Dean, Cumming School of Medicine

Dean, Cumming School of Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

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.

UCalgary is one of Canada’s top comprehensive research universities, with more than 6,500 graduate students and 28,500 undergraduate students, more than 1,800 academic staff, and more than 3,200 non-academic staff in 14 Faculties, across five campuses. The vibrant and research-intensive environment at UCalgary is home to 146 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 new Framework for Growth establishes principles and focus areas for the University of Calgary over the coming decade. It will ignite our entrepreneurial spirit to turn challenges into opportunities to improve the world around us. It will help to meet our academic and research ambitions and strengthen our community engagement in one of Canada’s most diverse cities, whose exciting future is unfolding rapidly, and where scientific disciplines will play a major role. Built around three big ideas (transdisciplinary scholarship, integration with our community and future-focused program delivery), the Framework will distinguish our university and drive growth.

To learn more about this vision please see: https://www.ucalgary.ca/president/growth

Created in 1967, the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) is a research-intensive medical school that has grown and evolved into an internationally recognized leader in education and research with a focus on precision medicine and precision public health. We are committed to preparing innovative physicians and scientists for the future of health and are credited for breakthrough research in a number of areas such as brain and mental health, chronic diseases, child health, and cardiovascular sciences. With an Associate Dean of Professionalism, Equity, and Diversity, the School prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, and social accountability with our broader community including a student-run clinic for Calgary’s marginalized populations, the Indigenous, Local & Global Health Office, and Refugee Health YYC.

The Cumming School of Medicine’s 2,500 students benefit from the expertise of 511 full time faculty, 3,300 clinical and adjunct faculty, 1,600 technical and support staff spanning 20 clinical and basic science departments, and seven research institutes.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the new Dean of the Cumming School of Medicine will be an experienced and strategic leader, a good communicator and advocate, and an accomplished academic who is passionate about the evolving future of medical and health science education and research. Responsible for the overall administration and operations of the faculty, the Dean will develop and implement the next strategic plan for the faculty and to promote collaborative, transdisciplinary academic and research activities that will translate to improved health for the diverse populations that we serve. As a leader, the dean will model a commitment to creating and supporting accessible, diverse and inclusive teaching, research, clinical and work environments. Building on the School’s strengths in precision medicine and precision public health, the Dean will inspire, challenge, and engage students, faculty, and staff to ensure the Cumming School of Medicine continues to innovate the physical, digital, and biomedical worlds with a focus on social accountability and community partnerships.

The new Dean of the CSM will enable students, faculty and staff to transform research and knowledge into relevant and innovative ways to progress public health. As a visible and credible leader in the community, the new Dean of the CSM will seek to make the school the first choice for the best and brightest students from Alberta, Canada, and internationally. The Dean will successfully cultivate impactful relationships with all levels of government, Indigenous and ethno-cultural communities, Alberta Health Services, funding partners, corporate leaders, and existing and potential donors to promote the academic, clinical, and research activities of the school. By creating new pathways and fostering an environment of excellence, discovery, and collaboration that inspires and motivates, the Dean will ensure that the Cumming School of Medicine leverages its current successes in educating the next generation of health leaders and visionaries.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated transformational leadership and management experience in a global academic medical environment, and experience in a senior role as an academic leader including a Dean, an Associate Dean, a Chair of a department or as a Director of an Institute or Centre or an equivalent academic framework or institution. This leader has a proven capacity to advocate, build trust, influence, collaborate, and will demonstrate proven success in 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 medical and scientific communities, government, and alumni is essential.

The successful candidate will hold a MD, MD/PhD or equivalent qualification, or PhD, qualifications commensurate with an appointment with tenure at the rank of full professor.  The successful candidate also provides leadership in creating space for people who hold diverse perspectives, such as knowing, understanding and engaging with members of equity groups, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, of the LGBTQ2S communities, and groups who may express non-dominant ideas, practices, and expectations. With an authentic and demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion practices and Indigenous engagement, this leader will exhibit the ability to drive change and inspire faculty, students, staff, and community partners. 

The appointment as Dean, Cumming School of Medicine 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.

Recently ranked the 5th most liveable city in the world (2019) by The Economist, 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 unspoiled, resource-rich natural environment.

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.

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 Tier A position is $225,000 - $320,000 and is subject to the approval of the University of Calgary's Human Resources and Governance Committee.  To learn about our comprehensive benefits package for this Calgary-based, English speaking position, please visit https://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/benefits-pension.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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 the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

To explore this opportunity further, please send your CV and Letter of Interest in confidence to DeanCSM@jssearch.ca.