Dean, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Full-time

Dean Of Rehabilitation Medicine

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta (U of A) holds a unique place in Canadian higher education and health sciences. With three campuses across Alberta, it is a faculty dedicated extensively to rehabilitation, advancing the disciplines of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology alongside graduate programs in rehabilitation science. Since its formal establishment in 1976, the Faculty has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized centre for innovation in teaching, research, and clinical education.

Reporting to the College Dean and Vice-Provost, Health Sciences, the Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine is responsible for the leadership and administration of all aspects of the operations of the Faculty, including fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and academic programming, budget and fund development. The Dean will also be responsible to develop and implement the next strategic plan for the faculty and to promote collaborative academic and research activities across all programs that will translate to improved health for the diverse populations that we serve.

In addition to the role of senior officer of the Faculty, and a member of the College of Health Sciences Council of Deans' and the U of A Deans' Council, the Dean is a senior administrator of the University. The Dean will champion an environment in which world-leading research, excellence in teaching and engaged scholarship flourish. As the face of the Faculty, the Dean will champion faculty engagement in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, curricular initiatives, research, and scholarship, professional training, global outreach, and the recruitment of high quality faculty and student talent. Building on the Faculty's strengths, the Dean will cultivate an environment in which students, faculty and staff thrive.

As a visible and credible leader in the community, the Dean of Rehabilitation Medicine will seek to make the Faculty the first choice for the best and brightest students from Alberta, across Canada, and internationally. The Dean will successfully cultivate impactful relationships with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, all levels of government, Indigenous and ethno-cultural communities, funding partners, corporate leaders, and existing and potential donors to promote academic, clinical, and research activities. By creating new pathways and fostering an environment of excellence, discovery, and collaboration that inspires and motivates, the Dean will ensure that the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine leverages its current successes in educating the next generation of health leaders and visionaries.

The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. or an equivalent qualification in rehabilitation science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech‐language pathology, or a relevant discipline, with credentials that qualify them for a tenured appointment at the rank of Professor. They will have a substantial record of scholarship and professional accomplishments that showcase their leadership in research, education and practice. They will bring experience in an academic administrative leadership role, such as Dean, Associate Dean, or equivalent, demonstrating a proven ability to build relationships and foster a collaborative culture. The ability to engage and leverage partners and stakeholders for funding support will be vital. Strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and an inclusive leadership approach to problem-solving will be essential. Knowledge of the Canadian healthcare landscape would be an asset.

Additionally, a commitment to advancing the future of rehabilitation medicine will be a hallmark of their collaborative leadership style, reflecting an understanding of how post-secondary institutions can engage in innovative activities that enhance educational and research outcomes.

The appointment as Dean, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine is for a five-year term with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will be offered an academic position with tenure at the rank of Professor.