THIS APPOINTMENT IS OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT OCAD UNIVERSITY FACULTY MEMBERS WITH TENURE-TRACK OR TENURED STATUS.

The Faculty of Art is in search of a dynamic and collaborative academic leader to assume the role of Chair of the Drawing and Painting Program (DRPT). The Chair will provide leadership for faculty and students in the Drawing and Painting area, overseeing program operations, and working closely with the Studio Manager and technical staff to support students and faculty. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Art and collaborating with the Associate Dean and other Faculty of Art Chairs, the Chair will develop and implement new and revised courses aligned with the Academic Plan, focusing on improving the student experience, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and advancing inclusion for underrepresented individuals. Additionally, the Chair will support the integration of Indigenous learning in collaboration with the Indigenous Visual Culture program (INVC).

The successful candidate, drawing on their extensive studio practice, research, and commitment to contemporary art education and community engagement, will play a vital role in this leadership position.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Provide academic leadership in the Drawing and Painting (DRPT) program, supporting the implementation of the Academic Plan and strategic priorities of the University, including the Diversity & Equity Action Plan.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, in developing a recruitment and retention strategy for the DRPT program, including monitoring enrolment projections, and establishing admissions teams and criteria.
• Convene and chair meetings with faculty and curriculum leaders to lead the review, development, and implementation of new and revised curriculum, proposing curricular and program changes to the Faculty of Art Curriculum Committee.
• Participate in undergraduate program reviews following the OCAD U Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) and support the implementation of review recommendations.
• Provide input in planning and preparing the DRPT and Faculty annual operating budget, overseeing accounts, and providing periodic reports to the Dean on fiscal matters pertaining to DRPT and First-Year.
• Contribute to a collaborative environment and initiatives across Faculties.
• Maintain an active research record and professional practice within the field of visual art.
• Provide service to the Faculty and University-wide governance system, participating in building community, promoting the quality of student life and University culture.

In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to:

Academic Staffing and Planning

• Develop annual course scheduling and faculty assignments in Drawing & Painting, ensuring business continuity in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, the Associate Chair, and the Manager, Faculty of Art Office.
• Coordinate and chair sessional hiring committees for Drawing & Painting, overseeing hiring and supervision of Teaching Assistants by faculty.
• Participate in the hiring of Tenure-Track, Continuing, Contractually Limited Term (CLTA) and Teaching-Intensive Stream faculty.
• Provide leadership and input in space planning and studio facilities within the Creative City Campus project.
• Oversee the work of the DRPT curriculum committee and faculty working on special projects and initiatives.
• Provide input in faculty performance reviews and interviews in consultation with the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs.

Outreach and Fundraising

• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for Drawing & Painting, collaborating with the Dean and Associate Deans on fundraising initiatives and creative leadership projects.
• Provide stewardship and continuity for existing relationships with donors and external partners/projects.
• Organize, participate and support events that foster student culture and promote a sense of community for faculty and students, in keeping with the Respectful Work and Learning Environment policy.
• Help support and build a culture of research in the Faculty of Art and across Faculties.

Communication and Representation

• Work with the Dean, Associate Deans and other Chairs to regularly communicate and consult with students and faculty regarding matters pertaining to the designated programs and the faculty as a whole.
• Hold regular faculty and student office hours and provide monthly reports to the Dean;
• Liaise with various University offices and stakeholders, participating in academic committees and University governance.
• In consultation with the Office Manager, assign and oversee the work of the Program Assistant, providing input in their annual performance reviews and setting annual objectives.
• Support the management of facilities and allocation of resources, addressing issues arising from studio, computer, and classroom facilities, and ensuring Health and Safety, in collaboration with the Associate Dean, Outreach and Innovation, other Chairs, Studio Management, IT Services, and Facilities.

Qualifications:   

• Must currently hold a Tenured or Tenure-track appointment at OCAD University
• A terminal degree in the relevant discipline; practice-based PhD and/or an MFA in studio art or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of teaching at the post-secondary level with an excellent record of professional activity in one of the art disciplines, as well as an affinity for cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration
  • Published writings on art would be considered an asset.
• A record of academic leadership in art with prior administrative experience, preferably within a post-secondary art institution.
• Proven collegiality and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to take initiative.
• Familiarity with and respect for the diverse range of current issues in contemporary art and post-secondary education.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills and organizational abilities.
• Experience proactively advancing equity and sustainability in curriculum, teaching, scholarship, and creative/professional activities.
• Established leadership and experience promoting a respectful and inclusive work and learning environment for students, staff, and faculty.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of students, faculty and staff, with student academic counselling experience an asset.
• Demonstrated understanding of the ways in which equity, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainability are fundamental to the quality of student experience, to innovative scholarship, and to art production.

Terms of Employment:

This appointment will be for the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. This academic leadership role is full-time and includes an administrative release, the scheduling of which will be determined in consultation with and agreement of the Dean, Faculty of Art. This role includes an annual stipend with access to professional development funding. This position is only open to current OCAD U Faculty members with Tenure-Track or Tenured status.

Applicant Information:

Applications should include the following in PDF format:

1. A letter of intent stating the candidate’s interest in the position and academic administration/leadership, as well as their interest in teaching and research/professional practice.
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. A statement of teaching philosophy;
4. A web address or link to a digital portfolio of recent work/publications (if applicable);
5. The names and contact information of three referees.
   

Please upload all five (5) components (including the URL to work) as one PDF. Please upload using the following naming convention: FirstName,LastName_3103. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence, addressed to Chair, Experimental Animation Search Committee online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below.

The review of applications will begin on March 4, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University (OCAD U) recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD U understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-deserving groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

 In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous tenure-track faculty and academic administrators, priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized and Indigenous persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

 OCAD U is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities

 All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.