Athabasca University respectfully acknowledges that we live and work on the Traditional Lands of the Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) of Canada. We honour the ancestry, heritage, and gifts of the Indigenous Peoples and give thanks to them.

Located in the stunning Athabasca Region of Alberta, Athabasca University (AU), is Canada’s foremost innovator in flexible, online and accessible learning. AU’s academic mission is devoted to the removal of barriers to post-secondary education for learners, regardless of their age, location, career or education background. With a complement of over 1,200 faculty and staff serving over 35,000 students in every province and territory in Canada and 79 countries worldwide, AU offers more than 850 courses in 21 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the sciences, business, humanities and health disciplines.

Putting AU learners at the center, AU is on an exciting journey of growth and evolution built on its distinctive history, enduring values, and core mandate. Guided by its ambitious Like No Other Strategic Plan 2024-29, AU’s approach to accessible and transformative education and research, in digital space and in place in Athabasca, is highly complex and truly distinctive.

AU’s Faculty of Business is a globally recognized leader in online business education, renowned for its academically rigorous, industry‑relevant programs, innovative research, and an unwavering commitment to accessibility and flexibility. Home to the world’s first fully online MBA and Canada’s first online Doctor of Business Administration, the Faculty delivers high‑quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional development learning experiences to students across Canada and around the world. With AACSB accreditation and strong connections to industry, community, and research partners, the Faculty is driven by innovation, excellence, and a mission to remove barriers to business education while transforming the lives of learners and the communities they serve.

AU invites applications for the role of Dean, Faculty of Business, an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s most innovative business schools. Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President Academic, the Dean will guide the Faculty’s strategic direction, champion its educational mission, advance academic and research excellence including interdisciplinary collaboration, and steward a vibrant community of faculty, staff, and learners. The Dean will foster a culture of innovation in online and digitally enabled learning environments, deepen relationships with internal and external partners, uphold accreditation standards, and promote an exceptional student experience that is aligned with AU’s mandate as Canada’s open university.

The successful candidate is an accomplished academic leader with a record of senior administrative experience gained within a complex university environment, and a deep commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service. They will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline and be eligible for appointment as a full professor (associate professors eligible for or nearing promotion will also be considered). A champion of equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenization, and reconciliation, the ideal candidate will lead with integrity, listen actively, value diverse perspectives, and build trusting, productive relationships. With strong strategic and financial acumen, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for accessible, flexible, and learner‑centered education, the next Dean will inspire faculty and staff, engage external partners, and drive innovation that strengthens the Faculty of Business’s reputation and impact.

Athabasca University has partnered with Andrea Patrick and Krutika Hotwani of Odgers to support this recruitment for an existing position. The ideal start date is September 1, 2026, though timing may be negotiated based on the successful candidate’s circumstances. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online. For more information, or to submit a nomination, please reach out to aubusinessdean@odgers.com.   

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University; you are legally not permitted to work for Athabasca University if you are living outside of Canada.

Athabasca University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of visible minorities.

Athabasca First

Wherever possible, AU seeks to attract and hire qualified team members to reside in the Athabasca region. We will offer relocation assistance for the right candidate should you decide to relocate to the Town of Athabasca. As a resident of the town or county of Athabasca, you can choose to work on and from our beautiful campus in Athabasca.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, go to: Visit Athabasca.ca 

Where applicants have equal skills, abilities, and experience, candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the County of Athabasca will be given preference.

Athabasca University and Odgers respect people’s different needs and therefore will take all steps to ensure accommodation for applicants during the process. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Odgers at aubusinessdean@odgers.com.