The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.
Position Description
Vice-Provost (Student Experience)
University of Calgary
Location: 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Located in Canada’s most enterprising city, within the traditional territory of the peoples of Treaty 7 and Region 3 of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the University of Calgary (UCalgary) has a commitment to excellence in student experience and is a global and innovative intellectual hub for teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and community engagement.
UCalgary is one of Canada’s top comprehensive research universities, with over 6,500 graduate students and 28,500 undergraduate students, over 1,800 academic staff, and over 3,200 nonacademic staff in 14 Faculties, across five campuses. The vibrant and research-intensive environment at UCalgary is home to 146 research chairs (75 Canada Research Chairs), and more than 50 research institutes and centres. UCalgary has the fastest growth rate in attracting research funding among the 10 largest universities in Canada.
The new Framework for Growth establishes principles and focus areas for the University of Calgary over the coming decade. It will ignite our entrepreneurial spirit to turn challenges into opportunities to improve the world around us. It will help to meet our academic and research ambitions and strengthen our community engagement in one of Canada’s most diverse cities, whose exciting future is unfolding rapidly, and where scientific disciplines will play a major role. Built around three big ideas (transdisciplinary scholarship, integration with our community and future-focused program delivery), the Framework will distinguish our university and drive growth. To learn more about this vision please see: https://www.ucalgary.ca/president/growth.
The University of Calgary now invites applications for the appointment of a Vice-Provost (Student Experience). Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Vice-Provost will be an experienced and strategic leader who will play a critical role in advancing and implementing the student experience strategy goals and initiatives. The Vice-Provost will engage with other Vice-Provosts, Deans, Associate Deans, Department Heads, faculty, staff and students to champion the design and creation of student experience initiatives. As the primary resource for the leadership of the student experience strategic plan, the Vice-Provost is responsible for enhancing the strategic alignment of student experience activities, expanding and augmenting opportunities, and optimizing the student experience.
The Vice-Provost (Student Experience) provides inspirational, transformational, and forward-thinking leadership for the University of Calgary student experience strategy. In addition, the incumbent will work with, and through, existing portfolios and structures, leading the creation of new processes to implement student experience initiatives and to enhance the learning experience. The Vice-Provost will also enforce and ensure compliance with university regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to student experience.
The ideal candidate will bring a track record of demonstrated leadership experience within the post-secondary setting, especially in areas pertinent to student experience. The candidate will also bring knowledge and understanding of key aspects of the student experience including but not limited to, mental health and wellbeing, equity, diversity and inclusion, indigenization, and internationalization. This individual will be an effective leader who can mobilize a wide range of existing resources and programs spread across faculties and organizational units to work collaboratively, collectively, and in coordination to advance the university strategies. A hands-on visionary with demonstrated knowledge of and experience with implementing student experience policies and programs, preferably in a university or comparably complex setting. This leader will have exceptional communication skills with the capacity to advocate, influence, and inspire while also demonstrating the ability to maintain a positive outlook and attitude in order to see opportunities within challenges. A minimum of a Master’s degree is required for this role combined with relevant experience working in post-secondary education at a senior leader level.
The successful candidate also provides leadership in creating space for people who hold diverse perspectives, such as knowing and understanding, and in engaging with members of equity deserving groups, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, LGBTQ2S communities, and groups who may express non-dominant ideas, practices, and expectations. With an authentic and demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion practices and Indigenous engagement, this leader will exhibit the ability to drive change and inspire faculty, students, staff, and community partners.
About Calgary: Ranked the 5th most liveable city in the world (2019) by The Economist and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great place to raise a family. Situated where the Canadian plains reach the sunny foothills of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by an area of profound beauty with an unspoiled, resource-rich natural environment.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
To explore this exciting opportunity further, please contact our Boyden Calgary office at 403-410-6700 or submit your resume via the blue "Apply" button by visiting the Boyden Canada Opportunities website at https://www.boyden.ca/canada/opportunities/. The application portal will remain open until the position is filled.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.
Additional Information
COVIDSafe Campus Strategy
The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.
