Vice-President, Academic and Provost

OCAD University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

OCAD University is seeking a Vice-President, Academic & Provost to lead academic excellence and innovation. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience, a PhD or terminal degree, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. This role is crucial for shaping the university's strategic priorities and fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Qualifications

• Significant educational leadership experience.
• Record of advancing academic excellence.
• Eligibility for appointment with tenure.

Responsibilities

• Uphold academic standards and champion excellence.
• Oversee faculty affairs and lead quality assurance.
• Shape strategic priorities as Vice-Chair of the University Senate.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-Solving

Financial Acumen

Innovative Thinking

Education

PhD or terminal degree in visual art, design, or MBA

Job description

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work, and create.

About OCAD University

OCAD U, Canada’s largest and oldest public art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious, and compassionate artists, designers, and scholars. We are committed to imagining and creating a joyful, equitable, and sustainable world. The university is recognized globally as a hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation, creativity, and arts administration. We embrace collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum, and research, positioning OCAD U as a leader at local, regional, national, and global levels in art and design, in partnership with both public and private sectors.

Student Experience and Programs

Students benefit from hands-on studio learning, with access to state-of-the-art shops and studios for both traditional and digital creation. They join a creative community that fosters collaboration with fellow artists and designers, supported by a diverse team of instructors and peers. Our undergraduate and graduate programs are responsive to students’ interests, curiosities, and passions, including interdisciplinary programs like Indigenous Visual Culture and the Master’s in Art, Media, and Design. Graduates are prepared for success across various sectors, including furniture and product design, urban planning, healthcare, advertising, film, animation, digital media, game design, publishing, visual arts, illustration, curatorial practice, and arts administration.

Leadership Opportunity

As OCAD U continues to drive national and international impact, we invite nominations and applications for the position of Vice-President, Academic & Provost. This is a pivotal time for the university to attract a passionate, skilled leader with vision, transparent and engaging communication skills, and innovative, evidence-based academic leadership. The role involves upholding academic standards, championing excellence and innovation, advocating for inclusive excellence, implementing policies, and overseeing faculty affairs. The Vice-President, Academic & Provost will lead quality assurance for academic programs and provide leadership to various faculties and centers, including the School of Graduate Studies, Indigenous Engagement, and others. They will serve as Vice-Chair of the University Senate, helping shape strategic priorities.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an innovative, collegial, and transparent leader with significant educational leadership experience and a proven record of advancing academic excellence. A PhD or a terminal degree in visual art, design, or an MBA is desirable, along with a record of teaching, research, or professional practice accomplishments. The candidate must be eligible for appointment with tenure. They should bring lived experience in addressing inequities and promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and Indigenization. The role requires an empathetic and kind leader with strong financial acumen, a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, a student-centered outlook, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills. The candidate should be open to innovative approaches to advancing the university’s academic enterprise.

Application Process

Consideration of candidates will begin in September 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Nominations, applications, or expressions of interest should be directed to Andrea Patrick or Krutika Hotwani of Odgers Berndtson. OCAD University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire. We are committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free experience and accommodate requests for accessibility during the recruitment process. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.