Job Opportunity | Chair, School of Visual Art at the Alberta University of the Arts

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Chair, School of Visual Art – a strong leader who fosters inclusion and collaboration; an initiator who steps up to get the job done; someone who is organized, ambitious and looking to move our institution forward.

This role is a temporary three (3) or five (5) year term.

Why AUArts?

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently. As Alberta’s only dedicated art, craft and design institution, AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and is proud to play an important role in nurturing creativity and driving innovation in our province and around the world.

AUArts’ 1,100 students enjoy small class sizes and studio-based programming in some of the best – and biggest – arts facilities Canada has to offer. Our faculty members, some of the most talented artists, designers, and critical thinkers in Canada, are dedicated mentors which form the beating heart of AUArts and give students unparalleled opportunity to grow and flourish as they earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in one of nine disciplines, a Bachelor of Design in one of two, or an MFA in Craft Media.

AUArts’ campus includes two professional galleries, nine student-run exhibition spaces, various pop-up exhibitions, a library dedicated to art and design, and access to all the great things the neighboring Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) campus has to offer.

The Opportunity (3 – 5 year term)

(Competition #2021-DE-MT-17)

As part of our academic leadership team and reporting to the Vice President, Academic Affairs & Provost, the Chair is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the School of Visual Art, ensuring that policies, procedures, and guidelines are observed and that all students, staff and faculty are engaged in a safe, inclusive, and professional learning environment. The Chair will work collaboratively with all School Chairs, university faculty, staff, and students to provide leadership regarding curricula, financial and procedural administration, timetabling and scheduling, research and project activities, emergency operations, facilities resource management, and the management of conduct and discipline. The Chair will also provide leadership towards advancing a culture of inclusion and respect through principles of equity, diversity and anti-racism.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Leadership

• Direct strategic and academic planning and manage cyclical program reviews.
• Provide institutional leadership to support the development and implementation of the University Comprehensive Institutional Plan and Academic Strategic Plan.
• Steward academic committees as required and ensure academic business is processed through the appropriate committee structure in a timely fashion.
• Conduct School meetings on a regular basis and maintain an open dialogue with faculty and programs.
• As designated by the Assistant Vice President, Research & Academic Affairs (AVP, RAA), assign instructional workload and university service duties to faculty.
• Facilitate appropriate timetabling of courses in consultation with AVP, RAA, Student Affairs and programs.
• Direct and facilitate the university evaluation process for faculty members.
• Maintain and support high standards for all faculty with regard to academic performance, professional growth, and university service through role modelling and mentorship.
• Communicate and collaborate with government, peer institutions, organizations and University programs/schools, senior administration and other university business units.
• Represent the University to the external community (local, national and international).
• Exercise responsibility and/or signing authority for field trips, prior learning assessment, mobility, transfer credits, grade changes and appeals, academic and non-academic misconduct, readmission, timetable changes, late admission to courses and programs, course access, office assignment, etc.

 Academic Representation

• Advocate for, and represent, the interests of the school and programs to the university community.
• Consult and liaise with programs and faculty on a regular basis.

 Faculty and Staff Supervision

• Conduct formal and interim evaluation of faculty as required or assigned and make recommendations as per the terms of Faculty Evaluation Procedure.
• Provide direction, mentorship, and coaching to support the professional development of faculty and staff.
• Recommend the assignment of faculty workload as per the Collective Agreement.
• Manage remedial, disciplinary and conflict resolution processes; Collaborate with Human Resources as needed.
• Provide direction and guidance to the Educational Art Technicians and Woodshop Technicians as required.
• Make hiring recommendations and manage selection committees.

 Financial Oversight and Institutional Compliance

• Steward University policies, procedures, collective agreements and guidelines, and be accountable.
• Exercise responsibility and/or signing authority for faculty travel authorizations and leave, disbursement of internal research funding, expense claims, purchase requisitions, casual timesheets, service contracts, faculty step increments, oversee operations, emergency management and school and program budgets.
• Coordinate with Student Affairs, Computer and Technical Services, Facilities, and other stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Health and Safety

• Oversee facilities, equipment and materials with respect to the University health and safety policy and program and ensuring safe staff, student and instructional experiences.

 The successful candidate will have:

• Terminal degree with an arts or related specialization.
• 3 – 5 years of teaching or related experience in a post-secondary environment.
• Demonstrated success in administrative leadership and experience in working within a complex or bicameral governance structure.
• Demonstrated commitment to, and a strong ability to promote, the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, public relations and teamwork skills with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels of the institution.
• Collaborative leadership approach with the ability to manage difficult conversations and conflict in an effective manner.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Initiative to set priorities and identify plans of action in support of institutional and academic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity showing respect to faculty, staff, students and members of the University community.
• High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis and or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons or facts.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet set deadlines.
• Culturally and politically sensitive.

 Compensation:

 A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and benefits.  Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

 How to Apply:

 Applications must include the following in a SINGLE PDF DOCUMENT:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae outlining teaching experience, evidence of research, education, professional practice, creative activities, publications and/or exhibitions
• Artist statement
• Teaching philosophy
• Leadership philosophy
• Diversity statement
• Fifteen (15) images of current work

 Please upload your single document to the "Resume" section - do not upload any documents to the "cover letter" section.

You will be required to create an account in order to submit your application. Please visit our How to Apply page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission.

Review of applications will begin on February 1, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

 Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.

 AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversity of the university. We encourage expressions of interest from all qualified applicants for consideration for this or other suitable vacancies although applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

 The collection of personal information is for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment as authorized by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act, section 33(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your information, please contact our FOIP Coordinator at foip@auarts.ca.

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