Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is seeking a bold, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science – an extraordinary opportunity to direct one of the world’s most dynamic academic communities.

The (FAS) is the University of Toronto’s largest academic division and a global leader in higher education – consistently ranked first in Canada and among the top Faculties worldwide. Home to more than 31,000 undergraduate students, 4,700 graduate students, and over 900 faculty members, FAS offers an unparalleled breadth of academic opportunities across the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Its 28 departments, 49 interdisciplinary centres, and hundreds of programs create a vibrant intellectual ecosystem that attracts over $128 million in annual research funding. Strengthened by deep partnerships with U of T’s seven colleges and other faculties, FAS delivers a distinctive educational experience and fosters a thriving community of inquiry and innovation. Its alumni network of more than 299,000 graduates spans 175 countries and includes Nobel laureates, Prime Ministers, and leaders in academia, industry, and the arts. A research powerhouse, FAS advances solutions to pressing global challenges while fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous engagement.

Reporting to the Vice-President and Provost, the Dean will lead FAS with vision and agility, fostering collaboration within a unified vision across diverse departments and academic units while championing a student-centered, inclusive culture. They will advance academic and research excellence, enhance programs, and promote interdisciplinarity, all while navigating financial pressures and implementing a new budget model. With strong strategic and fiscal leadership, the Dean will lead in securing resources, attracting top talent, and guiding digital transformation as the Faculty optimizes its world-leading status as innovative, nimble, collaborative, and globally engaged.

An accomplished scholar who would be eligible for appointment at the rank of Professor, the successful candidate will bring significant administrative leadership experience, strong financial acumen, entrepreneurial thinking, and strategic foresight to the role. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to strengthen world-leading research and promote pedagogical excellence. They will have a track record of enriching the student experience and will demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of disciplines and interdisciplinarity within FAS. A compelling communicator and trusted relationship builder, the candidate will be an inspiring leader who empowers faculty, staff, and students. A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenization is essential. The ideal candidate should model research and teaching excellence, integrity, resilience, and diplomacy, which – when combined with an innate passion and energy – will empower them to lead FAS into its next chapter.

The University of Toronto has partnered with the leadership advisory firm Odgers for this recruitment. Applications are encouraged immediately and ideally by February 9, 2026, to Julia Robarts and Krutika Hotwani. Inquiries, nominations, or accommodation requests can be directed to .

The University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities, distinguished by an extraordinary depth and breadth of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, which drives economic growth and promotes social wellbeing around the globe. Located in Toronto –Canada’s largest city – the University encompasses 18 Faculties and Schools, more than 100 departments, and 170 research centres and institutes. Its teaching programs are delivered on the historic St. George campus in the heart of Toronto’s downtown, on campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough, and in nine fully affiliated teaching hospitals. With more than 25,000 faculty, staff, and librarians, over 100,000 students of which 30% are international, and an annual operating budget exceeding $3.6 billion, the University is one of the world’s largest publicly funded research-intensive universities.

The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases its capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of its global community. U of T strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. U of T values applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening its academic mission.