Jarislowsky Democracy Chair (EXPIRED)

The Faculty of Arts at Ryerson University invites applications for the position of Jarislowsky Democracy Chair for a five-year renewable term beginning July 1, 2018. The Chair will hold an Academic Chair position and a tenured appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

The Democracy Chair will be an internationally-recognized leader and scholar who will motivate an innovative research and public discourse agenda that addresses challenges to democratic structures and citizen engagement in the democratic process.

A central intention of the Chair is to explore new and alternate democratic norms – in Canada and globally – drawing on inter-disciplinary, pan-university research communities and public forums. Specifically, the Chair will foster collaboration and partnerships with scholars at other universities and institutions internationally including the Jarislowsky Foundation-funded Chairs at the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa. The Democracy Chair will be an advocate and activist who will partner with public and community leaders, organizations and agencies that foster citizen and civic engagement across Canada and globally. In addition, the Chair will be committed to raising awareness of ethical governance issues related to democracy– locally, nationally and/or internationally. As such, the Democracy Chair will attract and facilitate strong professional relationships with leading researchers revitalizing participatory democracy and increasing meaningful involvement of citizens in democratic processes.

The Chair will (1) carry out teaching, research and service duties as outlined in the Ryerson Faculty Association Collective Agreement, (2) become a permanent member of a humanities or social sciences department at Ryerson, and (3) work with the Dean of Arts and University Advancement to cultivate additional sources of funding and partnerships.

The ideal candidate will be an outstanding senior scholar and public intellectual and expert in the study of democracy and democratic process, with a completed PhD in the humanities or social sciences.

Submissions must include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a one-page summary of academic, research and experience in public engagement as well as the names and contact information of three referees. (Applicants will be notified prior to contacting referees.) Please indicate in your application if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

Applications should be submitted to: 
Dr. Pamela Sugiman,
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Chair, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair Search Committee and member of the Jarislowsky Chair Advisory Committee
Ryerson University
350 Victoria Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5B 2K3

Subject to budgetary approval, we anticipate filling this position for July 1, 2018. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

At the intersection of mind and action, Ryerson is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Ryerson University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand 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, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for both 2015 and 2016. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.ryerson.ca, check out @RyersonU, @RyersonHR and @RyersonEDI on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page.

This position falls under the jurisdiction of the Ryerson Faculty Association (RFA).

• The RFA collective agreement can be viewed at: http://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/faculty-affairs/rfa-collective-agreement/RFA_CA_2015_to_2018.pdf .
• The RFA’s website can be found at: www.rfanet.ca.
• A summary of RFA benefits can be found at: http://www.ryerson.ca/hr/benefits/benefits_by_group/rfa/index.html.

 Ryerson University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.