Provost and Vice President, Academic

Ontario Tech University is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking academic leader to serve as its next Provost and Vice-President, Academic. This is a defining moment for the institution as it accelerates its trajectory as a modern, innovative university shaping the future of technology, talent, and inclusive growth.

The Organization

Ontario Tech University acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. We are thankful to be welcomed on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered under the Williams Treaties and the traditional territory of the Mississauga, a branch of the great Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to a number of Indigenous nations and people.

Ontario Tech University is a rapidly growing institution with a clear purpose: to advance the discovery and application of knowledge that accelerates economic growth, regional development, and social innovation. Located in Durham Region, the University serves a diverse and expanding community of students and partners.

Ontario Tech University is recognized for its strengths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with leadership in areas such as artificial intelligence, energy systems, health, education and the humanities, and technology enabled learning. Grounded in experiential learning and strong community and industry partnerships, the university prepares graduates to address complex, real-world challenges. This commitment is reflected in national recognition, including a No. 1 ranking in Canada for reputation among primarily undergraduate universities in the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings and designation as Canada’s Undergraduate Research University of the Year by Research Infosource in 2025. Ontario Tech continues to evolve its academic programs and delivery across in person, hybrid and online environments to meet the changing needs of students and society.

The Role

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Provost serves as the senior academic leader of the University and provides leadership for all academic programs and initiatives at the institution. At a time of sustained growth and ongoing transformation, the Provost will play a critical role in advancing academic excellence while ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic direction. This includes strengthening academic planning processes, accelerating program development timelines, and fostering a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining academic rigor.

The Provost is responsible for overseeing the University’s budget, academic policies, procedures and strategic academic planning. The incumbent works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators to ensure the delivery of high-quality education, promote academic excellence, and foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. They play a key role in the development and implementation of the University’s next strategic plan and will create the next academic plan. As a member of the University’s Senior Executive Team, they collaborate with peers to drive the academic mission of the institution, while ensuring long-term sustainability, responsible management of budgets, community engagement, and institutional reputation.

Key areas of oversight and responsibility are:

Strategic Academic Leadership and Execution – Lead the development and implementation of the University’s academic vision and priorities, translating strategy into clear, actionable plans with measurable outcomes. Ensure alignment across faculties and units while maintaining momentum in a rapidly evolving environment.

Academic Excellence, Innovation, and Program Development – Advance excellence in teaching, learning, and research by supporting high-quality academic programs and accelerating the development and renewal of offerings. Champion innovation in delivery models, including online, hybrid, and in-person learning, and promote the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

Leadership, Culture, and Accountability – Build and lead a high-performing academic leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, clarity, and accountability. Set expectations, support and develop Deans and academic leaders, and engage in constructive, at times difficult, conversations to ensure progress and results.

Institutional Growth and Resource Stewardship – Contribute to enrolment strategy and long-term institutional sustainability through responsible academic planning and resource allocation. Support growth across domestic and international markets and ensure efficient, effective use of academic resources.

Partnerships, Engagement, and Campus Evolution – Strengthen internal collaboration and external partnerships that support the academic mission. Provide leadership on the evolution of academic spaces and contribute to a modern, connected campus that reflects the University’s future-focused vision.

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate, you are an experienced and visionary academic leader with strategic thinking and collaborative skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Your entrepreneurial spirit, systems-thinking approach to growing institutions, and strong administrative skills position you as an inspiring leader who can effectively shape the University's academic direction and enhance its reputation. You have a strong background in research and teaching, and a proven track record of successfully managing academic programs and their budgets, promoting excellence, and fostering an inclusive and vibrant learning environment. You have demonstrated success in managing change and taking advantage of opportunities as they are presented. You build effective policies and procedures and make transparent and informed decisions that align with institutional culture and values. You exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships, resolve conflicts, and engage with all constituents.

Qualifications and Education

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field or equivalent, with a record of scholarship that justifies appointment at the rank of Professor.
• Extensive experience in academic leadership roles, at the dean level and/or provost, vice-president, or associate vice-president level.
• Strong understanding of university governance and the dynamics of bicameral decision-making.
• A track record of advancing innovation in teaching and learning, including technology-enabled education and experiential learning.
• Experience managing academic resources and budgets effectively.
• Proven ability to build alignment, influence outcomes, and deliver results across a complex organization.
• Commitment to Reconciliation and diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of academic life, demonstrated in actions and decisions you have taken.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing on a vision and strategic plan.
• Demonstrated experience in academic planning, program development, and quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge of current trends and best practices in higher education and familiarity with accreditation standards and the academic cyclical review process.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships and partnerships within a unionized environment, including university departments, associations, and among faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated skill and transparency in strategic financial management and long-term resource planning, including multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Experience creating a culture where excellence and innovation in teaching, service, research, and scholarly activities are valued, rewarded, and celebrated.

Skills and Attributes

• An entrepreneurial and engaging leadership style, able to navigate a rapidly changing environment, take calculated risks, and find opportunities to innovate through interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Exceptional communication skills, including strong listening skills, and a collaborative and collegial mindset.
• Integrity, compassion, and vision, embodying and exemplifying the values of the University.
• A solution-focused problem solver with the ability to maintain resilience under pressure.
• Commitment to academic and creative excellence and academic freedom.
• A good steward who makes their organization stronger, more relevant, and more sustainable than when they started.
• Ability to adapt to changing local, provincial, national, and international landscapes.

Apply Now

Application review will begin on August 15, 2026.

Vacancy Type: Currently vacant

KBRS does not use artificial intelligence to screen candidate applications.

Ontario Tech University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process by contacting accommodations@kbrs.ca.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Abbey MacLeod at amacleod@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online at: Provost and Vice President, Academic | KBRS

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