Vice-President, Academic and Provost

Vice-President, Academic and Provost
University of Fredericton

The University of Fredericton (UFred) has been celebrated as one of Canada's leaders in flexible, personalized learning. Founded in 2005, the University of Fredericton is dedicated to delivering innovative and flexible online education. Committed to providing accessible, high-quality education to professionals across Canada and beyond, UFred is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning. In May 2023, UFred was acquired by IU Group (IUG), a prominent educational institution based in Germany, positioning UFred for further growth and expansion.

UFred’s educational philosophy is rooted in a commitment to accessibility, flexibility, and personalization in the modern world. The university strives to embody the values of diversity, integrity, and lifelong learning, providing learners with a high-quality academic experience that prepares them for success in an evolving global landscape. The University's diverse range of business and occupational health & safety programs are offered completely online, since day one, with the goal of enabling learners from all walks of life to improve their careers through accessible education.
Now, UFred is seeking an entrepreneurial, visionary, and strategic leader for the role of Vice-President, Academic and Provost. This executive role is pivotal in driving the academic mission of the university at a crucial time in its history. Reporting to the President, the Provost will enhance academic quality and rigor, prioritizing student success, and new program growth and development. The Provost will spearhead strategic growth through new programs and specializations, establish cutting-edge programs, cultivate inclusive excellence, and create infrastructures to meet current and future academic and research needs.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a proven track record of providing strategic direction for current and new academic programs, policies, and initiatives, leading the implementation of the university's strategic academic plan. Collaborating closely with the Vice-President of Quality and Regulatory Affairs, this role will advance a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in teaching and research, promoting data-driven decision-making and quality management. The VP Academic and Provost will also cultivate partnerships with external stakeholders, mentor diverse teams of faculty and staff, and provide leadership for academic activities and faculty affairs. Additionally, this position will promote applied learning and research, focusing on innovation and digital transformation, while staying informed on higher education trends. Ensuring academic policies and procedures align with best practices, chairing university committees, and overseeing academic documentation updates are also key responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will possess the follow qualifications:

Essential Qualifications

• Academic Credentials: PhD or other terminal degree with a track record in research and teaching at the post-secondary level.
• Experience: Extensive experience as a senior leader, ideally at the Dean or VP level, within a complex academic or research institution. Experience at an institution that has an online presence is considered an asset.
• Skills: Outstanding writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills. Impeccable time management skills and a willingness to adapt to new and fast-paced working environments. Demonstrated skills in leading large-scale initiatives, empowering and leading teams, and collaborating and working with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Leadership: Proven record of senior administrative experience within a large and complex academic unit. Strong strategic planning skills and experience in strategy implementation and budget administration.
• Aptitude: High level of comfort in a complex, fast-paced, results-oriented, deadline-driven culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Policy and Procedure Experience: Experience in academic policy, procedure, and program development. Experience with the accreditation process and have participated in program and institutional reviews.
• Commitment to Diversity: Substantial commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Impact and Change Management: Experience leading through change with a people-focused approach and advancing critical priorities that lead to significant impact.
• Growth mindset: Support cross-departmental initiatives that have been identified as goals, such as program development and physical campus, student support initiative, etc.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Abbey MacLeod (amacleod@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

UFred and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment process 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 or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.