Vice President, Academic
Job Description
Description
Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Job Description
Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community?
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Vice President, Academic to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s academic portfolio. As the Senior Academic Officer, this role is responsible for the development and execution of the Academic Plan, ensuring the success of both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.
This is a full-time permanent position. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
Why AUArts?
AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently.
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.
The Opportunity
Competition #2425-AP-MP-22
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President, Academic leads a dedicated team, which includes the Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Academic Resources, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports academic excellence.
This role is pivotal in shaping the University’s research strategy, overseeing the establishment of a vibrant research culture, and driving scholarly research and creative activities that align with the goals of the Academic Plan.
In addition to academic leadership, the Vice President, Academic leads Teaching and Learning activities to advance a culture of professional development and the pedagogical needs of faculty in support of curricular innovation and academic rigor.
A key representative of the University, the Vice President, Academic engages with faculty, external stakeholders, students, and the broader community. A significant portion of the role involves governance responsibilities, including chairing meetings and building strong relationships with external partners and community members.
As a member of the senior leadership team; this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include but are not limited to: program innovation and relevance, new curriculum exploration and development, expanding scholarly research and creative activities, diversification of revenue, and formally embedding Work Integrated and Experiential Learning (WIEL) in the curriculum.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building and leading academic and student success initiatives. The ideal candidate has an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization. The ideal candidate has an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, and can work collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance the academic mission of AUArts, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and inspiring organizational proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. They bring a proven track record of achievement in advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout an organization.
Experience and Qualifications:
The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of success in the role. While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they are desirable and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position.
In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
- Terminal degree in art, craft, design or relevant field
- 7 years experience in leadership role within a post-secondary institution
- Demonstrated experience in the leadership of undergraduate program management
- Demonstrated experience with faculty labour relations
- Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures
- Proficient in operational and financial management
- Demonstrated accomplishment in enrollment management and student retention
- Demonstrated experience innovating programs & curriculum
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives
- Qualification for Academic Position (BDes, BFA, SCSS) preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of Higher Education’s new and future trends as they relate to Teaching and Learning, especially in the context of art, craft, and design education preferred
- Demonstrated experience innovating programs & curriculum preferred
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives preferred
AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization.Responsibilities of senior leaders include the following:
Healthy Spaces
- Govern by example fostering respectful workplace principles.
- Inspire organization proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness.
Active Inclusion
- Govern by example advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout the organization.
- Inspire organizational proficiency in Indigenous, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility programs, policies, and communications.
- Govern by example advancing innovation and change mandates.
- Inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success.
- Govern by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization.
- Champion, lead, and promote strategic external partnerships .
Strategic Leadership
- Govern by example developing vision and strategic plans.
- Inspire, lead, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit, and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.
KBRS and AUArts will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into
Company
Alberta University of the Arts
Location
Calgary
Country
Canada
Salary
100.000
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