Vice-President Academic

Vice-President Academic
FIRST NATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CANADA

First Nations University of Canada seeks to have an ongoing transformative impact through education based on a foundation of Indigenous Knowledges. The University is situated on Treaty 4 Territory, the original lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda, and homeland of the Me tis Nation. The Regina campus is situated on the atim ka -mihkosit (Red Dog) Urban Reserve, Star Blanket Cree Nation and Treaty 4 Territory. Star Blanket is the first First Nation in Canada to create an urban reserve specifically dedicated to the advancement of education.

With campuses in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. The University continues to uphold its mission of enhancing the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture, and artistic heritage of First Nations people. The University is a unique place of learning specializing in Indigenous knowledges and providing post-secondary education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike within a culturally supportive environment. First Nations University is a federated college of the University of Regina, and its academic programs are accredited through that institution.

First Nations University of Canada maintains an average annual enrollment of over 3,000 students. In addition, over 30,000 learners have made the University part of their educational journey through undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates in Business, Indigenous Education, Indigenous Social Work, Indigenous Health, Science, Indigenous Languages, Linguistics, Arts and Fine Arts. The University also offers graduate programs such as Master of Indigenous Social Work, Master of Arts with specialization in Indigenous Languages/ Linguistics, and a Master of Indigenous Education.
Reporting to the President, and as a member of the University’s executive team, the Vice-President Academic provides leadership for the academic mission of the institution with a view to ensuring student success and academic excellence within a culturally inclusive First Nations environment. The Vice-President Academic plays a leading role in the development and implementation of the strategic direction for the University as well as maintaining, developing, and enhancing the quality of education at First Nations University of Canada. This includes fostering First Nations and Western knowledge traditions in a balanced, meaningful, and respectful way.

This forward-thinking and inspiring leader will oversee the functioning of all academic units, campuses, community-based programs, and instructional delivery systems, including the First Nations University of Canada’s Library, as well as the Offices of the Registrar and Student Success Services. As a strong collaborator, the Vice-President Academic works in close consultation with the President, Associate Vice President Academic, Directors, Academic Heads, Coordinators and Librarians, and with academic leaders at the University of Regina and other partner institutions.

The Vice-President Academic will play a leading role in the financial management and resource allocation of the institution, while ensuring balanced participation by faculty in teaching, research, and service areas, including service to Indigenous communities. As a motivating and dynamic individual, the Vice-President Academic will lead an energetic and dedicated professional staff of more than 175 individuals and is responsible for an operating budget of $8.5 million.

The successful candidate will have a PhD or professional graduate degree, or comparable terminal degree, and ideally qualifications commensurate with an appointment with tenure at the rank of full professor, or at minimum the rank of Associate Professor. The ideal candidate is a recognized scholar with demonstrated organizational leadership and administrative management skills, and experience in a senior role as an academic leader including a Dean or higher, an Associate Dean, a Chair of a department, or as a Director of an Institute or Centre, or an equivalent academic framework or institution. Candidates will also have established skills in academic program development and strategic enrollment management practices, experience handling complex budgets, and the ability to navigate, facilitate, and manage growth and systemic change within their portfolio.

It is essential that candidates have knowledge of Indigenous cultures, values and traditions, and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Candidates will also have excellent communications and interpersonal skills coupled with a transparent and collaborative leadership style. They must have a demonstrated history of working with Elders and Indigenous communities, with the ability to build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, academic institutions, and governments.

The appointment of Vice-President Academic is for a five-year period with the possibility of renewal. First Nations University of Canada relies on section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give preference in employment for this position; therefore, please indicate your status on the cover letter.

To explore this opportunity further, please send your CV and Letter of Interest in confidence with the subject line “VPA First Nations University of Canada” to apply@jssearch.ca.