Dalhousie University is seeking a new Dean of Computer Science. This will be a three-year, full-time appointment, with potential for renewal. The appointment will be internal and open to current Dalhousie faculty members only. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President Academic, the Dean will provide visionary and strategic leadership to support the continued success of the Faculty of Computer Science.

Founded in 1997, Dalhousie University's Faculty of Computer Science is the premier research institution in Information Technology in Atlantic Canada. The faculty develops in students the deep technical, problem-solving and leadership skills needed to create—or leverage—new computing technologies to empower people, organizations and society. From oceans to healthcare, from information and communications technology to agriculture, students, professors, and alumni use their skills to make an impact.

The dean’s responsibilities include championing excellence in education, research, and service. Fostering a collaborative organizational culture and building consensus around a strategic vision for the Faculty is imperative. The dean will optimize resources, improve processes and practices, and ensure the Faculty supports both the evolving needs of its students, Nova Scotia's Information Technology Industry, and the university’s strategic priorities. The dean helps to ensure assessments, reviews, and approvals of programs are objective, expeditious, and appropriate for the type of program.

Guided by the Provost, the dean works with senior university leaders, including the Vice-President Research and Innovation and other deans, to ensure programs complement and reinforce academic and research activities across the institution. The dean directly supervises 7 staff members, and will be expected to foster a collegial and respectful environment. As with all senior leaders at Dalhousie, the dean is expected to lead and champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) initiatives and programs, and promote reconciliation and Indigenization.

In addition, the dean manages the faculty's finances, allocates resources, and attracts resources through fundraising, and building regional, national and international partnerships. The new dean will be expected to build upon the Faculty’s current strengths, enhance processes, and uphold Dalhousie’s position as a leader in technology education.

As with any leadership position at Dalhousie, candidates must demonstrate Dalhousie’s leadership competencies. Although few individuals are likely to possess all the attributes listed below, the following qualities and experience are desired in the new Dean of Computer Science.

The ideal candidate will hold a doctoral degree or equivalent in computer science or an adjacent field. They should bring experience that shows the ability to lead and influence others. The candidate should show capacity for thoughtful resource allocation, balancing competing priorities, and approaching financial considerations with sound judgment and principles. Strategic orientation will be essential with the ideal candidate having forward vision and innovative ideas to help shape the Faculty’s future. The dean must demonstrate flexibility, empathy, and transparency, particularly when navigating complex decisions, and have the ability to build consensus among faculty members and partners. Strong communication and interpersonal problem-solving skills, the ability to delegate effectively, being accessible and inclusive, will all be key to building trust and moving the Faculty forward.

Assets for this position include a strong background in both research and teaching, and an appreciation for innovative technologies. Experience building partnerships across academia, industry, and government, as well as experience fundraising and engaging with alumni would be an asset. Experience in strategic planning and addressing emerging issues related to technology, particularly the use of AI, would also be valuable.

This is an internal search only. If you are current Dalhousie faculty member and are passionate about academic excellence, innovation, and making a difference in the lives of students and our community, we invite you to apply for the position of Dean of Computer Science at Dalhousie University. A complete application will include a full CV and cover letter describing how you meet the selection criteria, why the appointment is of interest, and what you believe you can bring to the role. Review of applications will begin on December 22nd, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. To guarantee full review of application, please apply by December 21,2025.

For a more detailed brief about the role, please contact the leadership recruitment team at exec.search@dal.ca.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.