The Opportunity: Dean, Melville School of Business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Are you ready to make a transformative impact on the future of a deliberately different business education? Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is seeking an innovative and forward-thinking leader to serve as Dean of the Melville School of Business (MSB). This is an opportunity to shape the direction of one of Canada's leading polytechnic universities and guide a school known for experiential learning, applied research, and strong industry connections.

The Dean will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership to a diverse group of departments and disciplines, working closely with Associate Deans and the Divisional Business Manager. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President, Academic, the Dean will advance the School's strategic vision, support faculty and staff, and foster a culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and student success.

Melville School of Business is internationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and is one of Western Canada's largest undergraduate business schools, serving more than 9,000 students across 23 programs. As a polytechnic institution, KPU emphasizes the practical application of knowledge-ensuring students graduate with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience to succeed in rapidly evolving industries. MSB's distinctive strength lies in integrating theory with practice through applied learning, industry collaboration, and interdisciplinary opportunities across KPU, including emerging intersections between business, technology, and computer science.

As an open-access university, KPU believes talent and potential exist everywhere. Our mission is to support social mobility while maintaining rigorous academic standards-ensuring that our ambitious and hardworking students are guided toward excellence of which they are capable. The Dean will play an important role in advancing this mission by fostering academic quality, innovation in programming, and a learning environment where students can translate opportunity into meaningful achievement.

At KPU, we honour the rich history and traditions of the First Nations territories we inhabit, including the Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, Kwikwetlem, and Kwantlen First Nation. As Dean, you will play a key role in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion while fostering a collaborative environment where students, faculty, and staff feel valued and supported. Through thoughtful leadership and a commitment to academic excellence, you will help ensure the Melville School of Business continues to create meaningful opportunities for learners and contribute to the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.

To learn more about the Melville School of Business, please click here .

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a collaborative and strategic leader with a doctoral or terminal degree in a related discipline and a minimum of five years' experience in each of academic leadership and faculty roles, preferably within a university environment. An equivalent combination of education and industry experience may also be considered.
The successful candidate will bring demonstrated strengths in people leadership, change management, and the execution of strategic initiatives within a dynamic and evolving academic environment. Experience supporting faculty excellence, advancing innovative programming, and leading effective change will be essential.

You will have a strong understanding of emerging trends across the diverse scope of our business disciplines, which range from accounting to computer science - with a commitment to ensuring academic programs remain relevant, applied, and responsive to market and societal needs. A key aspect of the role will be strengthening the polytechnic mission of the Melville School of Business-ensuring that theory is translated into practical application and that graduates are prepared to contribute immediately and meaningfully in their fields.

The Dean will also play an important role in building and sustaining relationships with industry, professional bodies, community partners and other academic units of KPU. Maintaining strong connections with organizations such as CPA, CPHR, and other professional associations will be critical in ensuring the continued relevance, accreditation, and reputation of MSB programs.

This leader will bring experience working in complex and unionized environments, demonstrating sound judgment, transparency, and a commitment to inclusive decision-making. The successful candidate will inspire confidence, support faculty and staff through change, and build momentum around shared priorities for the future of the School.

The Location:

The Melville School of Business Dean's Office is based at KPU's Surrey campus, located in one of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in Canada. Surrey is a dynamic and expanding economic hub in Metro Vancouver, offering strong connections to industry, vibrant communities, and exceptional opportunities for partnership and innovation.
While the Dean's primary office is located in Surrey, the role requires engagement across KPU's multiple campuses and with external partners throughout the region. Some intercampus and off-site travel is required, and partial remote work options are available.

Want to Know More About the Role?

Please click here for a more detailed job description.

Ready to Apply?

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume/CV as one document via KPU's Career Centre.

Applications will be reviewed beginning April 1, 2026 , but the position will remain open until filled.

Salary Information
The above compensation range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. Typically, initial salary placement is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum. This represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and approximately halfway of the salary range for a job with consideration given to internal equity.