Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Emily Carr University has been named one of the top universities in the world for art and design, according to the 2021 QS World University Rankings. Since last year’s QS report, ECU climbed 10 spots to rank as the number 30 university in the world for art and design, and number 11 in the Americas. It continues to be ranked number one in Canada and is the only Canadian university to be included among the world’s top 50.

Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a school of students, teachers, thinkers and makers unlike any other – at once laser-focused and infinite by practice and nature. Established in 1925, we are the only specialized, accredited, public, post-secondary university in British Columbia solely devoted to education and research in the creative sector and its associated knowledge economy. We merge research, critical theory and studio practice in an interdisciplinary environment, strengthening our work by the integration of our personal and professional practices. Our strategy, facilities, partnerships and resources are intentionally student-centred to foster dialogue, expression and open connections in support of the next generation of creative and cultural leaders.

Reporting to the President, the Vice-President, Finance and Administration is a member of the University’s Senior Executive Team and is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and direction to the organization, ensuring excellence in financial and strategic capital planning and master planning, oversight, and stewardship for all aspects of the University’s financial operational services and facilities. The Vice-President, Finance and Administration will support the VP Academic and Provost to achieve the academic mission of Emily Carr University. This will include the development and implementation of fiscal policies that support the goal of operational effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.

Emily Carr University has a deep commitment to a culture of inclusion. Acknowledging the University’s diverse population and ensuring that every member of an inclusive campus is a valued contributor are foundational pillars of the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). This role will work through the lens of EDI and be part of the University’s commitment to building a culture of inclusion which is key to achieving academic excellence and student success

The Vice-President, Finance and Administration will place a strong emphasis on planning, innovation, accountability, teamwork, transparency, and leadership.

As the ideal candidate, you bring advanced education and/or professional credentials in financial management, along with leadership experience in organizations with complex governance structures and broadly accountable contexts. You have demonstrated that you are an innovative problem-solver with the strategic acumen and global thinking that enable you to set your sights on the horizon, to understand the goals of the university and to translate them into plans that support the university’s mission, allow students, faculty, and staff to realize their goals, and ensure Emily Carr University’s sustainability in the broadest sense. You are service, solutions and systems focused and are passionate about how you and your team can collaborate with and support others in the pursuit of the mission and vision of Emily Carr University. 

Candidates will have an advanced degree and/or a professional designation (preference given to a CPA designation) and experience in leading with a service and solutions focus. Candidates should also have experience in or an appreciation for working within the public sector and/or complex governance structure and a broadly accountable context; experience in complex contract management, ideally with P3 knowledge, an understanding of best practices in risk management; experience in fostering and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships with community, and government.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank at kfrank@kbrs.ca or Debra Clinton at dclinton@kbrs.ca, or submit your application online at: http://www.kbrs.ca/Career/14980

Emily Carr University of Art + Design is committed to supporting equity, diversity, inclusion and dignity of all people as well as establishing equal opportunities in employment. To that end, the university will seek to identify and remove potential barriers in employment including its recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion practices and foster a climate of equity. Over and above the designated groups the university shall from time to time review status and identify other underrepresented groups.

If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.