President & Vice Chancellor

Situated on S’olhTéméxw, the traditional lands of the Stó:lo, The University of the Fraser Valley (“UFV” or “University”) is a dynamic and innovative university committed to its mission of engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community.

A student-centred institution that is also a committed partner in the Fraser Valley’s social, cultural, economic and environmentally sustainable development, UFV’s reach extends beyond the boundaries of its four Fraser Valley campuses, providing students with experiential learning possibilities locally and beyond. With a thriving international education department that offers multiple study abroad and exchange opportunities, UFV also offers courses abroad through well-established partnerships. As a result of the abundant opportunities for practical experience, community-engaged research, problem-solving, and creative work, students are educated as local and global citizens with career-ready skills.

The University offers more than 100 programs, including three master’s degrees, 17 bachelor’s degrees with majors, minors, and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs, as well as access and upgrading pathways to higher education. Offering unparalleled and accessible student undergraduate research assistantship positions, as well as many opportunities related to student leadership and engagement, UFV’s strong emphasis on undergraduate learning & teaching & small class sizes provide a supportive and enriching atmosphere for interactive learning.

As one of BC’s top employers for ten years in a row, UFV is in an ideal location in the beautiful and vibrant Fraser Valley, one of the most diverse and fastest-growing communities in British Columbia, and close to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. With a deep commitment to its core values of integrity, inclusivity, community, and excellence, UFV has launched its integrated strategic plan in 2021 that will focus on the three goals of developing inclusive learning environments for everyone; providing opportunities for people to discover, develop and share their gifts; and partnering in pursuits that enrich the lives of all people on our campuses, our local communities, and beyond.

To learn more, please visit the University of the Fraser Valley’s website.

THE OPPORTUNITY:  PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR
The President and Vice-Chancellor (“President”) is accountable to the Board of Governors (“Board”) for providing overall leadership and direction to UFV. The President supports the Board and its mandate, and is responsible for ensuring that the University operates within the policy, strategy, and risk framework established by the Board. The President provides advice and counsel to the Board in all matters impacting UFV and provides effective strategic leadership to support the University and its faculty, staff, and students.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a visionary post-secondary leader to take a thriving institution to the next level. UFV has grown considerably and transformed over the last decade, defining its niche as a community-focused university, with burgeoning applied research activity, deepened relationships with the Stó:lo peoples, and a continued commitment to teaching excellence. The President will leverage the expertise that exists across the institution to proactively address challenges facing the higher education sector, including the uncertain status of international education in Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Governance:

• The President interacts regularly with UFV’s two governance bodies – the Board and Senate. The President serves as Vice-Chancellor and a member of the Board and the Chair of the Senate;
• Provides appropriate and timely advice, background information and briefing materials to the Board in carrying out their range of governance responsibilities, ensuring they are kept abreast of all relevant information regarding UFV’s activities;
• Serves as Chair of Senate and ensures the Senate and its standing committees function effectively and efficiently in fulfilling their governance responsibilities; and,
• Supports the Board and its standing committees by providing the resources to fulfill their responsibilities.

Leadership:

• Provides leadership and strategic direction to the senior leadership team, which has responsibility for achieving the Vision, Mission, and Values and the Integrated Strategic Plan and related plans.
• Fosters effective relationships & collaboration across UFV and encourages an interactive & consultative communications environment within & between academic units and within the University as a whole.

Strategic and Annual Planning:

• In collaboration with all the constituent elements of the University, ensures there is a current Integrated Strategic Plan approved by the Board that sets out a vision for the University and defines the critical issues to be addressed in moving towards UFV’s Vision, Mission, and Values; and specific objectives and strategies to deal with those issues.
• Reports to the UFV community on the achievement of the plan’s key performance indicators; ensures an annual Community Report is presented to communities in which UFV has a significant presence.

Annual Objectives for the President:

• In the context of UFV’s Integrated Strategic Plan and relative to UFV’s current Vision, Mission, and Values, recommends annual performance goals for the President to the Board and reports throughout the year on progress against those objectives, as well as part of an annual performance review.
• Conducts a parallel performance evaluation process with the leadership team of UFV.

People Leadership:

• Provides strong and effective leadership to the faculty and staff of UFV to capitalize on the full potential of each member of the institution. Communicates, motivates, guides and directs all those involved to contribute fully to the realization of the University’s Vision, Mission, and Values. Maintains high visibility on the campuses and fosters engaged two-way communication with faculty, staff, and students.
• Oversees the recruitment, assessment, development, and retention of senior administrators.

Teaching Excellence:

• Ensures UFV maintains its focus as a teaching-led institution. Fosters an environment where teaching and learning is based on mentorship, discovery, purposefulness and learner autonomy;
• Motivates faculty to demonstrate an authentic spirit of inquiry as a model for learners and, in turn, encourages learners to engage with a teaching environment that is collaborative, innovative, creative, and respectful; and,
• Promotes the highest standards of teaching across the various University programs, supporting the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning practices and supports.

External Relationships:

• Establishes and fosters strong and effective internal and external relationships and collaborations – with the federal and provincial governments, local municipalities and the people they serve, with the business community, with the K-12sector, other post-secondary institutions, and Universities Canada;
• Builds a strong and interactive working relationship with Indigenous communities using B.C.’s distinction based approach to relationships with these groups; and,
• Ensures support is in place for a strong network of international contacts that further enhance UFV’s international profile and partnerships; understands the complexity of the current international context.

Academic, Research and Scholarship Leadership:

• Responsible for promoting, developing and maintaining the highest standards of teaching and research excellence in all aspects of university activities.
• Encourages faculty to integrate research with teaching and supports research that demonstrates the relevance of the University to the region.

Student-Centered University:

• Promotes a student-centered university, prioritizing needs of students and ensuring necessary services are in place. Builds a strong relationship with the student union society, connects with students in a variety of ways, and leads change related to UFV being student-ready.

Financial and Administrative Leadership:

• Through the CFO, and the VP, Administration, ensures the effective utilization of the financial resources of UFV within the objectives, policies, capital and other plans, and budgets approved by the Board;
• Reviews all budget submissions and confirms budget consultation occurs during the development process; ensures a final annual budget proposal comes to the Board of Governors for approval; and,
• Facilitates the recruitment of outstanding faculty and staff to the University; ensures equity, diversity, inclusion & indigenization principles are integrated into HR policies & practices; promotes the cultivating of a work environment where employees feel supported and see the University as a great place to work.

THE PERSON
The President should be a visionary leader who possesses the collaborative skills, presence, and wherewithal to inspire UFV’s communities. The President comes from an academic background, leading at both the strategic and operational levels, convening Board, employees, students, industry, government, and external partners to achieve great things. Leading transparently and with humility, they should live with a sense of integrity that aligns with UFV’s mission as a community-based, teaching and applied research-focused university, and be comfortable operating in a bicameral governance structure. Meaningful engagement with Reconciliation, and equity, diversity and inclusion is expected. The President should possess the business acumen, innovative spirit, global view, agility, and forward thinking required to guide the institution through growth, and evolution.

Professional & Personal Qualifications:

To succeed in this role, it's essential to have a background or general knowledge of the following:

• A doctorate is required, combined with a successful record as an educator and researcher;
• Successful senior leadership and administrative experience gained typically as a Dean, Vice President or President in a well-respected post-secondary institution;
• Through experience, has gained an appreciation and respect for teaching, research and scholarship, and the role of the post-secondary institution in society;
• Experience with a bicameral governance structure is preferred; and,
• Understands the evolving labour market, and trends and challenges facing the post-secondary sector.

Competencies:

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-racism: Has demonstrated a commitment to EDI and anti-racism. Understands the complexities involved with related issues and has a track record of listening and being proactive to ensure these values are demonstrated throughout the University.
• Indigenization: possesses meaningful experience supporting Indigenous learners and communities through a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and decolonization. Accountable to the relationships with Stó:lō People and communities, as well as responsibilities to Stó:lō history, present, and future.
• Strategic: Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to work with others to set priorities and establish strategies to move a complex organization forward in establishing and realizing its vision and commitments. Understands the big picture in which an organization functions. Innovative, open to new ideas, and a progressive thinker with regards to education and learning.
• A Visionary Leader: Highly effective at bringing people together to focus on the vision and strategy of an organization. Effective at championing an organization’s mandate, garnering buy-in for engagement in future directions, and leading positive organizational and cultural change. Inclusive and engaging leadership style. Brings a passion for UFV’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Highly Personable & Consummate Relationship Skills: An open and approachable individual with strong interpersonal skills who can engage people easily. Diplomatic, transparent, and thrives on meaningful interactions with others. Able to establish and maintain a highly effective working relationship with the Board Chair, board members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and other constituent members. Culturally sensitive and internationally aware.
• Strength of Character: A positive and inspirational approach. Transparent, clear, articulate, and an excellent listener. Able to hold true in difficult situations. Adaptable, comfortable dealing with ambiguity. Unquestionable integrity.
• External Relations: Proven ability to establish strong and productive ties with community groups. Will be a visible and positive presence in the region. Able to develop and maintain productive relationships with all levels of government. Brings the necessary diplomacy and persuasive abilities to be successful in a complex political environment. Very comfortable public speaker. Able to communicate effectively in a wide range of arenas.
• Student Centered: Brings a passion for students and student learning. Values the priorities of a teaching focused university and recognizes the importance of the relationship between instructor and student. Supports the development of learning through faculty mentored research.
• Change Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and make effective and impactful positive change within an organization. Is viewed as a capable and strategic change agent who can make difficult decisions and manage the effects of change within a complex organization.
• Human Resources Leadership: A demonstrated ability to successfully recruit and retain outstanding employees. Can set a strategy and implement a plan for effective retention, renewal, replacement and succession of faculty and administrators. A successful track record of working collaboratively with unionized faculty and staff.
• Fundraising: Has the capacity for, and an interest in, fund raising. Has the required skill to attract individuals, corporate partnerships/sponsorships, and endowment funds by building stronger linkages with the broader community including alumni, industry, educational institutions, and government.

UFV welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and will assist the institution to expand its capacity for diversity. UFV encourages applications from equity seeking groups; these include women, persons with diverse gender expressions, persons of all sexual orientations, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit persons. However, all qualified people are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive salary and excellent benefits, including the use of UFV’s Friesen House as the President’s residence; the salary range is $250,000—$282,500.

To apply, please visit our website.

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Nick Lay or Tony Kirschner
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL
#880—609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: [email protected]