President & Vice-Chancellor - University of King's College

President & Vice-Chancellor – University of King’s College

Join Royer Thompson to apply for the President & Vice-Chancellor – University of King’s College role.

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia – within the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. The University of King’s College (King’s) is Canada’s oldest chartered university, founded in 1789.

King’s is focused on the future since 1789. We’re proud to be Canada’s oldest chartered university and even more proud of the critical thinkers who graduate from King’s: innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders tackling today’s biggest challenges. In an age of misinformation, polarization, and AI-generated manipulation, the ability to discern fact from fiction has never been more valuable.

King’s is renowned for its interdisciplinary programs in the liberal arts, journalism, writing and publishing. The School of Journalism, Writing & Publishing offers undergraduate, advanced and graduate programs in journalism, as well as MFA programs in creative nonfiction and fiction. The internationally recognized Foundation Year Program (FYP) takes students on an epic journey through literature exploring philosophy, history, drama, natural and social sciences. Interdisciplinary honours programs for upper-year students include specializations in Early Modern Studies, Contemporary Studies and the History of Science and Technology. King’s also offers multiple degree options in arts & humanities, science and music offered jointly with Dalhousie University.

Home to approximately 1,000 students, King’s fosters a highly personal, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where curiosity and dialogue thrive. Faculty and staff are deeply committed to academic excellence and to nurturing students as scholars, citizens, and leaders. King’s graduates are known for their intellectual curiosity, creativity, and capacity for thoughtful leadership. King’s alumni go on to become lawyers, doctors, journalists, authors, academics, entrepreneurs, and public servants who contribute meaningfully to communities across Canada and around the world.

Responsibilities

• Lead the institution as senior leader, working closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to shape and advance strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of academic excellence, uphold institutional integrity, steward resources responsibly, and cultivate inclusive engagement across campus and beyond.
• Serve as the university’s principal ambassador to alumni, donors, and partners, cultivating philanthropic support.
• Align strategic and operational priorities to reinforce academic excellence, student success, and institutional sustainability.
• Engage with student life, faculty, and the community, leveraging the historic President’s Lodge as the official residence and a place of gathering and learning.

Qualifications

• At least 7‑10 years of senior leadership experience in post‑secondary institutions (e.g., Dean, VP, Provost).
• Terminal degree (PhD or equivalent).
• Outstanding ability to articulate and implement a compelling vision and narrative.
• Strong financial acumen, resource management, and strategic and operational planning experience.
• Experience cultivating strong relationships with alumni, benefactors, governments, and community partners.

Application Process

Please submit a combined resume and cover letter online by clicking “Apply.” For further information, contact Kim West (kwest@royerthompson.com) or Erica Armstrong (earmstrong@royerthompson.com) in confidence.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

King’s is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We encourage and welcome applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversification of our community. If you are a member of one of these underrepresented groups, we invite you to self-identify on your cover letter or resume.

Accommodations

King’s will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application, interviewing or selection process, please contact Edgarson Moxey at emoxey@royerthompson.com.

Royer Thompson is a Canadian executive advisory firm focused on capturing the full potential of people in pursuit of leadership and organizational excellence. Our core services include executive search, executive development, HR advisory and inclusion & belonging. Through Facet, we support mid‑management recruitment and coaching for people to build their leadership abilities and profile within organizations.