Dean, Faculty of Law
Position Description
Dean, Faculty of Law
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Located in Canada’s most enterprising city, the traditional territory of the peoples of Treaty 7 and Region 3 of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the University of Calgary (UCalgary) is a global and innovative intellectual hub for teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and community engagement.
Calgary is a welcoming city, known for its thriving innovation ecosystem and leadership in the energy transition and for its openness and commitment to equity and diversity. The Faculty of Law is a key part of the thriving transdisciplinary research environment at the University of Calgary. Along with our longstanding area of strength - energy and environmental law - our faculty conduct research on climate change law, sustainability, environmental impact assessment, endangered species, renewable and alternative energy, natural resources, and mining and critical minerals. Our researchers explore how these areas intersect with constitutional law, democratic principles, human rights, and Indigenous rights. We are leaders in business and corporate regulation, cyber and national security, international economic law, health, technology law, legal history, and social justice. Our 29 faculty are among the finest legal scholars in the nation. Our JD students benefit from our "Calgary Curriculum," which combines theory and practice to prepare students for the legal profession of tomorrow, including, in particular, a profession committed to reconciliation with Indigenous people. Our staff are professional and committed to making our school welcoming for everyone. Each year about 130 new graduates join our alumni, prepared to make a positive impact on our various communities.
From unique experiential learning opportunities and courses that will prepare students for tomorrow’s legal services market, to one of the highest articling placement rates in the country, UCalgary Law is producing some of the best graduates.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean of the Faculty of Law is responsible for providing strategic leadership, academic direction, community engagement, fund development, and administrative oversight to Canada’s most innovative law school. The Dean plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of legal education at the University of Calgary. They will work creatively and collaboratively to articulate the vision for the faculty and develop, implement and adapt strategies and initiatives that meet the needs of students, staff, faculty, and stakeholders. As a champion of Indigenous engagement and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, they will advance the faculty’s reputation, scholarly excellence, and world-renowned research by adapting to current and future trends and creating innovations that will impact legal education and practice.
The Dean will engage and lead an experienced team that promotes collaboration, high impact academic and research activities, and develops interdisciplinary partnerships through a shared vision with other faculties and university stakeholders. As an open and trusted decision maker, the Dean will inspire and cultivate relationships with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to sustain and enhance the reputation of the Faculty of Law at University of Calgary. The Dean will focus on deepening existing relationships and building new relationships with internal and external stakeholders in the legal and business communities, and with Indigenous and BIPOC communities. With a clear commitment to Indigeneity, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, the Dean will promote a vision that will build partnerships, attract resources, and secure funding for sustainability and growth.
The successful candidate will hold a graduate degree in law or PhD, and qualifications commensurate with an appointment with tenure at the rank of full Professor. They will possess a level of scholarship and professional acumen that will allow them to speak to both scholarly communities and the legal profession. The ideal candidate has the ability to lead change given the evolving environment of legal education and practice, inspire intellectual curiosity and creativity, and balance internal and external engagement. Candidates will have experience in a senior role as an academic leader including a Dean or higher, an Associate Dean, a Chair of a department or as a Director of an Institute or Centre, or an equivalent academic framework. Candidates coming from industry or academia will have a proven capacity to advocate, build trust, influence, and collaborate. They will demonstrate success in support of academic productivity and building community partnerships. A track record in external funding successes and the ability to build strong relationships with the local, national, and international communities, government, and alumni is critical.
The successful candidate will provide leadership in creating space for people who hold diverse perspectives, and will actively lead local implementation of university strategies including Indigenous (ii' taapoh'to'p), Sustainability, Global Engagement, Mental Health, as well as an emerging EDIA strategy. The appointment as Dean, Faculty of Law is for a five-year period with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will be offered an academic position “With Tenure” at the rank of Professor.
About The University of Calgary
UCalgary is one of Canada’s top five comprehensive research universities, with over 8,000 graduate students and 28,500 undergraduate students, over 1,800 academic staff (continuing, contingent term or limited term appointment), and more than 1,300 sessionals, over 3,200 non-academic staff, in 14 Faculties, across five campuses. Our focus on innovation and entrepreneurial thinking provides our students with the tools to succeed in our changing economy. The vibrant and research-intensive environment at UCalgary is home to 169 research chairs (75 Canada Research Chairs), and more than 50 research institutes and centres. UCalgary has the fastest growth rate in attracting research funding among the 10 largest universities in Canada. The recently completed Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High, was the third-largest fundraising campaign in Canadian history, surpassing our goal of $1.3 Billion.
We strive to innovate and create societal impact. With a consolidated budget of more than $1.6 billion, which includes an annual operating budget of just over $800 million and external research revenues of over $504 million, the University of Calgary is among Calgary's largest employers and contributes nearly $16.5 billion annually to Alberta’s economy.
Building on the success of the Eyes High strategy, the University embarked on a new strategic visioning process to continue our excellence in research and teaching and strengthen our community engagement in one of Canada’s most diverse and fastest growing cities. This new strategy is supported by the University of Calgary’s Framework for Growth, academic and research plans as well as the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Indigenous, mental health and sustainability strategies.
The University of Calgary’s remarkable trajectory reflects strong growth and entrepreneurial spirit. Our students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and community have built a bold university in less than 60 years. This Strategic Plan - Ahead of Tomorrow - shapes our journey toward 2030, considered through long-term, foundational commitments to: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; Indigenous Engagement; Mental Health; Global Engagement; and Sustainability.
Based on our unique approach to teaching and learning, research excellence, community partnership, and campus operations, this Strategic Plan and our foundational commitments together lay a mosaic for the future.
Click this link to learn more about the 2023-2030 Ahead of Tomorrow Strategic Plan: https://www.ucalgary.ca/about/2030
About Calgary
Recently ranked the 2nd most liveable city in North America and 7th in the world (2023) by The Economist Intelligence Unit, and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great place to raise a family (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnh-WugziiiHwMT44-sVwrA). Situated where the Canadian plains reach the sunny foothills of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by an area of profound beauty with an awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, rivers and gorgeous prairie.
Consistently rated by the United Nations as the world’s best country to live in, Canada is the world’s second largest country by total area and is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations. Canada ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.
To explore this opportunity further, please send your CV and Letter of Interest in confidence, with the subject line “Dean of Law” to: apply@jssearch.ca
The University of Calgary’s comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members. In Alberta, decanal salaries are provincially regulated with the total compensation maximum set by the reform of Agencies, Boards, and Commissions (Post-Secondary Institutions) Compensation Regulation. In alignment with this regulation the salary range for this position is $260,000 - $350,000. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package for this Calgary-based, English-speaking position, please visit https://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/benefits-pension.
The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here; in particular, we encourage members of equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodation can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.