Executive opportunities

The University of Waterloo invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Mathematics with the appointment to be effective July 1, 2025.

As North America's only dedicated Faculty of Mathematics, Math at Waterloo has earned a global reputation for teaching excellence, research depth, breadth of academic offerings, renowned co-operative education programs, entrepreneurship, and community outreach. The world’s leading organizations pursue the Faculty’s graduates; today over 48,000 Waterloo Mathematics alumni are living and working in 111 countries. With an impressive and growing list of start-ups and spinoffs, Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics is a powerhouse of discovery underpinning the innovation economy of the future.

One of the largest of six faculties at the University of Waterloo, the Faculty of Mathematics ranks among the world’s leaders for the quality and diversity of its research and academic offerings, ranging from applied technological and lab-based work to fundamental and theoretical explorations. The Faculty consists of the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics & Optimization, Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, and the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, incorporating these disciplines along with mathematics of business and finance, education in mathematics and computing, and a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. These are complemented by two dedicated teaching and math outreach units, the Centre for Education in Mathematics & Computing, and the Math Undergraduate Group, and a range of research institutes and centres in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and privacy, risk management, and quantum computing. The Math Strategic Framework incorporates an ongoing cycle of engagement and review.

As a University Officer, the Dean has the dual role of making independent judgments on University matters and representing the Faculty of Mathematic's policies and points of view. They have responsibility for over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, over 230 regular tenure-stream professors and 75 teaching professors, teaching more than 500 courses, and 190 staff. An eminent scholar, the Dean will model the best in academic ideals of teaching, research, service, and collaboration – and will foster a culture in which faculty and students can continue to experiment and excel. The Dean will have a record of sound administrative leadership, passion for the advancement of the discipline, and a collegial approach to building relationships with Department Chairs, faculty members, and students. The Dean will engage productively with diverse stakeholders including alumni, colleagues across disciplines and at other universities, and local and global partners who are translating Faculty research into commercial enterprise. This is an opportunity to amplify the impact of an established world leader in mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

The University of Waterloo is a leading academic institution that drives local and global prosperity. It is home to a renowned talent pipeline, game-changing research and technology, and an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together with the world’s largest co-operative education program, these differentiating strengths allow its students and faculty to create solutions that tackle today’s challenges and transform the future. The University has built an extensive network of industry collaboration, generated nearly 20 percent of tech founders in Canada and delivers a dynamic learning experience for more than 42,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Waterloo at 100 outlines the University’s strategic visioning.

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

The consultants will begin review of candidates immediately, with committee consultation beginning in the fall and continuing into 2025. The search will continue until the position is successfully filled, ideally by July 1, 2025. Applications, including curriculum vitae, a letter of introduction and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant) should be submitted, in confidence, to the University's executive search consultants:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.

waterloomath@lavernesmith.com