Dean of Arts – St. Francis Xavier University (Filled)

Antigonish, NS

Dean, Faculty of Arts

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Championing humanities and social sciences as core to a rich undergraduate experience

St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a leading Canadian university, recognized nationally and internationally for its dual commitments to excellence in teaching and research and for the success of its students. The University is renowned for its strong commitment to intellectual and personal growth, community development, and social justice. An immersive learning environment encompasses Arts, Science, Education, Business, and the Coady Institute. StFX is home to ~5,000 students, 250 faculty, and an engaged alumni network of over 50,000 citizens whose influence and impact is global. The university environment is one of positive change, characterized by ongoing transformation and improvement of both campus infrastructure and academic programs. The University is located in beautiful Antigonish. a vibrant and closely connected region of Nova Scotia, with 15-minute proximity to the ocean and a two-hour drive to the city of Halifax with an international airport. StFX welcomes students and faculty from around the world and has strong ties with Mi’kmaw Nations, and with African Nova Scotian, Scottish and Acadian communities, located in close proximity to the university.

The Faculty of Arts offers a broad range of studies including history, art, politics, literature, economics, languages, philosophy, psychology, music, anthropology, religion, and much more – disciplines that are core to a rich undergraduate experience. With 30 different major, minor, and honours combinations from which to choose, students receive an exceptionally broad and rich educational experience.

The Dean of Arts champions excellence and innovation in teaching, scholarship, research, and service. Reporting to the Academic Vice-President and Provost, the Dean of Arts works closely with members of faculty, the Associate Vice-President Research, department and program chairs, the Deans of Science, Education, and Business, and with Senate in planning and in determining academic priorities. The Dean of Arts participates in strategic planning and actively supports innovative research, teaching, and academic programs. They demonstrate positive and productive interactions with students, faculty, and colleagues and are dedicated to elevating and supporting the humanities and social sciences within the university.

The Dean of Arts requires strong leadership skills, administrative abilities, and a proven record of scholarship. This individual’s interpersonal skills will ensure positive, supportive, and productive interactions with students, faculty, and senior administrators. A keen awareness of the diverse nature and needs of the humanities, social sciences, and fine and performing arts is essential as is an interest in service learning, a broad scope of education, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The Dean of Arts is proactive in recruiting and retaining faculty and students.

The successful candidate will have an outstanding record of academic leadership and accomplishment in academic teaching and research, as well as an ability to work effectively and imaginatively in a collegial environment. They will bring a collaborative approach with a proven capacity to build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. The successful candidate has a track record of successfully leading strategic planning, overseeing budgets and allocating resources to achieve the university’s mission.

To learn more about St. Francis Xavier University, please visit: https://www.stfx.ca/

We welcome a conversation about this impactful leadership opportunity. Please reach out to Kim West in confidence at kwest@royerthompson.com or Jenna Gromack jgromack@royerthompson.com or call 902-220-3232. Please submit your resume and interest online by clicking “Apply.”

Royer Thompson is committed to presenting a diverse and inclusive roster of candidates to our clients. We welcome and encourage applications from the following underrepresented groups: Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, persons with a disability, women, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity. If you are a member of one of these underrepresented groups, we invite you to self-identify on your cover letter or resume.

St. Francis Xavier University will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation(s) to participate in the application, interviewing or selection process, please contact Jenna Gromack at jgromack@royerthompson.com

Royer Thompson Management & Human Resources Consulting is a Canadian talent management firm focused on capturing the full potential of people in organizations by supporting a shared sense of purpose, recruiting and cultivating leadership, and fostering an innovative, caring and entrepreneurial spirit.