Vice President, Advancement


Vice President, Advancement{


The opportunity

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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 premium high 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 a high quality, 21st century liberal education.  

As Acadia builds on momentum generated by completion of the most successful fundraising campaign in its history, the University is seeking an Advancement leader to enhance the capacity of the leadership team, create a progressive and sustainable advancement capacity, support the implementation of the University’s strategic plan, and pave the way for the next successful campaign. It is within this dynamic context that Acadia University invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Vice President, Advancement 

Reporting to the President & Vice-Chancellor, and working directly with the Provost & Vice-President Academic, and the Vice-President, Finance & Administration, the Vice President, Advancement (VPA) plays a major role at the senior management table and provides strategic direction and leadership across the three offices under its purview: Development, Alumni Affairs, and Advancement Services. As a member of the senior leadership team, the VPA is a member of the President’s Executive Council (PEC) and the Strategic Leadership Council (SLC) and works closely with the Board of Governors through its Advancement Committee. The VPA is also responsible for fostering and nurturing the close relationship between the University and the Acadia Alumni Association, which represents and supports proud and passionate Acadia alumni around the world. With a strong focus on stewardship and fundraising, the VPA will build on Acadia’s momentum generated by the campaign and will lead the Advancement Office as a highly efficient and productive fundraising enterprise. Experienced in traditional fundraising programs such as capital campaigns, annual giving, and planned giving, the VPA will also bring vision and innovation to secure ever-increasing levels of philanthropic support for excellence in education at Acadia.  

As the ideal candidate, you are a seasoned advancement leader with a demonstrable track record of success in all aspects of the portfolio, especially in all philanthropic activities. You are a dynamic communicator, a creative thinker, a strategic marketer, and a courageous leader. Your peers describe your leadership skills as inspiring and motivational. With an engaging communication style, you have successfully managed and motivated a team through transformation to reach peak performance and you take great pride in achieving fundraising and engagement goals. Experience with alumni and other stakeholder engagement activities and programs that range from traditional events to innovative partnerships and engagement opportunities is required.  You have an appreciation for academic culture and the ability to collaborate effectively and respectfully with academics and researchers. You also have a deep commitment to ensuring philanthropy contributes to Acadia’s teaching and research mission—including an outstanding experience for its students. You have strong financial management skills, including knowledge of investment policies, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements, and fiduciary matters. Experience with decentralized staffing models, management of high-level volunteers, and campaign cabinet volunteer recruitment are all considered strong assets. Candidates must hold at least an undergraduate degree and have substantial senior leadership experience. 

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 Denny Young (denny@griffithgroup.ca). 

Acadia University is strongly committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, Black and African Nova Scotians, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, 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. 

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