[APPLICATIONS CLOSED] Provost & Vice-President, Academic

Acadia University is 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.

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 who will make 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 Provost & Vice-President, Academic, commencing July 1, 2024 or soon after. This appointment will be for a term of six years and is renewable for a second term as outlined in the University's "Guidelines for the Appointment and Review of Senior Academic Officers" policy.

Reporting to Acadia's 17th President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jeff Hennessy, the Provost & Vice-President, Academic ("PVPA") is the chief academic officer of the University and a key member of the senior leadership team. Responsible for the planning, development, administration, and integrity of Acadia's academic and research affairs, the PVPA plays a major role in the fulfilment of the University’s vision, mission and values, and the achievement of its goals. The PVPA is responsible for ensuring that all of the operations and activities support the central academic mission of the University. The Provost & Vice-President, Academic will provide an important voice in the leadership and vision of the University, working closely with the President to sustain Acadia's reputation for the highest quality of academic programming and the delivery of a unique, transformational student experience. This includes opportunities to manage and innovate in the area of learning technologies and teaching support. The PVPA will also enhance the University’s commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

As the ideal candidate, you are committed to, and experienced with, building collegial relationships with faculty, staff, and students in a visible way. You are a respected educator, researcher, and academic leader with the ability to advance and transform university academic goals, programs, and priorities through fostering and encouraging innovation. You have demonstrated accomplishments in a senior academic administrative role, a level of scholarship and intellectual acumen that will facilitate credibility both internally and externally, and hold a record of, and commitment to, teaching and research success at both the undergraduate and graduate level. You have a proven record of successful leadership in academic planning and implementation, and with a unionized environment, collective bargaining and negotiations.  As a skilled communicator and strategic thinker, you build and sustain positive working relationships across campus and with external communities, including all levels of government. You possess a collaborative and collegial style, a creative approach to problem solving, and the ability to inspire through engaging management and interpersonal skills. 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. Candidates must hold an earned Ph.D. from a recognized university.

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 Caroline McLean (caroline@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 jane@griffithgroup.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.