Ontario Tech University acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. We are thankful to be welcomed on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered under the Williams Treaties and the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to a number of Indigenous nations and people.

Recognized as a top-ranked institution, Ontario Tech University has grown out of a bold, ambitious vision: To advance the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. They inspire and equip students and graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. Ontario Tech’s commitment to scholarship produces new types of graduates - highly engaged citizen leaders with a creative and innovative spirit. Ontario Tech’s faculty experts and researchers collaborate with industry, community, government, and academic organizations, bringing them together alongside students to uncover innovative solutions for society’s most pressing problems.

The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH) is a vibrant, interdisciplinary Faculty offering undergraduate, graduate and minor programming, supported by more than 60 faculty members and a network of skilled and dedicated academic advisors, administrative staff, and program directors who ensure academic excellence and strong student support. FSSH fosters a vibrant research culture through 20+ research centres, labs, and institutes, including the Digital Life Institute, CANDiLab, and the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism. These reinforce the University’s strategic priorities around interdisciplinarity, community engagement, and “Technology with a Conscience,” as outlined in Ontario Tech’s Integrated Academic-Research Plan 2023-2028 and Strategic Research Plan 2025–2030.

Within this exciting context, Ontario Tech University seeks a Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Dean serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the FSSH and plays a pivotal role in inspiring and fostering an ambitious and shared strategic vision for the Faculty. The Dean will champion innovative programs, research and impact, bolster student enrolment and provide exceptional learning experiences for students, and support the growth and success of faculty and staff. As a key ambassador and advocate for the Faculty, the Dean will build strong internal and external partnerships and elevate FSSH’s profile locally, nationally, and internationally.

The successful candidate will hold a doctorate and be eligible for appointment at the rank of Full Professor, with a distinguished record of scholarly achievement and academic leadership within the social sciences and/or humanities. They will bring substantial experience in program development, strategic enrolment management, and financial stewardship, along with a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire research success. Deeply committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and social justice, the ideal candidate will be an exceptional communicator and relationship‑builder who excels at engaging internal and external stakeholders and cultivating meaningful partnerships. Highly visible, collegial, transparent, and collaborative, the Dean will have a proven capacity to lead through change, inspire shared purpose, and foster a supportive, high‑performing academic culture grounded in relationships and connection. A student‑centred and values‑driven leader, the successful candidate will offer a compelling vision for undergraduate enrolment growth while advancing research impact and maintaining excellence in teaching and learning.

To learn more about this opportunity, or to submit a nomination, please contact Andrea Patrick and Cora Hui of Odgers at OntarioTechDean@odgers.com. Expressions of interest are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online ideally by June 12th, 2026.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Odgers at OntarioTechDean@odgers.com.