Executive Director, AAU and CONSUP

Association of Atlantic Universities; Nova Scotia; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational organization in Nova Scotia seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead its strategic direction and advocacy efforts in Canadian postsecondary education. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, extensive knowledge of higher education issues, and the ability to build partnerships with governments and education institutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence change and navigate the evolving landscape of higher education in Atlantic Canada.

Qualifications

• Experience in a university, government, or policy-focused organization.
• Knowledge of issues in higher education in Atlantic Canada.
• Ability to work with senior executives and diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of AAU and CONSUP.
• Advocate for the collective interests of member institutions.
• Build and sustain partnerships with government and education organizations.
• Oversee operations, budget, and administrative functions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Advocacy

Government relations

Excellent communication

Bilingualism

Education

Graduate degree in a relevant field

Terminal degree

Job description

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) and the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established regional organization at a time of significant transformation in Canadian postsecondary education.

The Organization

The AAU is a voluntary association of 16 public universities across Atlantic Canada. For over 60 years, the AAU has served as a collaborative forum for institutional leaders, promoting the value of university education and research to governments, communities, and key partners. The organization plays a central role in shaping public policy, coordinating regional initiatives, and amplifying the voice of Atlantic universities on national issues. AAU’s work spans advocacy, communications, data sharing, and strategic coordination across areas such as student mobility, research funding, international education, and institutional autonomy.

CONSUP is an informal body consisting of the presidents of the 10 public universities in the province. The objectives of the Council are to work for the improvement of higher education in Nova Scotia, to exercise leadership in matters concerning post-secondary education, to promote cooperation and interuniversity planning among those institutions listed in the membership, to be the channel of collective communication between the universities and the government, as well as between the universities and other bodies or individuals.

As the postsecondary sector faces growing pressures, including changes to federal immigration policy, evolving provincial funding models, and increased emphasis on performance and employment outcomes. The AAU and CONSUP provide vital platforms for collective action and regional/provincial leadership to support universities in navigating these issues.

The Role

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the AAU and CONSUP and reports directly to the AAU Council and CONSUP members, respectively. They serve as a trusted advisor and will be responsible for advancing the collective interests of member institutions through advocacy, policy leadership, and strategic communications.

They are responsible for leading the strategic direction of both organizations, policy development, and operational management. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison between member institutions and external partners, including government bodies, national education organizations, and the media. They provide expert analysis and guidance on emerging issues, support the Council’s decision‑making processes, and ensure the AAU and CONSUP remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members.

Key Responsibilities and Areas of Oversight:

• Strategic Leadership and Governance – Lead the development and execution of AAU’s and CONSUP’s strategic visions, annual priorities, and operational plans in alignment with
  the direction of members. Provide strategic advice and policy briefings to university presidents, ensuring effective governance and responsiveness to sector‑wide challenges.
• Policy and Advocacy Leadership – Monitor and respond to emerging policy issues, including federal immigration reforms, provincial funding changes, and performance‑based accountability frameworks. Develop policy positions and advocacy strategies that reflect the collective interests of member institutions.
• Partnerships and Sector Engagement – Build and sustain relationships with government bodies, national education organizations, and key partners to advance the missions of AAU and CONSUP. Represent the AAU and CONSUP in consultations, working groups, and public forums, promoting the value and impact of Atlantic universities.
• Operational Excellence – Oversee on behalf of AAU and CONSUP operations, budget, and administrative functions, ensuring effective coordination of Council meetings, communications, and strategic initiatives. Lead a small, high‑performing team and foster a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and responsiveness.

The Ideal Candidate

As the successful candidate, you are a strategic thinker and collaborative leader with a deep understanding of higher education and public policy in Atlantic Canada. You bring a deep understanding of the higher education landscape, strong political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex policy environments with clarity and credibility. You bring experience working with senior executives, elected officials, and diverse communities, and are committed to advancing the public value of universities.

Qualifications and Experience

While the Search Committee recognizes that candidates may not meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.

• A graduate degree in a relevant field; a terminal degree is considered an asset.
• Senior leadership experience in a university, government, or policy‑focused organization.
• Demonstrated success in advocacy, government relations, or strategic communications.
• Knowledge of current issues facing higher education in Atlantic Canada, including immigration policy, funding reform, and performance metrics.
• Proven ability to work effectively with senior executives, elected officials, and diverse communities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingualism in French and English is considered an asset but not required.

Skills and Attributes

• A deeply authentic leadership style, capable of building trusting relationships through empathy in virtual environments.
• A consultative and inclusive leadership style.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to navigate complex policy environments.
• Integrity, sound judgment, and political sensitivity.
• Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration across diverse institutions.
• A high energy level and the capacity to balance multiple priorities while being responsive.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.

Why Join AAU and CONSUP?

This is a unique opportunity to lead respected regional/provincial organizations at a time of significant change in Canadian post‑secondary education. As Executive Director, you will help shape the future of postsecondary education in Atlantic Canada, working alongside university presidents to advance shared goals and respond to pressing challenges.

Application Process

AAU and CONSUP are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Please email [e-mail] or communicate your needs to a recruitment professional named below to ensure that accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

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