Director, School of Occupational Therapy/Assistant Dean, Faculty of Health
Type of position: Limited Term
Department/Unit: Occupational Therapy
Location: Halifax
About the opportunity
The Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University is seeking an innovative, collaborative leader to be the next Director of its School of Occupational Therapy.
Dalhousie University is the largest university in Atlantic Canada, comprised of more than 1,000 faculty members and close to 20,000 students amongst its 13 Faculties. As part of Canada’s U15 group of research-intensive universities, Dalhousie is a key driver of the region’s intellectual, social, and economic development. From “the little college by the sea” to a world-leading, research-intensive university: Dalhousie University’s first 200 years have seen it transform from a local centre of learning to an institution with global impact. Now, at the dawn of its third century, Dalhousie is more relevant, more connected, and more vibrant than ever.
The School of Occupational Therapy is one of 10 units within the Faculty of Health, committed to achieving five strategic directions including engaging in transformational teaching and learning, growth of the research enterprise, fostering citizenship, cultivating partnerships and mobilizing supports for innovation. The Faculty of Health is home to one of the largest number of health professions programs at a Canadian University, including 11 masters and two doctoral level research-based programs. The regional orientation of the School fosters collaborative teaching, research, and professional activities across Atlantic Canada. This regional mandate is combined with an international perspective offering diverse opportunities for fieldwork and research. The School of Occupational Therapy is known for its theory-driven approach, commitment to social justice, and diverse educational approaches. The School provides an exceptional environment for its students with its welcoming atmosphere, diverse online learning programs, and remarkable enhanced learning labs. Further details about the School of Occupational Therapy, its faculty, research, and academic programs can be found at the School’s website: http://www.occupationaltherapy.dal.ca .
The School is seeking a professional leader with a strong understanding of the academic world and the rapidly changing university and health care contexts. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Health and working closely and collaboratively with the other members of the Dean’s Leadership Team, the Director provides academic, research, and administrative leadership in accordance with the principles of academic governance and is responsible for administrative, financial and human resources management. The Director will promote excellence in research, education, and professional activity.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in research, education, and academic administrative leadership, with experience in ensuring high quality educational programs, vigorous and creative research, and scholarship. Teaching achievement, an externally funded research program, and/or a substantial contribution to occupational therapy through scholarship that advances the discipline of occupational therapy is essential. Success in establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders is also essential. Experience in a previous academic appointment in a School/Department of Occupational Therapy with a graduate education program is desirable, as is interest in and experience with developing interprofessional collaboration and interdisciplinary research initiatives.
To be eligible, candidates will have a PhD (or equivalent research degree) in a relevant discipline and be eligible for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia. This five-year term position is expected to commence July 1, 2022 and may be renewed for a second five-year term. The successful candidate will be appointed into a tenure stream position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor depending on qualifications.
To be considered, please submit your application through https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/7318 by November 26, 2021. Applications for the position should include a Cover Letter stating interest in the position and providing an overview of alignment with the desired criteria and a Curriculum Vitae highlighting recent examples of academic, research, and management/administrative experience.
To review the Executive Brief containing more details about the role please contact Laura Godsoe or Emma Spence Wach at exec.search@dal.ca
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racially visible persons (especially historic African Nova Scotians), persons with a disability, women, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity. All qualified candidates are encourages to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.