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.

From its inception, MSVU has been concerned about the wellbeing of individuals and communities, at home and abroad. Established by the Sisters of Charity-Halifax in 1873, MSVU was one of the first institutions of higher education for women in Canada. At a time when women could not vote, MSVU provided an opportunity for women to learn and participate equally in society. In 1925, the Nova Scotia legislature awarded MSVU the right to grant its own degrees, making it the only independent women's college in the British Commonwealth. A new charter was granted in 1966, changing the name from Mount Saint Vincent College to Mount Saint Vincent University.

Recognized as a leader in innovative education, MSVU is a dynamic and welcoming community. Tracing its development from academy to college to university, MSVU is a story of humanity and growth. It's an institution that was established by women for the advancement of women, with social responsibility and social justice at its core. 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.

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.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online at www.kbrs.ca/Career/

Mount Saint Vincent University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our 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 our 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 encouraged to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

KBRS and MSVU will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca.

Mount Saint Vincent University is located in Kjipuktuk, part of Mi'kma'ki, the unceded ancestral land of the Mi'kmaw (L'nu'k) People. This territory is covered by the Covenant Chain of Treaties of Peace and Friendship signed between 1725 and 1779. We are all treaty people. We pay respect to the knowledge embedded in the custodians of the lands and waters and to the Elders, past, present, and future.

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.