Universities in most countries have become more managerial, but in different ways, for different reasons, and with different results. This article explores the collegial and managerial roles and qualifications of Canadian university deans. The study analysed 223 job advertisements published between 2011 and 2015. The analysis distinguishes between university types, faculty types, and recruiting firms. Overall, Canadian university deans' roles and qualifications present a balanced combination of collegial and managerial depictions, though they remain solidly anchored in collegiality by their academic requirements. Of note, the type of university, the type of faculty, but also the recruitment firm selected for the search shape how deans' roles and qualifications are prioritized.