Vice-Provost and Dean, Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral

Guided by a bold Academic Plan, an ambitious research agenda, and a Master Plan to revitalize the campus and surrounding neighbourhood, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is among the most applied-to universities in Ontario and its reputation with business and community leaders continues to rise.

TMU offers more than 129 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 47,000 students, including nearly 3,000 master's and PhD students, over 4,700 faculty and staff, and more than 217,000 alumni worldwide.

TMU was ranked number one on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2023, a ranking of the top 150 organizations across the country promoting creative, diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.

In January 2024, the Yeates School of Graduate Studies officially changed its name to the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (YSGPS) to recognize the importance of postdoctoral fellows and their contributions to TMU and its scholarly, research and creative (SRC) goals.

The new name represents the enhanced focus, integration and commitment to postdocs within the YSGPS administrative structure and dedicated support of postdoctoral success at TMU.

YSGPS offers more than 65 graduate programs featuring expert faculty, industry partnerships and cutting-edge labs and equipment.

YSGPS programs take an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to learning which demands creative solutions to real-world questions.

Students and faculty are engaged with ideas that are transforming industries and changing lives on a global scale.

YSGPS programs challenge students and researchers to explore emerging fields and apply new thinking to established ones, to delve deeply into fields of study yet also shatter boundaries, to discover new theories and generate new ideas – and put them into action in rewarding careers.

Research at TMU has been on a consistent trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has more than doubled in the past four years, and has received both CERC and CFREF grants.

A solid foundation of SRC excellence has resulted in the University experiencing outstanding success in the Research Infosource 20-year retrospective where it placed first in total comprehensive university income growth, second in not-for-profit research income growth, and third in corporate research income growth.

It is within this context that Toronto Metropolitan University invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Vice-Provost and Dean, Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, commencing January 1, 2025, or soon thereafter.

This appointment will be for a term of five years and is renewable for a second term as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Relating to Search Committees and Appointments in the Academic Administration (AAA Policy). Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dr.

Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, the Vice-Provost & Dean, Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (YSGPS) is the academic leader of the School.

The Vice-Provost & Dean is responsible for all aspects of YSGPS’s operations including strategy, program and policy development and implementation, management of financial and human resources, external relations and the School’s strategic planning.

The Vice-Provost and Dean also oversees graduate admissions and is deeply involved with graduate student enrollment management and with growing international graduate student enrollment.

The Vice-Provost & Dean is an ex-officio member of all graduate council committees and chairs TMU’s Council of the School of Graduate Studies.

Composed of affiliated faculty members from each of TMU’s Faculties and Schools, graduate program directors and students, the Council oversees graduate education at TMU, including the development and evaluation of new graduate programs and relevant policies.

The Vice-Provost & Dean works closely with the Deans, the Associate Deans of Graduate Studies and other Vice-Provosts to support and enhance graduate and postdoctoral studies at TMU, ensuring that graduate level scholarships and funding for multidisciplinary programs are managed appropriately amongst the Faculties and Schools.

The Vice Provost & Dean also supports the School’s, and University’s, objectives in fundraising and alumni relations.

The ideal candidate is an exemplary academic leader who brings a demonstrated track record of supporting and serving the needs of graduate and postdoctoral students and promoting teaching, SRC, program development, and budget and staff management.

Candidates should have progressive experience as a senior academic administrator, a strong record of research accomplishments, demonstrated advocacy of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) principles a comprehensive understanding of the role of graduate students in SRC, and experience teaching and successfully supervising graduate students, and of post-docs is considered an asset.

Experience in the development, planning, funding, evaluation, approval and review of graduate programs, as well as with the relevant councils, funding agencies and levels of government involved is also required.

Candidates must hold a PhD or other terminal degree and be appointable at the rank of Full professor.

The leadership style and attributes which will benefit the successful candidate include being consultative and collaborative, an outstanding communicator, a strong advocate of equity, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and an engaging problem solver, who is respectful, and a good listener.

The ideal candidate embodies what Toronto Metropolitan University is known for: collegiality, innovation and entrepreneurship, nimbleness, and responsiveness.

About TMU TMU cherishes its role as a city-builder and continues to reshape the downtown core of Toronto.

The University has opened a series of new buildings including the Mattamy Athletic Centre at Maple Leaf Gardens, the Image Centre, the Sheldon and Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre, the Centre for Urban Innovation, and the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex.

In Fall 2020, TMU opened its doors to the first cohort of law students, establishing TMU’s new Lincoln Alexander School of Law providing leading-edge legal education with a focus on contemporary issues.

In March 2022, the Province of Ontario confirmed its support for TMU’s proposed School of Medicine, which will house 94 medical school seats for undergraduate learners and 105 postgraduate seats.

TMU’s School of Medicine in Brampton will welcome its first cohort of medical learners in 2025.

Application Information Please note that once in this position, the successful candidate is an “associate member” of the Toronto Metropolitan University Faculty Association (TFA) The TFA collective agreement can be viewed here; a summary of TFA benefits can be found here.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in expanding our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense.

In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. TMU is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.

To find out more about legal and policy obligations please visit the accessibility and Human Rights websites.

To apply, or explore this key academic leadership position at Toronto Metropolitan University further, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith () and/or Caroline McLean (), or visit All applications must be received before 5pm ET Friday July 26, 2024.

Toronto Metropolitan University is an equal opportunity employer.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Griffith Group and Toronto Metropolitan University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.