Vice-Provost, Academic{
Located in downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada and on the territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples, Ryerson University is a distinctly urban university with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. It is guided by a bold Academic Plan, an ambitious research agenda, and a Master Plan to revitalize the campus and surrounding neighbourhood. The special mission of the University is the advancement of applied knowledge and research to address societal needs, and the provision of programs of study that offer a balance between theory and application and that prepare students for careers in professional and quasi-professional fields. In addition to its strengths in student learning and experience, Ryerson has been ranked first for research income growth for the second consecutive year and third for research intensity dollars per graduate student, among comprehensive universities in Research Infosource’s Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities List 2021.
In August 2021, the university announced that it would begin a renaming process to reconcile the legacy of Egerton Ryerson for a more inclusive future. To learn more, please visit: https://www.ryerson.ca/next-chapter/ .
It is within this context that Ryerson University invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Vice-Provost, Academic. This appointment will be for a term of five years, commencing July 1, 2022 or soon after.
Reporting to Dr. Jennifer Simpson, Provost and Vice President, Academic, the Vice-Provost, Academic provides oversight of Experiential Learning, Academic Integrity, Learning and Teaching, Curriculum Quality Assurance, Curriculum Development, and the Office of Social Innovation. The Vice Provost plays a critical role in planning and operationalizing the Provost’s key strategic initiatives. The individual in this role is also responsible for the implementation and administration of academic priorities and directions set by the Provost, and for providing input, advice, and recommendations to the Provost on academic issues and initiatives. The Vice-Provost chairs the Academic Standards Committee (ASC) and works with the Academic Planning Group (APG) on strategic priorities and programs. The Vice-Provost also fosters and maintains relationships with partners and key stakeholders including government.
The Provost has prioritized three equity themes, one of which is consideration of equity as related to curricular programming outcomes and content. Strong candidates will be able to support this initiative, as well as have a demonstrated understanding of and success with capacities that support equity work in universities. (Additional themes include ensuring a diverse faculty complement across the university and faculty and staff education related to equity.) Given the centrality of pan-university initiatives to the Vice-Provost Academic's portfolio, additional strengths aligned with the role include change leadership in large complex institutions and communication skills (including verbal, written and interpersonal). Ryerson especially welcomes applications from equity-deserving groups.
Ryerson is seeking a leader who will boldly lead in areas that Ryerson is known for: innovation and academic excellence, entrepreneurship, nimbleness and responsiveness, equity, diversity and inclusion. You hold a PhD or equivalent degree, have excellent research and teaching records, and are eligible for appointment at the rank of Full or Associate Professor. You have extensive experience working in the university sector in an academic administrative capacity with pan-university initiatives and bring an in-depth understanding of university culture and governance. You are knowledgeable regarding curriculum development and have demonstrated success with fostering academic partnerships and new initiatives. You bring a preference for listening and action, a commitment to mentoring staff, and the desire to support a culture that embraces growth and innovation. You have experience managing complex budgets that have competing priorities and limited resources. You are a skilled relationship builder who creates strong partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders and are able to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
This position falls under the jurisdiction of the Ryerson Faculty Association (RFA) (www.rfanet.ca). The RFA collective agreement can be viewed here a summary of RFA benefits can be found here.
The University encourages applications from members of groups that have been historically underserved, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
To apply or explore this key academic leadership position at Ryerson University further, please contact Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca).
Ryerson University is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Griffith Group and Ryerson University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.