Western University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, with the appointment to be effective summer 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to advance current and future initiatives.
Founded in 1878, Western University is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is a 2023 recipient of the QS 5 Stars Plus rating, one of only 20 institutions to obtain the score globally. Western and its Affiliated University Colleges serve as a hub for more than 500 international research collaborations. This dynamic academic community consists of approximately 42,000 students — 7,000 of whom are enrolled in graduate-level programs. Western has more than 1,500 full-time faculty, 2,500 full-time administrative staff, 51 librarians and archivists, and more than 360,000 alumni around the globe. The 2021 Strategic Plan, “Towards Western at 150,” will guide the institution in the coming years and help strengthen the University’s national and international reputation. Western’s fundraising campaigns continue to be a great source of strength, with each campaign surpassing the previous one.
Established in 1996/97, the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) is a vibrant, non-departmentalized Faculty comprising approximately 1,300 undergraduate and 340 graduate students, more than 42 full-time faculty members and 26 non-academic staff. Dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about media, communications and information technologies, FIMS offers three undergraduate and eight professional or research-based graduate programs in Media Studies, Library & Information Science, Journalism and Communications, and Health Information Science.
The Faculty is located in a state-of-the-art building that features a fully HD broadcast studio, multimedia production spaces, hybrid-equipped classrooms and seminar rooms, and a dedicated FIMS Graduate Library. FIMS maintains strong connections with local, regional and international partners through research, teaching, community-based work, experiential learning, creative and arts-based projects, and student mentorship. Its academic environment is characterized by interdisciplinarity, critical thought, collaboration, and creative inquiry.
The Dean is the chief academic officer of the Faculty and a member of the University’s senior leadership team. Reporting to the Provost & Vice-President (Academic), the Dean is accountable for the Faculty’s strategic vision, for ensuring the academic quality and integrity of its programs and operations, for championing fundraising efforts and outreach, and for enhancing the Faculty’s research profile.
The ideal candidate will be a scholar with international impact, ideally appointable to the rank of Professor. They will have significant proven administrative experience earned in a complex environment as demonstrated through the development of collaborative internal and external relationships, experience with, or an interest in, fundraising, applied experience and deep theoretical knowledge in their field, as well as sound fiscal management abilities.
Preferred and Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be a scholar with international impact, ideally appointable to the rank of Professor. They will have significant proven administrative experience earned in a complex environment as demonstrated through the development of collaborative internal and external relationships, experience with, or an interest in, fundraising, applied experience and deep theoretical knowledge in their field, as well as sound fiscal management abilities.
Application Details
Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, persons with any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting WesternFIMS@lavernesmith.com. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.
The consultants will begin review of candidates immediately, with committee consultation later in the fall. The search will continue until the position is successfully filled. Applications, including curriculum vitae, a letter of introduction and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant) should be submitted, in confidence, to the University’s executive search consultants:
Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom the university recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.