Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research

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Saint Mary’s University is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725.

Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s is known for extraordinary student experience, international collaborations, deep community connections, and research excellence. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s most-loved and fastest growing coastal cities, the Saint Mary’s campus with its iconic architecture, park-like setting and athletic facilities is an integral part of a vibrant downtown community. One of Atlantic Canada’s most established and respected universities, Saint Mary’s has been recognized by MacLean’s University Rankings as one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities for the last two years. Saint Mary’s is home to 6,500 students from over 115 countries and has over 55,000 alumni worldwide. With programs at the undergraduate and graduate level in Arts, Business and Science, Saint Mary’s offers world-class opportunities in a supportive welcoming community where students learn from caring faculty. The University is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; the faculty and staff are focused on ensuring a supportive, progressive and respectful working environment. The University is a major investor in our communities through local partnerships, online learning and direct program support. As our tagline suggests, Saint Mary’s University is committed to a prosperous future for the world — a World without limits.

It is within this context that Saint Mary’s University invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research commencing in 2025.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research (“P-VPAR”) is a member of the University’s Executive Management Group (EMG), the senior management group at Saint Mary’s. The P-VPAR is responsible for all academic activities of the University, including degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs; research and the dissemination of research results; academic support services for students; the recruitment, admission, and retention of students; and the overall setting of priorities for the University. Key objectives include cultivating and maintaining an environment of quality in teaching and learning; building a positive and supportive research culture; promoting student success; ensuring that the University environment is conducive to effective learning and personal growth for both students and faculty; and encouraging community engagement among faculty and students. The P-VPAR works collaboratively with the President, Vice-President Finance and Administration, Vice-President Advancement and External Affairs, and the various AVPS, Deans, University Librarian, and faculty to ensure excellence across all the University’s programmes in teaching and research excellence. Responsibilities include providing primary leadership in the review of academic planning as well as in budget priority setting for the University as a whole, working closely with the Vice-President Finance and Administration to ensure that reporting units operate in a manner that appropriately supports financial sustainability of the University. In this capacity, the P-VPAR is a key strategic contributor to general institutional development and to the enhancement of academic excellence in particular.

Candidates must have a record of distinguished scholarship, teaching and research in combination with extensive senior academic administrative experience at a post-secondary institution of comparable size and scope. Candidates must have an earned doctorate and academic experience as appropriate, noting that this position carries an appointment at the rank of full professor. As the ideal candidate, you have proven experience creating and maintaining an academic environment that fosters teaching and research excellence, innovation, diversity, student success, and the enhancement of the university as a whole. You are known for working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, administration and the broader community outside the university. You bring experience and comfort with labour negotiations from your time working in a multi-union environment, including involvement with achieving positive outcomes in negotiating agreements with faculty, and a demonstrated commitment to administering agreements so as to maintain a positive and cooperative labour relations environment. You are well versed in financial management and have contributed to institutional sustainability, growth, and the development of budget priorities. Colleagues describe you as collegial and consultative, as a consensus builder, and as someone who is both flexible and responsive; all attributes which contribute to your ability to work effectively and productively within a university’s collegial decision-making and governance environment. A committed implementer of thoughtful change, you have advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion and fostered a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment in your institution. You lead with courage and commitment to institutional mission.

To apply or explore this significant academic leadership position at Saint Mary’s University further, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith ([email protected]) and/or Caroline McLean ([email protected]) or visit: https://griffithgroup.ca/smu-p-vpar/

At Saint Mary’s University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Candidates are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify by completing a Self-Identification Questionnaire that will be provided at the time of application. This form is provided to SMU, and all information collected is confidential.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

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