Vice-President (Administration)

The University of Manitoba changes our world for the better.  As a leader in Manitoba’s knowledge economy, the University of Manitoba is known for its ground-breaking discoveries in a variety of areas, including arctic system science and climate change; population and global health; and immunity, inflammation, and infectious disease. The University’s two campuses and its satellite sites sit on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Dakota, Oji-Cree and Dene peoples and are located on Treaty One territory, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. Celebrated as Western Canada’s first university, the University of Manitoba is Manitoba’s largest post-secondary institution, its only medical-doctoral university, and a member of Canada’s U15 group of research universities. The University’s community comprises more than 30,000 students, 5,700+ academic faculty, and 4,000+ support staff. As a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement, the University contributes $2.4 billion annually to Manitoba’s economy. 

Over the last several years, the University has launched a number of major initiatives: the establishment of a Vice-President (Indigenous) – the first such leadership position in the country; the Front and Centre fundraising campaign, which raised over $626 million; and important changes to the University’s academic structure. These accomplishments reflect the University of Manitoba team’s commitment to making legacy improvements that benefit the community and generations to come. 

It is in this context that the University of Manitoba seeks a dynamic leader to assume the position of Vice-President (Administration) and invites applications and nominations for the position. 

 

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President (Administration) is the chief administrative officer for the University, responsible for providing leadership in all administrative areas including the financial, business and investment interests of the University, human resources (including labour relations), financial services, information services and technology, fair practices and legal affairs, physical plant and property, campus planning, risk management, ancillary services (bookstore, food service, residences, parking, pharmacy, postal services), treasury services, audit services and sustainability. The Vice-President (Administration) oversees the University’s total budget, with revenues exceeding $900M, and manages a portfolio budget of more than $120M, and a staff complement of approximately 1,300 individuals. The Vice-President is responsible for ensuring that the office’s portfolio of services embraces innovation and best practices, is nimble and responsive, and provides strategic support on a day-to-day basis; that the University meets its financial and legal obligations; and that the appropriate people and resources are in place to support the academic enterprise.  

Although the University of Manitoba is an autonomous entity, its primary funder is the Provincial Government and it is accountable to government partners, donors, alumni, students and the broader community. UM’s work supports the economic and social success of the province and its people, while maintaining an international reputation for excellence. The Vice-President (Administration) must support the institution in maintaining the highest standards of integrity in managing its resources to complete its academic mission.  

While no one individual is an expert in all of the areas represented in the Vice-President (Administration) portfolio, the ideal candidate has extensive experience leading diverse administrative and operational functions within an academic environment or in a similarly complex organization. The Vice-President must be a skilled relationship builder who engages with both internal and external stakeholders and partners in a way that builds and maintains trust, respect and collaborative relationships. The Vice-President will be skilled at nurturing a team and managing a multi-generational workforce who bring different perspectives and expertise to the workplace environment. The Vice-President will have a significant role in implementing recommendations of the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce and developing a university-wide anti-racism strategy and must have both a deep commitment to the principles of EDI and a demonstrable track record of creating, implementing and supporting EDI initiatives in their organizations. The new Vice-President will ensure that the University continues to provide a workplace environment that nurtures respect and values the contribution of each individual. Given the collegial, decentralized governance structure that characterizes the university setting, the successful candidate must have a collaborative and consultative style of leadership, be willing to listen to alternate perspectives, and be skilled at encouraging dialogue around difficult issues. Candidates must hold a university degree from a recognized university, and a graduate degree and/or a professional designation is preferred. 

To learn more about this significant leadership opportunity with the University of Manitoba, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@leadersinternational.com) and Pierina Maniffi-Stokes (pierina@leadersinternational.com).   

Application materials will be handled in accordance with “The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” (Manitoba).  

The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from women, racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the "Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). 

In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Leaders International and University of Manitoba throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities.