Provost and Vice-President Academic

Department / Unit

President's Office

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

About the opportunity

Dalhousie University is seeking our next Provost and Vice-President Academic (Provost) to help strengthen one of Canada’s top postsecondary experiences, accelerate our university on a path to global distinction, and deepen our commitment to our communities across Nova Scotia and beyond.

Founded in 1818, Dalhousie is located in the Province of Nova Scotia (in the territory of Mi’kma’ki) with 21,000 students on four campuses in and , and satellite locations in Yarmouth and .

Nova Scotia is growing rapidly, and Halifax itself is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities with a booming technology community and a diverse economy fueled by proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

As one of Nova’s Scotia’s largest employers, and an institution with a student composition that is uniquely national and international in character, Dalhousie has a vital role to play in the life and growth of our province and our country.

Dalhousie is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, distinguished by an exceptional academic and campus experience from year one.

Our expand understanding through teaching excellence and a drive for discovery that results in more than $210 million in annual funded research.

Our groundbreaking research is rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has earned Dalhousie a reputation as a national powerhouse and a global player.

As we strengthen our important role in service to our province and our communities, our strategic plan, has us poised to grow our enduring positive impact on our world.

The Provost is the senior vice-president and chief academic officer of the university. Reporting to, and serving as an executive partner for, the President and Vice Chancellor, the Provost is responsible for leading the implementation of the university’s strategic goals and ensuring that the university’s budget supports the academic mission.

As Provost, you would :

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for academic programs, policies, and initiatives at Dalhousie University.
• Support the university to develop, implement, and promote constructive change and foster collaboration across all Faculties and departments.
• Oversee the creation and allocation of the university’s budget, making strategic investments that support university priorities.
• Advance a culture of excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and belonging in teaching, research, and service and support faculty, staff, and students in their pursuit of academic and professional success.
• Cultivate partnerships and collaborations with external partners, invested community members, and donors to build strategic relationships and support the university’s academic mission and impact.
• Play a leadership role in enhancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across the university community, promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and mutual support.
• Champion initiatives for Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
• Encourage initiatives that support student learning, engagement, and well-being, ensuring that every student has the resources and support they need to thrive.

As the ideal candidate, you are known for your resilience, authenticity, empathy, and commitment to excellence, and for inspiring and nurturing these qualities in others.

You will be capable of championing, building, and supporting a culture that enables our students, faculty, and staff to thrive.

The Search Committee recognizes that no single candidate for the position is likely to meet all the following criteria in equal measure, however it has developed the following as an ideal candidate profile :

• Proven record of senior administrative experience within a large and complex academic unit in a research-intensive environment.
• Accomplished researcher and educator, known for amplifying and elevating the achievements of colleagues and students.
• Significant experience in budget administration and navigating financial challenges within the university context, including the ability to ensure transparency and clarity in the budget process.
• Strong strategic planning skills, and sound experience in leading an institution through complex planning processes from the inception and creation of ideas and strategies to execution and implementation.
• Experience overseeing complex academic affairs to ensure academic and operational excellence in teaching, research, creative, and professional activity.
• A demonstrated capacity to mentor and empower high-performing diverse teams.
• Substantial commitment to, and significant experience in, advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as well as anti-racism.
• Demonstrated experience advancing initiatives that support Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
• Experience working with governing bodies in universities in an effective, clear, accountable, and positive manner.
• Experience advance critical priorities that lead to impact and leading through change with a people-focused approach.

If you are passionate about promoting academic excellence, accelerating talent, making a difference in the lives of the people of Dalhousie and Nova Scotians, and having an impact with distinction in the world, we invite you to apply for the position of Provost at Dalhousie University.

A complete application will include a full CV and cover letter describing how you meet the selection criteria, why the appointment is of interest, and what you believe you can bring to the role.

To be considered, please submit your application by April 22, 2024 .