Associate Dean Ridgetown Campus

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph invites applications for the position of Associate Dean (Ridgetown Campus, ADRC). This role provides executive leadership for a unique applied‑agriculture campus with a global reputation, deep industry integration, and a strong academic foundation spanning diploma, apprenticeship, and degree‑linked programming, located in Ridgetown, Ontario.

Academic & Research Leadership: Provide academic and strategic leadership for Ridgetown Campus by championing high‑quality academic programs, supporting applied research and innovation, strengthening partnerships with industry and government, and advancing student recruitment, retention, and success across diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, and degree‑linked programs.

People Leadership & Labour Relations: Lead and support a multifunctional senior leadership team; manage faculty and staff performance, workload assignment, and evaluation as applicable; foster constructive labour relations and a collaborative, inclusive campus culture; and work effectively with bargaining units and employee groups.

Financial & Administrative Leadership: Provide overall administrative and financial leadership for the campus, including budget oversight, enrolment planning, marketing and outreach, and stewardship of ancillary and revenue‑generating operations such as residence, hospitality, and business development activities.

Strategic Planning & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and implement a strategic vision for Ridgetown Campus that aligns with the Ontario Agricultural College and the University of Guelph; strengthen connections with the Guelph campus; and build strong relationships with industry, community partners, government, and alumni.

A PhD in agriculture, life sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field, with demonstrated academic credibility through teaching, research, or scholarly activity within a post‑secondary environment.

Demonstrated senior‑level leadership experience in an academic or applied‑education setting, with strong people‑management, decision‑making, and communication skills, and an ability to balance academic leadership with enterprise and administrative responsibilities.

A strong understanding of applied and industry‑engaged agriculture, post‑secondary academic systems, and the relationship between a regional campus and a comprehensive university.

A demonstrated commitment to being present in Ridgetown and on Ridgetown campus and to fostering a consultative, collaborative, and respectful working environment.

Date Posted: 05/13/2026
Deadline: 06/10/2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Search Committee Coordinator (email & phone).