The University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is a leading research university with a full range of programs of study. Founded in 1848 and located in the national capital, it is the largest French-English bilingual university in the world, with 10 faculties, 1,300 regular professors (and 1,300 part-time professors), 5,000 employees and 550 academic programs, including the largest French immersion program and the fifth largest co-op program among Canadian universities. Over 49,000 students (including 8,000 graduate students) are currently enrolled at the University. The University of Ottawa provides one of Canada’s most generous financial aid programs, with students receiving around $174 million in scholarships and bursaries in 2023–2024, including $102 million for international students.

An integral part of Canada’s capital, uOttawa is a vibrant centre of learning where many cultures and perspectives come together to create a truly unique educational experience. The University community directly reflects Canada’s diversity, bilingualism and spirit of openness.

The University of Ottawa offers a dynamic, stimulating environment where research and knowledge are fundamental. Breakthroughs in engineering, science, social sciences, the humanities and health care at the University attract attention from scholars the world over, reflecting the quality of the University’s faculty and their drive to discover.  The University, by virtue of its location in the national capital, benefits from its proximity to national laboratories and scientific organizations.

University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering

The University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering offers graduates a first-class education in engineering and computer science, preparing them to skilfully practise their profession, continue with studies in their discipline or pursue a career in a related area like business, law or medicine.  The Faculty encourages an entrepreneurial mindset among its students.  It also strives to offer a learning environment based on excellence and innovation, ethics and a sense of responsibility to society.

The Faculty of Engineering has three departments (Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering) and two schools (the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation), which offer 42 undergraduate and 39 graduate programs.  Over 130 regular or tenure-track professors, 120 support staff members, many part-time and associate professors and contractual employees contribute to the education of over 4,500 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.

Not only is the Faculty home to the highest number of graduate students, while experiencing outstanding growth within the University, but it is also a research leader.   Research excellence and diversity, central to its mission, are reflected in its many collaborations with private industry and government research labs.  Its professors, including 13 research chairs and members of six research institutes, work in varied fields, and the results of their efforts improve many areas of our daily lives.

For more on the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Ottawa, go to www.uOttawa.ca .

Since the appointment of former Dean Jacques Beauvais as Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs, the position of Dean of the Faculty of Engineering has been vacant.  An interim Dean was named.  The University of Ottawa is therefore looking for applicants for the position of :

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering

Opportunities and challenges

As one of Canada’s major research universities, the University of Ottawa strongly promotes graduate studies and research.  Thus, the dean must ensure the development of research- and graduate studies-related activities to further enhance the Faculty’s and the University’s reputation and visibility both within Canada and around the world.  The person appointed to the position will have the opportunity to lead initiatives linked to the rapid advance of new technologies, and to increase opportunities to collaborate with industry and the business community, particularly through its campus in Kanata North, the largest industrial park in Canada. As the Faculty seeks to raise its profile and increase its accomplishments both in research and program development, particularly in graduate studies, it must face challenges that often stem from factors outside its control.  Constraints imposed by government policy on university funding and admission regulations regarding international student cohorts’ countries come to mind in this regard. The Faculty would benefit from a dean who can, along with its dynamic actors, create new development possibilities and diversified revenue sources.

Key experience and competencie s

The dean must have solid university experience in teaching and research, and demonstrate leadership and vision. This person must also demonstrate extensive management skills and outstanding interpersonal skills, as well as a strong command of English and French, both spoken and written.  The dean must hold or be eligible to obtain an Ontario professional engineer’s licence.

The dean must develop and implement an innovative, unifying and cutting-edge strategic plan based on a sustained commitment to funding and outreach activities in the community.  This top-notch position is undoubtedly an outstanding opportunity for a high-level academic to demonstrate transformational leadership skills.

Knowledge and experience

• Doctorate in engineering or a related discipline Peer-acknowledged experience in university teaching and research Knowledge and understanding of high research intensity universities An interdisciplinary vision and perspective that allows for collaboration with other University units in developing innovative programs and projects in both teaching and research An inspiring strategic and transformational leadership vision along with the proven ability to maintain strong relationships, further collaboration and motivate stakeholders and colleagues through innovation and community engagement Knowledge and experience of the engineering profession and the best way to align and promote the Faculty’s educational goals with the goals of the profession Demonstrated commitment to : Research Program modernization and improvement Equity, diversity and inclusion Teamwork Interfaculty and cross-university cooperation Bilingualism at the Faculty of Engineering and at the University of Ottawa
• Management experience, particularly in change management, new and entrepreneurial initiatives, and large-scale projects Understanding and appreciation of the responsibility to manage the budget and be fiscally viable Relevant experience regarding fundraising and dealing with the philanthropical community

Skills and personal qualities

More about the University of Ottawa

About uOttawa

Transformation 2030 strategic plan

Strategic areas of research

Leadership and governance

Alumni reIMAGINE the future of higher education

Faculty of Engineering

Application process

Do you think you have the profile we’re looking for?  Complete the “Application Form” and attach your CV and a letter of interest.  We invite those interested to familiarize themselves with the Procedure for the Appointment of a Dean before applying. All files will be handled in the strictest confidence. We thank all applicants in advance. However, we will only contact those selected for the next phase.

The selection committee will begin to look at applications in fall 2024 and continue the process until the position is filled.

The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Citizenship and Immigration Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its over 175-year tradition of bilingualism. At the time they assume their duties, senior administration team members are expected to be able to work in a bilingual (French and English) environment.

Kenniff Leadership