Mount Saint Vincent University

President and Vice Chancellor

Located in Mi’kma’ki the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is strongly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). MSVU is an institution that was established by women for the advancement of women with social responsibility and social justice at its core. MSVU embraces the diversity of its community and is committed to efforts that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across all facets of the university, within its local community, and in society at large.

MSVU is made up of nearly 4,300 students (representing 64 countries), 550 faculty and staff, and more than 35,000 alumni. Its research centres provide unique learning opportunities for students while facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, Alzheimer’s disease, literacy, childhood development, and more. Faculty members and departments offer early access to hands-on research opportunities enabling both graduate and undergraduate students to enhance their education by working alongside forward-thinking researchers. As a university committed to scholarship that nurtures global citizenship, leadership, and promotes the advancement of women, MSVU seeks to enhance and enrich its models of creative teaching and research. MSVU’s strategic plan “Strength Through Community” speaks to its research and scholarly work, its respect for cultural diversity, and its deep commitment to community engagement. It is within this context that MSVU invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next President and Vice Chancellor (“the President”) commencing July 1 2022, or soon after.

Reporting to the Board of Governors, and in cooperation with other senior officers of the University, the President exercises effective leadership to implement the vision and the mission of the University as described in the strategic plan. As Chair of Senate and in collaboration with the Vice President Academic and Provost, the President establishes academic direction consistent with the University’s mission and ensures that the University’s teaching and research objectives are achieved within a quality framework. The President is accountable for the effective operational and fiscal management of the University, and in conjunction with the Vice President Academic and Provost and the Vice President Administration, ensures prudent budget planning, including resource allocation in accordance with the University’s strategic plan. Externally, the President serves as a champion of the University’s advancement and fundraising initiatives, and effectively advocates and serves as an ambassador and representative for MSVU, including through strong government relationships. The President provides strategic leadership; enhances the University’s commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; and advances the University’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

MSVU’s next President and Vice Chancellor:

  • is an accomplished scholar, teacher, researcher,
  • is a proven leader,
  • has a strong track record of senior academic and administrative experience, and
  • holds a PhD, or terminal degree.

Your experience includes working in a complex institution with rigorous associated standards and accreditations, and the appropriate level of financial management skills to manage the large budget of the University. You are an excellent communicator and relationship builder who fosters a collegial and collaborative culture that attracts, retains, and ensures success of students, faculty and staff. Colleagues and peers describe you as a values based, student-centric, community-engaged visionary, and an inclusive leader. You have high integrity and an unwavering commitment to and demonstrated ability to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. MSVU was established by women for women and that legacy is a source of pride. So candidates must embrace feminism and support the advancement of women and social justice.

To apply or explore this Presidential opportunity with Mount Saint Vincent University, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca), or visit https://griffithgroup.ca/msvupvc/. Mount Saint Vincent University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and other groups that would contribute to the diversification of its campus. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application materials.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group and Mount Saint Vincent University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact jane@griffithgroup.ca and/or sam@griffithgroup.ca.