Dean, School of Education

Trent University

One of the top ranked primarily undergraduate universities in Ontario, Canada, Trent University (https://www.trentu.ca/) fosters intellectual curiosity and social responsibility, cultivating future leaders who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society. Trent University is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg and features two beautiful, world-class campuses in Peterborough and Durham. Renowned for its natural setting, personalized learning environment, innovative teaching, and deep commitment to community engagement, Trent University embraces social and environmental justice, sustainability, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigeneity (EDIAI) as foundational to its mission.

Trent University’s School of Education offers a range of programs that include undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. At this time, Trent is seeking its next Dean, School of Education to continue its strong commitment to teacher education and research in education. The School of Education seeks applicants with experience in Indigenous knowledge, and social and environmental justice, central to the School's curricula and programming.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President Academic, the Dean of the School of Education is accountable for the academic leadership and quality of education programs leading to Trent University’s Postgraduate Consecutive Bachelor of Education, Concurrent Indigenous Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Undergraduate Teacher Education Stream, and Professional Additional Qualifications program. The Dean provides day-to-day academic and administrative leadership, supervision, and support for faculty and staff. They are accountable for assuring a safe and inclusive workplace and learning environment, and for the management of significant budgets and resources. The Dean is responsive to the needs of faculty, staff, and students, and upholds and models the values of Trent University and the Professional Standards of the Ontario College of Teachers. The Dean also builds strong relationships with community, provincial, and national educational partners and advocates for the School’s role as a leader in advancing educational thought and practice.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and compassionate academic leader, with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and a transparent, consultative management style. They will be an evidence-based decision-maker and a collegial collaborator who can build consensus while making tough decisions when required. The Dean will demonstrate critical thinking and pedagogical insight, and foster a culture of inquiry, reflection, and innovation, valuing educators who question systems and advance educational transformation. The Dean will have experience with teaching and learning technologies, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing EDIAI principles, social and environmental justice, and sustainability in education, are essential.

A record of experience suitable for a tenured or tenurable faculty appointment is required, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of faculty life. Candidates will have a proven track record of leadership in academic administration, pedagogy, and staff management within complex and unionized environments, and financial oversight. While registration with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) is not required, candidates must demonstrate deep knowledge of the K–12 system and a strong understanding of how it interfaces with postsecondary education.

To apply click here: https://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3030 or for further information, please contact Kathy Rahme at krahme@boyden.com and Kate Ralston at kralston@boyden.com.

Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the Dean position are invited, with the appointment to be effective Summer 2026.

Trent University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous People (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities or racialized groups and LGBTQ2+ people.

Trent University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process or require an accessible version of a document/publication, please contact kralston@boyden.com.