Associate Vice-President, University Relations

Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is seeking a visionary leader and change manager to serve as the Associate Vice-President, University Relations.

Inspired by a strong tradition of social responsibility and an enduring commitment to the advancement of women, MSVU is committed to academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge through scholarship, teaching and intellectual endeavour of the highest quality.

Recognized as a leader in innovative education, MSVU is a dynamic and welcoming community. Today, MSVU is strongly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) across all facets of the university, within the local community, and in society at large.

Mount Saint Vincent University is located in Mi'kma'qi, the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaw People. MSVU acknowledges, with deep respect, the long history and cultural traditions of the Mi'kmaw People and is committed to building and maintaining relationships based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation.

Qualifications

The Associate Vice-President, University Relations should possess:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Master's degree and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation considered an asset.
• Understanding of and experience working within the post-secondary environment a strong asset.
• Experience and success in managing government relations, including developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with key local, provincial and national constituents.
• Experience in effective issues management and change management.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of strategic communications and marketing in organizational success.
• Experience successfully managing large-scale capital campaigns or other fundraising initiatives with a proven track record of success would be considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility with a track record of successfully stewarding these principles into action.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the President, the Associate Vice President (AVP), University Relations, is a member of the MSVU executive leadership team who provides strategic guidance across a diverse portfolio with government relations, change management, and complex issues management at the fore. Specifically, the AVP, University Relations oversees government and community relations, communications and marketing, and advancement (fundraising and donor stewardship, as well as alumni relations), including supporting a multi-disciplinary team of directors, managers and staff in these areas.

The AVP formulates strategies and undertakes initiatives that advance and enhance MSVU's reputation and strong relationships across the university community and beyond, including by serving as a key relationship manager and ambassador with important constituency groups such as government, donors, alumni, partners, community members and leaders, faculty, staff and students.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an exceptional leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in communications, marketing, government relations, and advancement, as well as a track record of success working within a complex, multi-constituency group organization with a diverse workforce. The ideal candidate will have an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, working collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance MSVU and will possess excellent relationship and team-building skills, as well as a demonstrated commitment to and understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.