Director, School of the Arts, McMaster University

The Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University seeks an outstanding candidate for the position of Director, School of the Arts. The appointment as Director, anticipated to begin 1 January 2020, carries an initial five year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term.

The position of Director provides an excellent opportunity for an outstanding arts researcher and visionary leader who will have an opportunity to shape the transformation of creative and performing arts programming at McMaster. The School of the Arts is integrating its current curricula in visual and performing arts and maximizing engagement with exciting new and existing performance and production spaces, including the Concert Hall, The Black Box Theatre, the Fitzhenry Studio and Atrium, and the McMaster Museum of Art (MMA). The new vision also embodies more concrete connection with Hamilton’s vibrant arts scene and with local organizations interested in the connection between social change and the arts, and more open access to arts courses across campus. The Director will help the School and the Faculty of Humanities envision, design and implement integrated and interdisciplinary programs in the creative and performing arts, which will offer students a distinctive educational experience to prepare them for the complexities of the twenty-first century.

The Director will report to the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and participate in the Dean’s Advisory Council. Apart from leading the School’s visioning and planning processes and setting its strategic directions, the Director will recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty; facilitate and enhance faculty research and creative practice; ensure a high quality teaching and learning environment; maintain and enhance community, alumni, and donor partnerships; develop the School’s internal policies and procedures on governance and administrative matters; manage the School’s budget and resources; and continue to build the profile of the School locally, nationally, and internationally. The Director will also be expected to maintain an active teaching and research/creative profile.

McMaster is seeking a candidate who is a visionary thinker with a passion for the creative and performing arts. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of leadership in a post-secondary environment, or equivalent experience in arts or community organizations, and a strong record of teaching and arts research or creative practice.

The Faculty will consider applications from candidates who do not hold a terminal degree in their field, but who qualify for the position because of their extensive professional arts leadership experience. A successful applicant who holds a terminal degree in their field will be appointed as a Professor or Associate Professor with tenure in the Faculty of Humanities, the rank depending on their current status and qualification. A successful applicant who does not hold a terminal degree will be appointed to a position in the Faculty appropriate to their background and qualification.

Interested applicants should submit an application in electronic form http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/careers/index.php

• a letter of application demonstrating how the candidate meets the selection criteria outlined above;
• curriculum vitae;
• up to 5 samples arts research, which may include scholarly publications, research-creation work, and/or creative practice
• a statement that speaks to the following:
  • the candidate’s past contributions and ongoing commitment to the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching, research/creative practice, and/or service within post-secondary or community-based settings;
  • the candidate’s vision for the role of arts research and creative/performing arts programming at McMaster;
  • plans for furthering the University’s commitment to building an inclusive community.
• only shortlisted candidates will be asked for three referees in the final stages of the search.

Please direct all inquiries to: humappt@mcmaster.ca

Deadline for applications is June 10th, 2019

Employment Equity Statement:
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and, within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement.

In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, we particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQ+ persons.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247) or the Faculty of Health Sciences Human Resources office at ext. 22207 to communicate accommodation needs.