Guided by the Laurier Strategy, Wilfrid Laurier University is preparing people to thrive as engaged global citizens equipped to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Anchored by the interconnected priorities of thriving community and future-readiness, Laurier is addressing emerging societal needs while building on longstanding institutional strengths in academic excellence, research, partnerships, and community engagement. Distinguished by a deeply connected and differentiated student experience, a vibrant culture of belonging, and growing academic and research impact, Laurier is redefining what a modern Canadian university can be – expanding its relevance, advancing innovation, and deepening its impact across the local and global communities it serves.

Laurier’s Faculty of Music is one of Canada’s leading centres for music education, distinguished by its combination of excellence in classical performance and scholarship, Contemporary/Commercial Music (CCM), community music, music education, music therapy, and innovative industry-focused programming. Through a highly flexible and interdisciplinary approach to learning, the Faculty supports students from diverse musical backgrounds and prepares graduates for a broad range of artistic, educational, entrepreneurial, therapeutic, and industry careers. The Faculty offers a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs and is home to internationally recognized research centres, including the Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research and the Laurier Centre for Music in the Community. With a vibrant artistic culture encompassing more than 100 performances and events annually, including performances by the internationally acclaimed Penderecki String Quartet, the Faculty brings together artistic excellence, scholarly inquiry, community engagement, and career preparation to equip graduates to shape the future of music in Canada and beyond.

Wilfrid Laurier University seeks its next Dean of the Faculty of Music. Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Dean serves as the Faculty’s senior academic and administrative leader and will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the Faculty’s growth, differentiation, impact, and long-term sustainability. Building on the Faculty’s established strengths in classical music while supporting continued growth in CCM and other emerging areas, the Dean will help shape a future-focused vision that responds to the changing needs of students and the broader music sector. The Dean will champion academic excellence, artistic innovation, student success, and inclusive excellence. They will also strengthen Laurier’s position as a leader in music education, community music, research, performance, and creative practice.

The Dean will oversee academic planning and program innovation, faculty and student recruitment, talent development, financial and resource stewardship, fundraising, and external relations. They will also foster interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivate new local, national, and international partnerships. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, community organizations, and industry partners, the Dean will bring people together around a shared vision. They will foster trust, collegiality, and a strong sense of community across diverse perspectives and areas of expertise.

The successful candidate will possess a terminal degree and be eligible for appointment at the rank of Full Professor, along with a demonstrated record of administrative leadership within a post-secondary institution, arts organization, or comparable environment. They will demonstrate strong operational and financial acumen, success in building relationships with donors and external partners, and the ability to inspire and unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.

In addition, the successful candidate will appreciate the full breadth of music, including classical, contemporary, community, therapeutic, and interdisciplinary approaches to study, performance, research, and creative practice and demonstrate the ability to support the diverse interests and aspirations of students and faculty across these areas. They will bring a forward-looking understanding of contemporary and emerging issues in music education, along with a commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-centered learning. Guided by a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous reconciliation, they will foster an environment in which faculty, staff, and students can thrive.

Laurier has partnered with Andrea Patrick and Cora Hui of Odgers for this recruitment. Expressions of interest are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online. The Committee will begin reviewing applications in mid-December. The position will remain open until filled. To learn more about this opportunity or to submit a nomination, please contact Lauriermusic@odgers.com. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Please advise Odgers at Lauriermusic@odgers.com if you require accommodation at any stage in the search process.