President and Vice-Chancellor

Acadia University acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which the Mi’kmaq, Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet), and Passamaquoddy Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1726. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations. Acknowledging the land that we are on means that we are working towards decolonization across campus.

Founded in 1838, Acadia University is one of the oldest and most respected universities in Canada known for providing a quality, high-engagement, primarily undergraduate student experience. Acadia is just a one-hour drive from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is an integral part of the quintessential college town of Wolfville, overlooking the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy. With a total enrollment of almost 4,000, Acadia attracts students from every province and territory and more than 60 countries to take advantage of strong academic programs, a curriculum that encourages personal development, and collaborative learning experiences led by award-winning professors. As a member of the Maple League of universities, Acadia is committed to the delivery of excellent, 21^st-century liberal education that distinguishes its students as leaders making a positive difference in communities across the world.

It is within this dynamic context that Acadia University invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next President and Vice-Chancellor, commencing July 1, 2023, or soon after.

Reporting to the Board of Governors, and working with engaged and committed faculty, staff, students and a renowned alumni network, the President and Vice-Chancellor (“President”) champions Acadia's mission to provide a personalized and rigorous liberal arts education; promotes a robust and respectful scholarly community; and inspires a diversity of students to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and responsible global leaders. A proven relationship builder, Acadia’s President builds, strengthens, and sustains relationships across campus, provincially, nationally, and globally through an authentic, transparent, collegial leadership style. The President fosters academic renewal, excellence and creativity through supporting and enabling faculty and staff to pursue innovative teaching and research strategies. In conjunction with student leaders, the President supports a holistic student-centric environment that includes access to supports for all students’ mental, physical, and emotional health. The President serves as a champion of the University’s advancement activities, and as an ambassador and representative for Acadia with the Acadia Alumni Association, with other Maple League University Presidents, and with municipal, provincial, and federal government partners.  The President will also enhance the University’s commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

As the ideal candidate, you are a courageous, inspirational and accomplished leader who has a track record of successful senior administrative roles from either a post-secondary institution, or another organization of like calibre. Experience from within the Canadian university sector and with a bicameral governance structure are both considered strong assets. You are knowledgeable and comfortable working in an institution with rigorous financial standards and program accreditations and hold the appropriate level of financial skills to manage the University’s large and complex budget. Your budgetary skills and desire to ensure a financially sustainable model, however, must be balanced with an appreciation for the academic pursuits of the University and its commitment to delivering an exceptional liberal arts education. Peers and colleagues describe you as a skilled relationship builder who fosters a collegial and collaborative culture that attracts, retains, and ensures the success of students, faculty, staff and community. As a values-based, community-engaged leader, your commitment to all aspects of social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism is evident in your knowledge, relationships and actions.

To apply or explore this exceptional leadership opportunity with Acadia University, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca).

Acadia University is strongly committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, Indigenous peoples, African Canadians/people of African descent and other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be invited to complete a brief Employment Equity Voluntary Self-Identification Form. This form is voluntary.

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact jennifer.veinot@acadiau.ca.

Please be advised that only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The University reserves the right not to fill this position.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.