Vice-President, Academic
For almost 100 years, AUArts has inspired students to pursue their dreams.
Founded in 1926, the Alberta University of the Arts has become a significant contributor to visual culture in Canada and around the world. The college was known for its world-class facilities, award-winning faculty, and the talent and professionalism of its graduates.
As one of Canada’s four innovative universities dedicated to art, craft and design, AUArts is proud to play an important role in our country’s visual culture. AUArts graduates have gained significant national and international reputations as artists, designers and creative leaders.
AUArts’ talented community of emerging creatives learns from the best – experts who are among the country’s most acclaimed practicing artists and academics, across a diverse range of degree programs and disciplines, making AUArts a place where students can continue their education, earn an undergraduate degree or achieve their MFA.
AUArts is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development, engaging the world and creating possibilities.
The Role
Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President, Academic provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s academic portfolio. As the Senior Academic Officer, this role is responsible for the development and execution of the Academic Plan, ensuring the success of both undergraduate and graduate programs.
In this capacity, the Vice President, Academic leads a dedicated team, which includes the Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Academic Resources, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports academic excellence.
This role is pivotal in shaping the University’s research strategy, overseeing the establishment of a vibrant research culture, and driving scholarly research and creative activities that align with the goals of the Academic Plan.
In addition to academic leadership, the Vice President, Academic leads Teaching and Learning activities to advance a culture of professional development and the pedagogical needs of faculty in support of curricular innovation and academic rigor.
A key representative of the University, the Vice President, Academic engages with faculty, external stakeholders, students, and the broader community. A significant portion of the role involves governance responsibilities, including chairing meetings and building strong relationships with external partners and community members.
As a member of the senior leadership team; this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include but are not limited to: program innovation and relevance, new curriculum exploration and development, expanding scholarly research and creative activities, diversification of revenue, and formally embedding Work Integrated and Experiential Learning (WIEL) in the curriculum.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building and leading academic and student success initiatives. The ideal candidate has an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization. The ideal candidate has an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, and can work collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance the academic mission of AUArts, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and inspiring organizational proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. They bring a proven track record of achievement in advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout an organization.
Experience and Qualifications
The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of success in the role. While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they are desirable and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online using the "Apply Now" button below.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit, and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.
KBRS and AUArts will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca
Founded in 1926, the Alberta University of the Arts has become a significant contributor to visual culture in Canada and around the world. The college was known for its world-class facilities, award-winning faculty, and the talent and professionalism of its graduates.
As one of Canada’s four innovative universities dedicated to art, craft and design, AUArts is proud to play an important role in our country’s visual culture. AUArts graduates have gained significant national and international reputations as artists, designers and creative leaders.
AUArts’ talented community of emerging creatives learns from the best – experts who are among the country’s most acclaimed practicing artists and academics, across a diverse range of degree programs and disciplines, making AUArts a place where students can continue their education, earn an undergraduate degree or achieve their MFA.
AUArts is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development, engaging the world and creating possibilities.
The Role
Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President, Academic provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s academic portfolio. As the Senior Academic Officer, this role is responsible for the development and execution of the Academic Plan, ensuring the success of both undergraduate and graduate programs.
In this capacity, the Vice President, Academic leads a dedicated team, which includes the Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Academic Resources, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports academic excellence.
This role is pivotal in shaping the University’s research strategy, overseeing the establishment of a vibrant research culture, and driving scholarly research and creative activities that align with the goals of the Academic Plan.
In addition to academic leadership, the Vice President, Academic leads Teaching and Learning activities to advance a culture of professional development and the pedagogical needs of faculty in support of curricular innovation and academic rigor.
A key representative of the University, the Vice President, Academic engages with faculty, external stakeholders, students, and the broader community. A significant portion of the role involves governance responsibilities, including chairing meetings and building strong relationships with external partners and community members.
As a member of the senior leadership team; this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include but are not limited to: program innovation and relevance, new curriculum exploration and development, expanding scholarly research and creative activities, diversification of revenue, and formally embedding Work Integrated and Experiential Learning (WIEL) in the curriculum.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building and leading academic and student success initiatives. The ideal candidate has an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization. The ideal candidate has an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, and can work collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance the academic mission of AUArts, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and inspiring organizational proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. They bring a proven track record of achievement in advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout an organization.
Experience and Qualifications
The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of success in the role. While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they are desirable and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
- Terminal degree in art, craft, design or relevant field
- 7 years experience in leadership role within a post-secondary institution
- Demonstrated experience in the leadership of undergraduate program management
- Demonstrated experience with faculty labour relations
- Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures
- Proficient in operational and financial management
- Demonstrated accomplishment in enrollment management and student retention
- Demonstrated experience innovating programs & curriculum
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives
- Qualification for Academic Position (BDes, BFA, SCSS) preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of Higher Education’s new and future trends as they relate to Teaching and Learning, especially in the context of art, craft, and design education preferred
- Demonstrated experience innovating programs & curriculum preferred
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives preferred
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online using the "Apply Now" button below.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit, and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.
KBRS and AUArts will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca