ACADEMIC DIRECTOR - WILSON COLLEGE OF LEADERSHIP A

Academic Director, Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement

McMaster University

Committed to delivering on its promise of Truth and Reconciliation, McMaster University recognizes and acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement.

McMaster University seeks an outstanding candidate to serve as the inaugural Academic Director for the Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement.

The Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement is a newly formed collaborative academic unit between the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. The position of Academic Director, Wilson College provides an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding researcher and visionary academic leader to develop the academic programming and build an equitable and diverse community for Wilson College and collaborate with the External Director to make Wilson College the premier site in Canada for research and learning in leadership and civic studies.

The appointment as Academic Director, anticipated to begin 1 July 2023, carries an initial five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term. The successful candidate will be appointed as associate or full professor with tenure to an existing department in McMaster’s Faculty of Humanities or Faculty of Social Science and be affiliated with Wilson College.

The Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement under development at McMaster University  trains future leaders to foster and sustain a civic culture for Canada that engages all citizens; it emphasizes the importance of collaboration between McMaster’s academic community and local, regional and national leaders in building a stronger Canada and sustainable, resilient communities; and it integrates education, research, practice and public engagement to advance our understanding of how to create a civic culture for a flourishing Canada.

The College’s innovative Leadership and Civic Studies undergraduate degree provides students with interdisciplinary theoretical and practical knowledge on leadership and civic engagement. The College nurtures future changemakers who will work across Canada and beyond in public service, the private sector, and civil society – to shape policy and public discourse for the greater good.

The Academic Director will report to the Deans of the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences.  Apart from leading the College’s academic programming, the Director will recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty; facilitate and enhance faculty research and co-curricular internal and external engagement practices; ensure a high-quality, equitable and diverse teaching and learning environment; maintain and enhance community, alumni, and donor partnerships; develop the College’s internal policies and procedures on governance and administrative matters; and build the profile of the College locally, nationally, and internationally. The Academic Director will also be expected to contribute to McMaster’s reputation for research and teaching excellence.

Located in the vibrant city of Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster University is dedicated to advancing human and societal health and well-being locally and globally, by promoting inclusive mindsets, collaborative learning, and innovative thinking. Ranked among the top 100 universities globally for its cutting-edge research and world-class teaching and learning, McMaster works across disciplines to find creative solutions to complex problems, helping to improve people’s lives and build a brighter future for all.

Together, McMaster’s six faculties (Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences) are home to more than 1,200 faculty members and dedicated professional and support staff. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the university enrolled more than 34,000 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate students. McMaster is committed to maintaining its reputation for global impact and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Review of applications will begin on February 10, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should apply at  http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/careers/index.php with the following materials:

• a letter of application
• curriculum vitae
• a statement outlining a vision for Wilson College’s first five years
• a statement that speaks to the candidate’s past contributions and ongoing commitment to the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and/or service within post-secondary or community-based settings;
• contact information for three referees

McMaster’s Commitment to Inclusive Excellence: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence.  In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities (“visible minorities”), persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada's reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants' status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. All applications must therefore include one of the following statements: “I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada”; or “I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.” Applicants need not identify their country of origin or other aspects of their current citizenship.

All applicants must complete a brief Diversity Survey, which takes approximately two minutes to complete. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. The survey will be sent to applicants in a separate communication.  Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.Additional inquiries about the Diversity Survey may be directed to hr.empequity@mcmaster.ca.

Please direct all inquiries to:   wilscoll@mcmaster.ca