Located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is strongly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). MSVU is an institution that was established by women for the advancement of women with social responsibility and social justice at its core. MSVU embraces the diversity of its community and is committed to efforts that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across all facets of the university, within its local community, and in society at large.
MSVU is made up of nearly 4,300 students (representing 64 countries), 550 faculty and staff, and more than 34,000 alumni. Its research centres provide unique learning opportunities for students while facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, Alzheimer’s disease, literacy, childhood development, and more. Faculty members and departments offer early access to hands-on research opportunities enabling both graduate and undergraduate students to enhance their education by working alongside forward-thinking researchers. As a university committed to scholarship that nurtures global citizenship, leadership, and promotes the advancement of women, MSVU seeks to enhance and enrich its models of teaching and research. MSVU’s strategic plan “Strength Through Community” speaks to its research and scholarly work, its respect for cultural diversity, and its deep commitment to community engagement.
It is within this context that MSVU invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Associate Vice-President Student Experience.
Reporting to the Vice-President Academic and Provost, the Associate Vice-President Student Experience (“AVPSE”) is a key member of MSVU’s leadership team and plays an instrumental role in achieving the goals of the University’s strategic and academic plans. The AVPSE strategically oversees important University services, including accessibility services and academic advising. Sexual violence prevention and providing a trauma-informed, survivor-centered response is a fundamental part of the AVPSE’s portfolio. The APVSE also oversees University departments and individuals concerned with the life of students outside the classroom, including athletics and recreation, counselling services, health and wellness, student housing, international education, and support for underrepresented student populations including Aboriginal students and students of African descent. The AVPSE works closely with students, faculty, and staff and with other members of the senior administration team. As the University spokesperson on issues related to the portfolio of student life/experience, the AVPSE represents a number of internal and external bodies and committees. Working collaboratively with other members of the Senior Executive Team, the AVPSE provides leadership and ensures success for enrolment and retention management activities of the University. Within areas of responsibility, the AVPSE monitors budgets and provides leadership for budget planning, ensuring units are adequately resourced and operating within budget. The AVPSE inspires a group of dedicated student service professionals at MSVU and continually seeks ways to improve the student experience at MSVU. They identify new opportunities and initiatives and implement programs focused on student development and wellbeing. A champion of EDIA, the AVPSE will work to ensure an inclusive environment where all students have a strong sense of belonging and support.
MSVU seeks a leader who is passionate about student success and services and who is well informed on the portfolio’s current trends and best practices. Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills are required. The ideal candidate brings progressive leadership experience in student services gained from within a similarly complex academic institution. The successful candidate must hold a graduate-level degree. Your leadership experience includes managing and inspiring a team, budget planning and management, and the development and delivery of programs focused on student experience. The incumbent must have a successful track record of positive and inclusive student-centred initiatives, along with the ability to interact and work closely with, and relate to, students and student groups. You have a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Your enthusiastic and consultative leadership style reflects the values of collegial governance, collaboration, transparency, and accountability, along with a clear commitment to the values of MSVU.
To apply or explore this Associate Vice-President, Student Experience opportunity with Mount Saint Vincent University, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca).
Mount Saint Vincent University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and other groups that would contribute to the diversification of its campus. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application materials. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group and Mount Saint Vincent University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact jane@griffithgroup.ca and/or sam@griffithgroup.ca.
