Community Planning, Criminology, Geography, Global Studies (co-managed with International Education), Liberal Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Political Studies, Psychology and Sociology, all of which with the exception of Community Planning offer a BA Major and Minor. In addition, Criminology offers a two-year undergraduate diploma, Geography offers an advanced diploma and a master s degree in Geographic Information Systems Applications (ADGISA and MGISA), and Community Planning offers a Master of Community Planning (MCP). Further credentials are available through interdisciplinary collaboration within the Faculty and with Science and Technology. Psychology offers a B.sc. Major and Minor, and Geography a B.Sc. Minor and a Geoscience B.Sc. Major. The mission of the Faculty is to offer excellent university-level programs to students from all VIU s communities regional, national, and international. These programs promote engaged and informed citizenship through free inquiry into and critical analysis of human life in all its physical, mental, social, political, cultural, ideological, and spiritual diversity. In doing so, they assist students in developing a broad, deep understanding of humanity 3 Page

6 and society in the present age, as well as skills specific to particular professions and generic skills (in critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, leadership, and teamwork) relevant to all occupations and to living per se. In keeping with the University Academic Plan s Indigenous Commitment, the Faculty is working to enhance its understanding of Indigenous interests, opportunities, needs, and rights by working with Indigenous students, Elders, communities, and leaders. The Faculty currently has 78 faculty, four staff, and an annual budget approaching $5,000,000. In addition to teaching, faculty engage in a wide variety of scholarly pursuits and contribute to university service and community engagement. Many departments offer field trips, field schools, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities, and some are involved in contract training and national and international collaborations. Key Responsibilities The Dean will provide academic leadership to ensure the highest quality of instruction and program delivery, and will provide entrepreneurial leadership to assist with program development and new initiatives. The Dean will motivate and inspire faculty, staff, students, as well as internal and external partners, to help define and

7 further the objectives of the Faculty. As part of the senior management team, the Dean will work collaboratively with the Provost, other Deans, and Directors to achieve institutional objectives and strategic priorities, including the collaborative development of new programs. The Dean is a member of Senate and represents the Faculty on university committees, at Provost Council and President s Council, and in other decanal and service areas of the institution. The Dean also represents the Faculty to other post-secondary institutions, outside agencies, and organizations, providing support for program development, monitoring program quality, and assuring program review. This involves working directly with Deans, Faculty Chairs, and departmental committees to achieve common goals, both in terms of day-to-day operations as well as long-term planning. The Dean will be an active participant in VIU s culture and will have a visible, engaging, and collaborative role to play in realizing the University s Academic Plan and forging VIU s promising future. Other Functions and Responsibilities Provide academic leadership and administrative management in support of the direction of the Faculty; Foster an environment that encourages excellence in learning, teaching, and scholarship, facilitating faculty and staff development, and celebrating individual accomplishments; Sustain a high-quality academic environment for the student body through the promotion and recognition of teaching excellence, and through appropriate mentoring for students; Act as a strong advocate for the Faculty both within the University and externally, including industry and government, to secure resources to advance the education and scholarship mission of the Faculty; 5 Page

8 Maintain and develop an appropriate mix of provincial, national, and international partnerships; Promote recruitment and retention strategies that support Faculty and staff well-being; Promote opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations; Develop strong relationships and partnerships across Faculties; Support student success by encouraging experiential and work integrated learning opportunities; Develop and manage the Faculty Strategic Resource Plan; Develop and implement external funding initiatives; Promote recruitment and retention strategies that foster student success and well-being; Lead opportunities for community engagement and partnerships; and Champion the development of facilities for the Faculty under the Campus Master Plan initiative, including the promotion of environmental sustainability. THE PERSON Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience: A PhD in a relevant discipline; A distinguished record of teaching and scholarship or creative work; Knowledge of and experience in the British Columbic post-secondary system; A strong record in post-secondary administration, teaching, supporting scholarship, and service, or equivalent; A demonstrated record of successful and collegial academic leadership experience at the level of 6 Page

9 department chair or above, or equivalent; Demonstrated experience and cross-cultural competencies teaching and/or working with Indigenous and international students and communities; Success in developing, implementing and sustaining innovative policies and programs that foster excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service in higher education; Demonstrated ability to stimulate in others excellence in teaching, service, and scholarly activities; An understanding for and appreciation of the breadth of disciplines within the Faculty, as well as the potential for cross-disciplinary activities; Demonstrated commitment to the academic needs and concerns of students; An entrepreneurial ability to manage external relationships; Strong interpersonal, communication, and consensus-building skills; An understanding of the process of academic planning, capacity for collaborative and strategic problem solving, with an inclusive and timely approach to the management of the Faculty s affairs; A commitment to diversity and equality in employment and education; and Ideally, experience working with Indigenous communities. Competencies and Personal Characteristics Leadership Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the contribution of others; a proactive and positive team player who acts with a sense of urgency and leads by example; sets and communicates clear goals. 7 Page

10 Accountability Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities and standards; focuses on results and measuring the attainment of outcomes with an academic focus in the context of fiscal guidelines. Strategic Vision Develops and implements a plan in support of organizational strategic directions and academic planning. Demonstrates an understanding of the link between Decanal responsibilities and overall University goals and needs, and performs with the broader goals in mind. Communication Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and purpose; communicates effectively in both positive and negative circumstances; listens well. Creativity and Innovation Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes. Effectiveness in Working Relationships Treats employees, colleagues, students, and others with respect; resolves conflicts respectfully and in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees. Integrity and Honesty Demonstrates a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit and intent behind the rules and core values of the organization, setting an example of professionalism and ethical propriety. Outreach Anticipates, responds, and attends to the needs of students, faculty and staff, clients and other internal and external stakeholders of the Faculty. 8 Page

11 COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed further in a personal interview. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Robin Noftall or Greg Longster DAVIES PARK EXECUTIVE SEARCH # Granville Street Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5 Phone: (604) vancouver@daviespark.com Additional information can be found at