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

The Faculty of Art seeks a dynamic and collaborative academic leader to assume the role of the Acting Chair of Experimental Animation. This position provides crucial leadership for faculty and students across diverse areas within the program, including moving image, sound, animation, and hybrid media practices. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Art and working closely with the Associate Dean and other Faculty of Art Chairs, the Acting Chair of Experimental Animation develops and implements new and revised courses, refining existing programming in line with the Academic Plan to improve the student experience, foster interdisciplinary learning, and advance inclusion for underrepresented individuals. The individual will also contribute to the management of the Digital Painting and Expanded Animation (DPXA/IMXA) specializations as they continue to operate in the Faculty of Art during the transition to Experimental (EXAN). The position will also contribute to ongoing collaborations with the Digital Futures program in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, the Acting Chair will support the integration of Indigenous learning and connectivity in consultation with the Indigenous Visual Culture program (INVC). The Acting Chair of Experimental Animation draws on their extensive studio practice, research, and commitment to contemporary art education and community engagement for this role.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Provide academic leadership in designated program areas and support the implementation of the Academic Plan and strategic priorities of the University, including the Diversity & Equity Action Plan.
• Work closely with Associate Dean, Academic Affairs on the development of recruitment and retention strategy for designated programs, including monitoring of enrolment projections/targets 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, as well as propose curricular and program changes to the Curriculum Committee of Faculty of Art.
• Participate in undergraduate program reviews in compliance with the OCAD U Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP).
• Provide input in planning and preparation of the faculty annual operating budget, as well as oversee the accounts and provide periodic reports to the Dean regarding fiscal matters related to the program.
• 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, as well as participate in building the University community and promoting the quality of student life and University culture.

In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to:

Academic Staffing and Planning:

• In conjunction with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the Manager, Faculty of Art Office, ensure business continuity by developing annual course scheduling and faculty assignments in the Experimental Animation program as well as Digital Painting and Expanded Animation program areas as needed.
• Oversee the work of curriculum leaders and faculty working on special projects and initiatives.
• Actively facilitate the faculty hiring process by coordinating and Chairing search committees for Sessional faculty appointments.
• In consultation with the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, provide input in faculty performance reviews.

Outreach and Fundraising:

• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson Experimental Animation and DPXA/IMXA programs, working with the Dean and Executive Director & Advisor to the Provost, Partnerships, Outreach & Research on fundraising initiatives and creative leadership projects.
• Provide stewardship and continuity for existing relationships with donors and external partners/projects.

Communication and Representation:

• Work with the Dean, Associate Dean and other Chairs to communicate and consult regularly 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 and participate in academic committees and University governance.
• In conjunction with the Associate Dean, other Chairs, Studio Management, Program Technicians, Information Technology (IT) Services and Facilities, support the management of facilities and allocation of resources and address issues arising from studio, computer and classroom facilities and ensure Health and Safety
• Provide leadership and support for faculty and students through regularly scheduled meetings and events that maintain the health of the program.

Qualifications:

• Must currently hold a Tenured or Tenure-track appointment at OCAD University
• Terminal degree in a relevant discipline; exceptions may be considered on the basis of career achievement.
• Two (2) to five (5) years of teaching experience 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
• Demonstrated academic leadership, collegiality and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to take initiative.
• A familiarity with and respect for the diverse range of current issues in contemporary art and post-secondary education
• Understanding of OCAD U Strategic and Academic Plans and Memorandum of Agreement considered an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational abilities
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of students, faculty and staff, with student academic counselling experience an asset.
• Experience proactively advancing equity and sustainability in curriculum, teaching, scholarship, and creative/professional activities.
• 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.
• Leadership in promoting a respectful and inclusive work and learning environment for students, staff, and faculty.

Terms of Employment:

This appointment will be for the period from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. 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_3104. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence, addressed to Acting 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.