Vice-President, Administration

Located in Mi’kma’ki the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is strongly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). MSVU is an institution that was established by women for the advancement of women with social responsibility and social justice at its core. MSVU embraces the diversity of its community and is committed to efforts that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across all facets of the university, within its local community, and in society at large.

Founded in 1873, Mount Saint Vincent University is inspired by a strong tradition of social responsibility. Many successful and loyal alumnae are passionate supporters of the MSVU experience. Building on its esteemed 149-year history, MSVU has the highest percentage of women students and faculty among Canadian universities, reflecting its long-standing commitment to the advancement of women. With a diverse mix of close to 4,000 students from across Canada and more than 50 other countries, the University is large enough to offer a broad range of educational opportunities, yet small enough to provide an intimate learning experience and unique sense of community that promotes student growth.

It is within this context that MSVU welcomes nominations and applications for the appointment of its next Vice-President, Administration.  

Reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor, MSVU’s Vice-President, Administration (VP-Admin) is the senior administrative officer of the University and advisor to the President on all financial, administrative and relevant policy matters.  Under the portfolio, the VP-Admin provides strategic direction and leadership to several areas including Human Resources, Financial Services, Facilities Management, and Information Technology.  The VP-Admin works closely with governments, partners and community leaders to explore and initiate new opportunities that support students and academic excellence. The VP-Admin also assists with the implementation of the University’s strategic plan, Strength Through Community, particularly in regard to coordinating non-academic planning for campus development. Strong and collaborative people management skills are a must have, as the VP-Admin will lead and motivate a dedicated team of professionals, ensuring objectives for the individuals, the team, and the university are met.

As the ideal candidate, you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record of senior management experience in the academic, government, not-for-profit or private sectors.  You have a broad, working knowledge of human resources, finance, facilities management, government relations, and information technology. Enterprise Risk Management experience is an asset. You possess an understanding of, and capacity to, work within the culture of an academic institution and complex unionized environment, and have proven experience in policy development and implementation. As a leader, you have strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and a clear communication style, all of which will aid you in liaising with diverse groups internally and externally. You are a consultative and collegial leader, whose approach to decision making is consensus-based. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree; a Master’s level degree and/or relevant professional designation(s) are considered assets. 

To apply or explore this Vice-President, Administration opportunity with Mount Saint Vincent University, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca), or visit https://griffithgroup.ca/msvu-vp-administration/.

Mount Saint Vincent University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and other groups that would contribute to the diversification of its campus. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application materials. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group and Mount Saint Vincent University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact jane@griffithgroup.ca and/or sam@griffithgroup.ca.