Vice President, Operations

University of Niagara Falls Canada; Niagara Falls; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative institution is seeking a visionary Vice President, Operations to lead its core support services. This role is crucial in shaping the future of Ontario's newest university, focusing on strategic planning, facilities management, and information technology. The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. With a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusivity, this position offers a unique opportunity to impact the educational landscape positively. Join a forward-thinking institution dedicated to preparing graduates for success in a digital world.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in administration and facilities management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for core support services.
• Work closely with senior team and Board of Governors.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Facilities Management

Information Technology

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Decision-Making

Team-Building

Education

Master's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The (UNF) is seeking its inaugural Vice President, Operations to help shape the future of Ontario’s newest university. UNF is establishing itself as a high-quality 21st-century centre of higher education.

The University of Niagara Falls Canada is part of Global University Systems (GUS), an international network of private higher-education institutions, brought together by a shared passion for accessible, industry-relevant qualifications. The University operates under a bicameral governance system with a Board of Governors and an Academic Council.

This new model of innovation and transformation in the world of higher education has launched with the official opening in September 2024. Following approval from the Government of Ontario for a fully accredited university in 2022, GUS Canada revealed its plans to open the new university in downtown Niagara Falls. After extensive renovations of the Hatch Building, the state-of-the-art campus opened its doors to students in April 2024 for its Master of Data Analytics and Master of Management programs. In October, the University will welcome approximately 1,000 students into all five of its programs, including Honours Bachelor of Business Administration, Honours Bachelor of Science – Biomedical Sciences, and Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications. More than 100 full-time jobs have been created at the University and that number will rise as operations expand. Future plans include a purpose-built campus with student accommodations, continuing the momentum of revitalization efforts and serving as a transformative anchor in the city’s downtown core.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice President, Operations is the chief administrative officer at UNF, providing leadership, oversight, and stewardship for the activities of its core support services. The Vice President, Operations will work closely with the President, senior team, and Board of Governors to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the portfolio’s units and excellence in: strategic planning; facilities management; information technology; ancillary services; and other services such as reception, sustainability, and real estate and development activities.

The successful candidate will have senior leadership experience that could include administration, facilities management and/or information services and technology, backed by the education and professional credentials to ensure credibility and accountability. The new Vice President, Operations will have played a major role in service delivery, ideally within the educational sector. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, along with excellent judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, are essential in supporting the University’s academic mission. Candidates will possess outstanding management expertise, the capacity to develop and lead strategic plans, and a demonstrated commitment to team-building, innovation, collaboration, staff development, and stakeholder management.

The University is projected to have a substantial economic impact, including $291 million in annual gross domestic product and $194 million in labour income. Its mission is to prepare graduates to be leaders in a digital world through customized, student-centred degree programs and research. All academic programs are designed to promote a digital mindset characterized by digital fluency—combining technical proficiency, literacy, ethics, and communication—and a growth mindset that is future-focused, collaborative, change-oriented, and committed to continuous learning. UNF’s innovative educational model will be built on a digital-mindset foundation, preparing graduates for success in the new economy.

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who can contribute to the diversification of ideas are invited to apply.

We recognize that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have impacted their achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, or medical responsibilities). You are not required to disclose these obligations during the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure these do not negatively affect the assessment of your qualifications.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of applicants and adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process. Please inform us of your accessibility needs so we can provide appropriate accommodations. All information related to accommodation measures will be handled confidentially.

The search committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately, with further consultation later in the fall. The position will be filled by January 2025 if possible. Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without your consent) and should be submitted confidentially to the University’s executive search consultants:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Hatiwendaronk, and Anishinaabe peoples. We also recognize the many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home. We are committed to building respectful, reciprocal, and reconciliatory relationships as we work, learn, and gather on this land. Furthermore, we acknowledge that the Niagara region is situated on treaty land, and we stand with Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting responsible stewardship of these lands.