Western University acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples, where the University is located. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples, whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of the community.

Western University is among Canada’s most distinguished research universities, and a founding member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. Ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, Western is recognized globally as a destination for excellence in teaching and research. Since 1878, Western has expanded its reach across every continent and has served as a hub for over 500 international research collaborations. The ‘Western Experience’ prepares future leaders for success by combining academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.

Western’s Don Wright Faculty of Music offers an exceptional range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs within a supportive and collaborative environment. The Faculty is home to three dynamic departments, the Department of Music Education, Department of Music Performance, and Department of Music Research and Composition, each providing distinctive pathways in teaching, performance, scholarship, and creative practice. Students benefit from outstanding facilities, expert faculty, and a vibrant research culture that spans performance, composition, and interdisciplinary study.

Western University seeks a Dean of the Don Wright Faculty of Music. Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean provides strategic and collaborative leadership to the Faculty and is responsible for advancing its academic mission, artistic excellence, research profile, and community engagement activities. The Dean oversees the Faculty’s academic planning, operations, development, and internal and external relations, while fostering an inclusive, transparent, and collegial environment that supports creativity, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success. Working across the University and with alumni, donors, and community partners, the Dean will guide the Faculty’s next chapter of impact and play an important role in shaping music education and artistic practice in Canada.

In order to advance the Faculty’s mission and priorities, the Dean will be a collegial leader who fosters a culture grounded in trust, transparency, mutual respect, and shared purpose, with the judgment and skills to navigate complexity and build strong relationships across the Faculty. Through inclusive leadership, strong communication, and a demonstrated commitment towards authentic engagement, the Dean will strengthen community, encourage collaboration and connection, and unite the School around a compelling vision for continued creativity, impact, and collective success.

The successful candidate will be eligible for appointment as a full professor and will be a distinguished academic leader with a record of scholarly achievement, strategic and financial leadership, and success engaging internal and external partners. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated expertise in curriculum and programs, assessment, and outcomes measurement, alongside progressive leadership experience advancing complex initiatives and institutional priorities through strategic, data-informed decision-making. They will possess exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, the ability to align and inspire diverse partners, and demonstrated effectiveness navigating complex organizational dynamics with accountability, collaboration, and transparency. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, reconciliation, continuous quality improvement, and engagement is essential for success in this role.

Consideration of candidates will begin immediately. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027 though timing may be negotiated based on the successful candidate’s circumstances. To enquire, apply, or suggest a nomination for this opportunity, please contact Andrea Patrick and Cora Hui of Odgers at WesternDean@odgers.com. You may also apply directly online.

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 – Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

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Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy

 

Western invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

 

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

 

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting Odgers at WesternDean@odgers.com.