Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology

Industry
Academic
Executive
Location
Ontario
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Sheridan College invites applications and nominations for the role of Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST). This is an exceptional leadership opportunity to shape the future of applied education in one of Canada's most innovative post-secondary institutions. Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President Academic, the Dean will provide visionary leadership to a Faculty recognized for industry-connected learning, applied research, and student success across a diverse portfolio of technology, engineering, science, and skilled trades programs.

The Organization

Founded in 1967, Sheridan has grown from a local college of 400 students to one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions, educating approximately 26,500 students every year spanning  three campuses in Oakville, Brampton and Mississauga.
 With a
mission to cultivate highly skilled, creative and resourceful people and communities through collaboration, active learning and the relentless incubation of new ideas, Sheridan attracts students from across Canada and around the world. The College’s 240,000+ alumni play a critical role in shaping the future in the fields of arts, business, community service, health, technology, and the skilled trades. Sheridan is proud to have been named first on Forbes’ 2023 list of Canada’s Best Employers and ranked 125th overall on Forbes’ list of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity.

The Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST) is one of Sheridan's largest academic Faculties, serving approximately 6,000 students across 45 programs, including bachelor's degrees, advanced diplomas, diplomas, graduate certificates, and certificates. The Faculty encompasses a broad range of disciplines including applied computing, engineering, architectural technology, chemical and environmental sciences, and skilled trades.
FAST is recognized for its project-based learning model, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to applied research. Students benefit from hands-on educational experiences that prepare them to address complex real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving economy.

The Role

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President Academic, the Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology provides strategic, academic, operational, and people leadership for one of Sheridan's most dynamic Faculties.
The Dean is responsible for advancing excellence in teaching and learning while ensuring the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of innovative and market-responsive academic programs. As a key member of Sheridan's academic leadership team, the Dean aligns Faculty priorities with institutional goals and plays an important role in advancing the College's vision for the future of higher education.
The Dean fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered culture where faculty, staff, and learners can thrive. Through principled leadership and evidence-informed decision-making, the Dean promotes academic quality, innovation, student success, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key areas of responsibility include:
Academic Leadership and Innovation: Provides leadership for curriculum development, academic quality assurance, program review, accreditation activities, and innovative teaching and learning initiatives. Ensures programs remain relevant and responsive to changing industry, workforce, and learner needs.
Faculty Strategy and Operations: Leads strategic planning, resource allocation, enrollment management, financial stewardship, and operational effectiveness across the Faculty. Balances long-term vision with operational excellence to support sustainable growth and success.
Student Success and Faculty Culture: Creates an environment that promotes learner engagement, student achievement, equity, well-being, and belonging. Supports the recruitment, development, and success of faculty and staff through inclusive leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement.
External Partnerships and Applied Research: Builds and strengthens partnerships with industry, government, professional associations, community organizations, and educational institutions. Advances opportunities for experiential learning, innovation, applied research, and workforce development.
Institutional Collaboration: Works collaboratively with academic and administrative leaders across Sheridan to advance institutional priorities, support interdisciplinary initiatives, and contribute to an integrated and future-focused educational experience.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a visionary and inclusive academic leader with a demonstrated commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and student success. You are an inspiring communicator and relationship-builder, the successful candidate combines strategic thinking with an entrepreneurial mindset. You possess the ability to unite people around a shared vision while navigating change with confidence, empathy, and transparency.
You bring a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing post-secondary education, particularly in applied learning, technology, engineering, and skilled trades disciplines. You champion collaboration, foster innovation, and create environments where students, faculty, and staff can achieve their full potential.
Qualifications and Experience:
While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.
  • Master's degree in a relevant discipline; a PhD is preferred.
  • Significant progressive leadership experience within a post-secondary institution or similarly complex educational environment.
  • Demonstrated success leading academic programs, strategic initiatives, and organizational transformation.
  • Proven ability to inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
  • Experience advancing student success, academic excellence, and innovation in teaching and learning.
  • Strong understanding of industry partnerships, workforce development, and applied research.
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
Skills and Attributes:
  • Strategic and academically grounded leader who can advance the Faculty's strengths in applied science, technology, engineering, and skilled trades education.
  • Champion of academic excellence, innovation, and applied research, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and industry relevance.
  • Collaborative leader who builds trust and alignment across diverse disciplines, partner groups, and institutional partners.
  • Industry-engaged relationship builder who strengthens partnerships and ensures programs remain responsive to evolving workforce needs.
  • Skilled people leader who develops talent, supports leadership growth, and creates an inclusive environment where faculty, staff, and students can thrive.
  • Future-focused thinker who anticipates emerging trends in technology, education, and the labour market, positioning the Faculty for long-term success.
Vacancy Type: Currently vacant
KBRS does not use artificial intelligence to screen candidate applications.

Why Join Sheridan College?

Sheridan College offers a vibrant and inclusive environment where innovation, collaboration, and creativity thrive. As Dean, you will have the opportunity to shape Sheridan’s culture and contribute to the success of its talented community.

Application Process

Sheridan College is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The College welcomes candidates who self-identify as Black, women, Indigenous or a person of colour with lived experience and expertise in incorporating EDI practices into teaching and research. Joining a vibrant community at Sheridan where we aspire to achieve equity and diversity in all areas, the successful candidate will be expected to show evidence of a commitment to EDI and the promotion of a collegial and supportive working environment.

Please email accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to a recruitment professional named below to ensure that accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Abbey MacLeod at amacleod@kbrs.ca, or Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package by clicking "Apply Now".

The Committee will begin reviewing applications on December 18th, 2026.

Land Acknowledgement
First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory.
Over two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Between 1781 to 1820, eight treaties were signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who opened their territory to settlement. Today, Sheridan campuses are located on Treaty 14, also known as the Head of the Lake Purchase of 1806 and Treaty 22 and 23 of 1820. 
Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.