"Director, School of Kinesiology"

Position

Director of the School of Kinesiology

Full-time, Tenured Professor or Professor of Teaching Position

Location

Vancouver, Canada

UBC Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia (UBC)

Start Date: July 1, 2025 (or mutually agreed upon)

About UBC and the Faculty of Education

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the world’s top public universities and a global center for research and teaching. The Faculty of Education is ranked 10th globally and is one of the leading faculties of its kind in the world. The Faculty is committed to advancing educational research, promoting teaching and learning, and ensuring that all students have access to diverse, equitable, and innovative academic experiences.

About the School of Kinesiology

The School of Kinesiology at UBC is a leading academic unit in Canada, with an interdisciplinary focus on sport, physical activity, and health across the lifespan. The School is ranked #1 in North America and #3 globally for sports-related research and teaching (2024 QS University Rankings).

The School currently boasts:

• 32 full-time tenure-stream faculty members
• Over 1400 full-time undergraduate students
• Over 200 graduate students

The School offers various programs, including:

• Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin), with specializations in Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Multi-disciplinary Science
• Graduate programs: MA, MSc, Master of Kinesiology, and PhD degrees.

Position Summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader for the Director of the School of Kinesiology. This is a full-time, tenured position at the rank of Professor or Professor of Teaching, with concurrent administrative appointment as Director.

The successful candidate will provide visionary and collaborative leadership to advance the School’s excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. They will also foster an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff, and help drive the strategic goals of the School, the Faculty of Education, and the wider University.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Administration:

• Provide collaborative and innovative leadership for the School’s interdisciplinary research and teaching culture.
• Lead the implementation of the School’s strategic plans in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Address academic and administrative challenges with inclusivity, equity, and respect for diverse perspectives.

1. Research & Teaching Excellence:

• Maintain an internationally recognized research program in Kinesiology or related fields.
• Provide academic leadership in Kinesiology programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs.
• Support faculty development and mentor junior faculty members.

1. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Decolonization:

• Foster excellence in diverse student experiences and learning environments.
• Champion initiatives for equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID) within the School, Faculty, and the broader university community.

1. Community & Industry Engagement:

• Leverage external partnerships and build collaborations with industry and community organizations.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess:

• A doctoral degree in Kinesiology or a related field.
• An international reputation and a distinguished record of academic accomplishments, consistent with an appointment at the rank of Professor or Professor of Teaching at UBC.
• Proven leadership in research and educational activities, with an international impact in the Kinesiology field.
• Strong administrative experience, including:
• Budget management and decision-making in a post-secondary institution.
• Conflict resolution, personnel management, and performance evaluation.
• A deep understanding of and commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID), and a demonstrated track record of enacting these principles in teaching, research, and leadership.
• A clear vision for advancing Indigenous initiatives in kinesiology research, programs, and curriculum.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Appointment & Salary

• Academic Appointment (Rank and Tenure):
• The successful candidate will hold an ongoing, tenured academic appointment at the rank of Professor or Professor of Teaching.
• Administrative Appointment as Director:
• The Director appointment is a five-year term with the possibility of renewal for another term.
• Administrative stipend will be provided for the Director role.
• Salary Range:
• The expected salary for the academic appointment is between $220,000–$250,000 CAD per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials as a single, bookmarked PDF file:

1. Cover letter (max 2 pages), including:

• Indication of academic rank (Professor or Professor of Teaching)
• Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Evidence of teaching excellence, including:

• Course outlines and student evaluations

1. Statement of administrative experience and leadership background (max 1 page)
2. EDID Statement (max 1 page) describing contributions and future plans related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization.
3. Names and contact information of three references (letters of reference will be requested later for shortlisted candidates).

Applications should be submitted to:

Michael Wilkinson

Manager, HR & Administration

Email: michael.wilkinson@ubc.ca

Deadline & Process

• Deadline for applications: April 10, 2025
• Equity Survey: Applicants will receive an Equity Survey link after submitting their application. Completion of the survey is required.
• Accommodations: Available on request for applicants with disabilities at all stages of the process. For accommodations, contact educ.hr@ubc.ca.