Associate Head, Early Childhood Studies - UGH - FT Admin

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If you are interested in working in higher education and are looking to contribute to Guelph-Humber’s unique academic offering, here is your opportunity to join our team.

We’re currently recruiting for the Associate Head for our Early Childhood Studies program.

Job Details:

Position Title: Associate Head, Early Childhood Studies

Status: Full Time Contract (January 4, 2027, to April 30, 2028)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Program/Department: University of Guelph-Humber

Campus/Location: The University of Guelph-Humber (Humber Polytechnic’s North Campus at 207 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, Ontario) Hybrid, minimum 4 days on site

Minimum Starting Salary: $107,449; starting salaries are determined based on qualifications and years of related experience.

Screening of applications will begin the week of October 12.

About the Associate Head, Early Childhood Studies Role:

Each member of the academic staff is expected to enhance the learning environment through instruction and scholarship that supports the program and advances the reputation of the university. It is a basic principle that every member of the academic staff shall always be held responsible for competent and effective performance of their duties/workload expectations and foster collegial relationships with supervisors, peers, students, and the University community. The Associate Head (AH) responsibilities are separate from but complementary to the responsibilities of the Chair, however, the AH may also serve as acting Program Chair in the Chair's absence.

In addition to their teaching duties, the AH, is an integral member of the academic team for the University of Guelph-Humber. The AH liaises with partner institutions, specifically the University of Guelph and Humber Polytechnic where appropriate. The AH promotes the intellectual life of the program by working regularly with faculty/instructors, students, and Guelph-Humber colleagues. The AH participates in the development and implementation of program-based academic initiatives, student success initiatives and program related events. The AH also participates in university wide initiatives/events. The AH participates in daily operating matters and operational planning/management within the program ensuring that the semester-to-semester goals of the program are met. The AH will serve on several committees as required and as determined by Chair.

Academic and Scholarly Excellence

• Expected to teach assigned courses within the discipline as per the Office of the Vice-Provost established semester guidelines.

• Expected to engage in other assigned academic related activities (i.e., Study Abroad, Independent Study, IQAP review, thesis, placement) as per the Office of the Vice-Provost established semester guidelines.

• Provide theoretical, professional, and technical knowledge in the relevant field of expertise.

• Promote an environment of creativity and innovation, aligning academic priorities and initiatives of the program with those of the university

• Continuous development of curriculum to maintain currency through assessment, applied research or scholarly activities.

• Provide input on matters related to curriculum and the learning environment.

• Create scholarly products/works related to the discipline or interdisciplinary work.

• Participate in scholarship through professional activities and creative contributions that advance the field of study and foster a enhance profile and positive reputation of the program and university (i.e., professional practice, regulatory committees, educational innovations, use of digital technologies in teaching).

Program Operations and University Events - Activities

• Participating in the day-to-day operations of the program.

• Implement operational program plans as defined by the Chair.

• Participate in university activities/events as defined by the Chair and Office of the Vice-Provost (i.e., Student Orientation, Program Preview Day, Ontario Universities Fair, Instructor Orientation, Staff Appreciation, Remembrance Day etc.) which may occur on evenings and/or weekends.

• Serve on committees as directed and agreed upon with the Chair.

• Actively participate in quality assurance processes and with accreditation process as appropriate.

• Serve as primary advisor to the Chair regarding overall program, management, and operations of the program.

• Assist with the management of financial resources and preparation of financial documents.

• Act as a liaison to university departments.

• Represent the Chair on committees (as required).

• Ensure academic and professional program learning outcomes are maintained.

• Analyzes data and available intelligence to support strategies and recommendations that inform plans of action to ensure program currency and competitiveness.

• Supports the Program Chair with executing human resource management activities required to facilitate academic delivery.

• Participate on instructor/staff hiring committees as required.

Student Engagement and Success

• Active involvement and participation with student organizations/clubs/conferences and student life activities.

• Assist in the recruitment of students and participate in initiatives designed to help students succeed academically.

• Connect students to the appropriate resources and advise students to help support their academic progression and success.

• Resolve student-related conduct and academic performance issues.

• Address student concerns, complaints, and related issues in a healthy, student focused approach.

• Create opportunities to foster professional and personal growth of students.

• Collaboratively lead student retention initiatives for the program with appropriate stakeholder groups.

Outreach and External Partnerships

• Collaboratively works to build external relationships and partnerships to increase student placement opportunities.

• Finds and implements outreach and community initiatives for the program.

• Finds opportunities to articulate pathways into graduate programs both domestically and internationally.

What you bring to the role:

Education

The successful candidate will have a minimum of a master’s degree in the field of study or closely related field of study; reference will be given to candidates who hold a master’s degree in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care and/or be a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Doctorate is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant practical experience supporting an academic program

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives

• Knowledge of current educational trends and challenges facing postsecondary institutions and the post-secondary education sector.

• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills to resolve conflicts, and work cooperatively with internal colleagues and external stakeholders

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Digital fluency and componence with MS Office Applications, and relevant platforms.

• Experience working with academic systems (i.e., Learning Management Systems Course Outlines) is considered an asset.

• Teaching experience in post-secondary is an asset

Application Process

At the University of Guelph-Humber, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it! Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and a progressive mindset goes a long way at Guelph-Humber. If your experience is close to what we’re looking for, consider applying and tell us why you are a great candidate for this job.

Applications should be submitted electronically through the Humber Polytechnic's careers portal. Applications should include: a detailed resume and a cover letter indicating how you meet some or all the criteria.

We thank you for your interest in working with the University of Guelph-Humber. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Consideration for Support Staff and Academic positions will be given to internal employees in accordance with the respective Collective Agreements.

What’s In it for you?

• An opportunity to be a part of building the University of Guelph-Humber's future.

• Be part of a diverse, hard-working, and supportive team.

• Tools and technology that will allow you to succeed at your job.

• Work/Life balance with above-average days off due to university closure schedules.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Guelph-Humber is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of our students and our city. We actively seek Indigenous Peoples and individuals from equity-deserving groups with demonstrated skills and knowledge to deal with all aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a post-secondary environment. The University of Guelph-Humber supports employment equity. Racialized workers, women, Indigenous workers, LGBTQ2S+ workers and workers with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For the purpose of statistical data collection, applicants are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify. The University of Guelph-Humber’s diverse workplace also supports Francophone workers and young workers.

Accommodation

The University of Guelph-Humber is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Our Talent Acquisition team will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. This document is available in alternate formats upon request

Anti-Discrimination Statement

At the University of Guelph-Humber, all forms of discrimination and harassment are prohibited. All employees and applicants have the right to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. If you need assistance with concerns related to discrimination and harassment, please contact the Office of Human Rights and Harassment ([email protected]).