Dean, School of Music

Dean, School of Music

Brandon University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean of the School of Music with the appointment to be effective by summer 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and collaborate with talented and accomplished
faculty, staff, and students in one of Canada’s foremost post-secondary institutions of musical instruction.

Founded in 1899, Brandon University has 400 faculty and staff members and 3,500 full and part-time students. Its main campus is located in Brandon, Manitoba’s second-largest city, which is consistently ranked as one of Canada’s most livable communities. Offering
undergraduate and graduate degrees through its Faculties of Arts, Education, Health Studies, and Science, and its renowned School of Music, Brandon University is strengthened by its long history of Indigenous education and commitment to reconciliation, diversity, inclusion and equity. We are committed to redressing the wrongs of settler colonization inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, and we work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to implement strategies to eliminate educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, in line with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We welcome diversity in all its forms with the knowledge that more and different voices create a better community. Brandon University’s heritage as a liberal arts college underpins its current strengths as a progressive University that balances strong teaching with outstanding research, creative, and scholarly activity. The University’s strategic plan focuses on becoming Canada’s finest regional university with excellence in faculty and student supports, Indigenization and EDI work, and community engagement.

Attracting students from Canada and across the world, the School of Music has more than 40 full and part-time faculty members that include internationally renowned performers, conductors, composers, and scholars. The School offers Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees through its four departments and has an exceptional student/teacher ratio of about 8 to 1. This outstanding teaching and creative environment allows students to pursue goals, refine craft and realize identity. With excellent facilities including a 200-seat recital hall and a stellar instrument bank, the School of Music houses a Conservatory of Music, and numerous festivals, workshops, and concert series.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean of Music provides visionary leadership, forges strategic external relations, and oversees the School’s academic, operational, and financial functions to cultivate the highest possible standards in music education, research, performance, and outreach. Leading and collaborating with the faculty and staff of the School of Music, and aligned with the University’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, the Dean will successfully manage the financial, administrative, technical, and human resources of the School. As a champion for music who is committed to the success and development of students, faculty, and staff, the Dean will work collaboratively with other programs, institutions, arts organizations, and community partners to further enhance the stature and resources of the School.

The successful candidate for Dean of Music excels in their chosen musical career as evidenced by their record of scholarship/research/performance, is able to demonstrate student-centered teaching in a university environment and has a record of leading cooperative initiatives or projects in a unionized environment. The candidate will build on the School’s strengths, promote its achievements, and facilitate education, research, and community engagement initiatives. With a record of collaborative leadership and partnering with internal and external stakeholders , the new Dean will be a seasoned decision-maker and possess an open and collegial style, a creative approach to problem solving, and outstanding management, communication, and interpersonal skills. The new Dean will prioritize advancement and alumni relations and support strategic recruitment. A successful candidate will place renewal and rejuvenation of curriculum and infrastructure front and centre. In the context of a university with deep community ties, the new Dean will actively cultivate relationships with local, regional, national, and international partners, engage alumni, donors, and external stakeholders in advancing the School’s priorities and secure resources to support its mission. The Dean will bring strong managerial acumen and communication skills, combined with a steadfast commitment to excellence, equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and belonging, to cultivate and sustain meaningful connections across the School and with its community partners.

Brandon University is committed to equity, welcomes diversity, and hires on the basis of merit. All qualified individuals who may contribute to the diversification of the University, especially women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, and persons of all sexual orientations and genders are encouraged to apply. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority. Evidence of citizenship must be provided. The University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. This starts with the hiring process. Applicants selected for an interview are asked to contact the consultant as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made in a timely manner.

The consultants will begin review of candidates immediately, with committee consultation beginning in the new year. The search will continue until the position is successfully filled. Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names (not letters) of three references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate), and should be submitted in confidence to the University’s executive search consultants:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
BrandonMusic@lavernesmith.com

Issued December 4, 2025