Associate Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences

About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Position Information:
Durham College is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader with a passion for student success and a strong commitment to shaping the next generation of professionals in an ever-evolving workforce. Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Associate Dean will possess excellent organizational, administrative, and academic leadership skills, joining a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing student success and offering innovative, market-responsive programs.

This highly effective communicator and problem-solver will provide expert guidance and support to students, faculty, staff, and external partners, fostering a collaborative environment that drives academic and operational success. The Associate Dean will ensure the quality of the student experience by overseeing strategic planning, program promotion, curriculum development, new course offerings, faculty development, and industry engagement at Durham’s Oshawa Campus.

The successful candidate will demonstrate alignment with Durham College’s mission, vision, and values, bringing a proven track record of consultation, collaboration, and respect for all stakeholders. As a key academic leader, the Associate Dean will work closely with the Executive Dean to execute the Faculty’s strategic goals and objectives, focusing on long-term growth and sustainability.

 The Associate Dean will be responsible for: 

Strategic Planning & Data-Driven Decision Making: Leading the development and implementation of data-driven strategies to advance the Faculty’s goals. Utilizing analytical tools and performance metrics to assess program outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and guide decision-making processes. Ensuring that technological advancements and data analytics are leveraged effectively to enhance academic operations, optimize resource allocation, and support continuous program improvement.

Faculty Leadership & Development: Supervising, mentoring, and providing comprehensive orientation for all faculty members. Leading the recruitment and selection processes for faculty vacancies within the portfolio to ensure the best talent is brought on board.

Student Academic Advisement: Overseeing the Faculty’s student academic advisement functions, ensuring high levels of support for students’ academic success.

External Partnerships & Networking: Building and nurturing strategic relationships with industry leaders, government agencies, employers, secondary school boards, and other key external stakeholders to enhance program success and create valuable opportunities for students.

Strategic College Initiatives: Taking an active role in key campus initiatives and contributing to various committees and groups that help set direction and policy for the broader College’s academic operations.

Program Development & Growth: Collaborating with the Executive Dean to lead program growth, including the evaluation of existing courses and curricula, the development of new programs, and the oversight of program advisory meetings, accreditation processes, and pathway initiatives.

Program Infrastructure & Resource Planning: Assisting in the identification and planning of program-specific needs such as specialized space, equipment, and classroom or office renovations, ensuring the effective delivery of educational programs.

Enrollment Forecasting & Budgeting: Partnering with the Executive Dean to forecast student enrollment for budgeting and recruitment efforts, ensuring program growth aligns with institutional goals.

Program Promotion & Recruitment: Actively representing the Faculty and College at recruiting events, such as open houses and external campus visits, to promote Faculty programs and attract prospective students.

Articulation Agreements: Supporting the Executive Dean in identifying, negotiating, and overseeing academic articulation agreements with other institutions or external partners.

Implementation of College Initiatives: Leading the implementation of initiatives related to quality improvement plans, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), General Education, Essential Employability Skills, and policies outlined by government authorities, including the Minister’s Binding Policy Directive on Programs of Study.

Faculty Scheduling & Timetabling: Supporting Faculty in the development of schedules and timetables that align with the College’s operational needs and ensure an optimal learning environment.

Instructional Innovation & Professional Development: Promoting effective, innovative instructional methods while encouraging professional development opportunities for faculty to enhance their teaching capabilities and expertise.

Student Advisement & Disciplinary Action: Overseeing student advisement and addressing disciplinary matters in accordance with College policies, ensuring a fair and consistent process.

Academic Appeals & Student Concerns: Participating in the Faculty’s academic appeals process and addressing student complaints and conduct matters, adhering to College policies and ensuring due process.

Student Success & Support: Providing guidance and facilitating creative, supportive solutions to help students thrive, ensuring their success and well-being throughout their academic journey.

Strategic College Planning & Development: Contributing to the College’s overall strategic planning, including initiatives in the Business Plan, Academic Plan, and Strategic Mandate Agreement, through active participation in key committees and sub-committees.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation: Creating a supportive environment at the Faculty of Health Sciences that promotes curiosity, exploration, and collaboration, driving creativity, discovery, and academic progress.

Advancing Research & Innovation: Enhancing the research agenda within the Faculty, providing resources, mentorship, and funding to foster research and innovation, while supporting individuals and organizations engaged in impactful research initiatives.

Qualifications:

A Master’s Degree in a related field is required; a PHD in a related field will be strongly preferred.

A minimum of seven years of progressive leadership experience within an academic or healthcare setting, with a focus on program development, faculty management, and strategic decision-making.

A minimum of five years of combined research and industry experience in clinical, health, or life sciences, with a proven track record of contributing to advancing knowledge and improving healthcare practices.

In-depth understanding of Allied Health and Sciences, with at least five years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and academic leadership in a post-secondary institution (preferably a college setting).

A minimum of five years of leadership experience overseeing the operation of healthcare facilities or clinical programs, demonstrating expertise in managing complex environments and ensuring the highest standards of care.

A demonstrated, long-term commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of academic leadership, staff development, and student programming.

Proven ability to lead administrative and academic teams effectively, manage large-scale projects, handle intricate details, and balance multiple, high-priority functions with minimal supervision.

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly, build consensus, and implement solutions. Strong time management and organizational skills are essential.

Ability to manage a demanding workload, remain composed under pressure, and navigate complex situations with professionalism. Demonstrated capacity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and respond flexibly to the evolving needs of the institution.

Skilled in conflict resolution, with a strong track record of advocating for faculty, staff, students, and institutional priorities. A proactive approach to addressing challenges and ensuring positive outcomes for all parties.

Advanced research and analytical skills to generate new knowledge, improve clinical practices, integrate emerging technologies, and create innovative solutions to complex problems within healthcare and academic contexts.

Strong ability to leverage data and analytics to inform strategic decision-making, evaluate program effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement in academic and healthcare operations. Proven experience in using data to develop actionable insights that guide resource allocation, policy development, and program enhancement.