Director of the School of Design and Professor (Associate or Full Professor) at the University of Montreal – Canada

Summary

The Faculty of Environmental Design at the Université de Montréal is seeking applications for the dual role of Director of the School of Design and Associate or Full Professor. The appointed candidate will provide leadership, manage governance, direct strategic academic developments, and manage the departmental budget and philanthropic fund. Simultaneously, the successful applicant will teach across all degree levels, supervise graduate researchers, publish scholarly work, and secure research funding. Candidates require a bachelor's and doctoral degree in relevant design fields, university-level teaching and research experience, expertise in industrial or interior design, and sufficient proficiency in French. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Key Facts

Position Type	Professor
Discipline	Design
Research Area	Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Game Design
Degree Required	Doctoral degree in a field relevant to the design disciplines
Experience	Demonstrated university-level research and teaching experience in a design discipline, high-level expertise in Industrial Design or Interior Design, and excellent knowledge of professional design practice.
Salary	Competitive salary
Funding	Competitive remuneration
Contract Duration	Four-year mandate as Director, with possibility of renewal
Language	French
Deadline	2026-12-30
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Copies of or links to three recent publications or research papers, Statement outlining teaching and mentoring experience and approach, Research programme statement, Statement explaining vision for the development of the School, Contact details for three referees
Employer Address	Montreal Campus, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Employer Contact	Imen Ben Youssef, Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The School of Design focuses on creativity, research, and experimentation within areas such as industrial design, interior design, game design, and design research, emphasizing human-environment interactions and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the development and transformation of the School.
• Establish the School's vision, priorities, and strategic directions.
• Oversee governance, departmental assembly meetings, and faculty coordination.
• Manage budget, development plans, and philanthropic funds.
• Oversee academic programme quality, pedagogical innovation, and staff recruitment.
• Teach at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels and supervise graduate students.
• Conduct innovative research, publish in international journals, and secure external grants.

Required Skills

• High-level expertise in Industrial Design or Interior Design.
• Excellent knowledge of professional design practice.
• Leadership, communication, and management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Adequate proficiency in French.

Who Should Apply

Experienced design academics and leaders holding a doctorate in a design-related field, with demonstrated university-level research, teaching, and administrative management capabilities, as well as adequate proficiency in French.

Benefits

• Medical, paramedical, dental, and travel insurance
• Employee and Family Assistance Program and Institutional Health and Wellness Program
• Defined-benefit pension plan with indexed retirement payments
• Life insurance and disability income insurance
• Parental leave up to two years and reduced workload upon return
• Two campus childcare centres, summer camps, and spring break camps
• Compassionate leave, research and study leave, and sabbatical leave allowance
• Research start-up funding
• French-language training and teaching development activities
• Tuition waiver programme for employee, spouse, and dependent children

About the Employer

The Université de Montréal's Faculty of Environmental Design was founded in 1968 and includes the School of Architecture, the School of Design, and the School of Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture. The School of Design has 16 professors, over 60 lecturers, and around 450 students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected start date for this position?

The expected start date is June 1, 2027.

What is the initial term length for the Director mandate?

The initial mandate for the Director is four years, with the possibility of renewal.

Is French language proficiency required?

Yes, applicants must possess adequate proficiency in French.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications is December 30, 2026.