Dean, Faculty of Engineering

The University of Waterloo invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Engineering, with the appointment to be effective July 1, 2020. This is an exciting opportunity to lead Canada’s largest engineering school, with a reputation for excellence built on the foundation of co-op education, world-leading research, and a bold history of innovation.

The University of Waterloo — Canada’s top innovation university — is home to transformational research and inspired learning in engineering and architecture, science, mathematics, applied health sciences, environment, and the arts. Waterloo has spawned thousands of commercial and social enterprises, has the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program, and boasts a uniquely entrepreneurial culture that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the result is an outstanding learning and research experience for more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of Canada’s technology hub. For more information please visit www.uwaterloo.ca.

Ranked among the top 50 engineering schools worldwide, the Faculty of Engineering is proud of its reputation for leadership, innovation, co-operative education, and excellence. Over 8,000 undergraduate students are enrolled in 15 co-op programs, including degrees in interdisciplinary areas. Almost 2,100 graduate students in 37 degree programs benefit from a robust and innovative research environment that includes more than a dozen research centres and institutes. In 2018/19, external research funding from Canadian and international partners exceeded $96 million, a strong indication of the Faculty’s extensive industry partnerships and the excellence of its engineering research programs. Each year, Waterloo Engineering graduates the largest number of engineers  in Canada, adding to its distinguished alumni of over 46,000. The Faculty’s 600 faculty and staff and eight academic units are housed in state-of-the-art facilities, many of which are newly built. Uniquely enhancing the Faculty’s breadth, interdisciplinarity, and scope of impact are the School of Architecture and the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business. Further information about the Faculty can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/

Reporting to the Vice-President, Academic and Provost and participating as a member of Waterloo’s senior administration, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering provides visionary strategic direction, academic planning leadership, external relations, and administrative oversight to achieve the highest possible standards in engineering and architectural education and research. Working in collaboration with the Chairs, Directors, and Associate Deans, the Dean will lead and expand the boundaries of innovative and multi-disciplinary approaches to teaching and research, and will successfully manage the financial, administrative, and human resources of the Faculty. As a champion for teaching and scholarship who is committed to the success and development of students, faculty, and staff, the Dean will work collaboratively with academic, industry, alumni, and public sector partners to further enhance the stature and resources of the Faculty.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished leader with strong achievements in teaching, innovative research, and community engagement. With proven academic leadership experience and a record of building strong teams, the new Dean will possess an open and collegial style, a creative approach to problem solving, outstanding management, communication, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to identify and generate new sources of funding.  The new Dean will be able to promote excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion amongst all faculty, staff, and students, while relating successfully to a range of internal and external partners.

The University of Waterloo respects, appreciates and encourages diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion, age, colour, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or disability. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

The nominating committee will begin consideration of candidates immediately and will continue until the role is filled.  Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate), and be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.

WaterlooEng@lavernesmith.com