Vice President of Ontario Administration

Niagara University is a liberal arts university, steeped in the Vincentian and Catholic traditions, with a total enrollment of nearly 4,300 students. Located just a few miles away from one of the world's premier tourism destinations, Niagara Falls, the university occupies a lovely campus overlooking the Niagara River gorge. Its close proximity to major cultural and business centers in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Toronto as well as the award-winning Niagara Wine Trail and several nearby cultural destinations make Niagara University an ideal place to work and live. If you'd like to know more, check out all of the NU Facts .

JOB SUMMARY :

The Vice President of Ontario Administration is the senior administrative leader of the Niagara University campus in Canada, reporting directly to the University President. The incumbent will serve on the President's Senior Leadership Team and is a resource to the University's Board of Trustees. The Vice President provides visionary, strategic leadership and advocacy for the development of long- and short-term campus goals, and provides organizational leadership, oversight of personnel and campus operations, compliance, and works cooperatively within Niagara University in Ontario and New York to strengthen and expand programs and activities in ways that exemplify the University with community partners to advance the University's vision and mission. Critical areas of focus for the Vice President include expanding education and corporate partnerships, raising awareness of the University within the greater Toronto area, across Ontario, and internationally, expanding program offerings, and increasing resources.

The incumbent is responsible for developing and guiding implementation of the campus strategic plan that aligns with the broader University vision, develops policies and procedures, provides fiscal oversight, and overseas enrollment goals and processes, of the Niagara University campus in Ontario. The Vice President represents the interests of the Ontario campus in the wider administrative and academic community of Niagara University, collaborating on curriculum, program expansion, and approval of new degrees to ensure compliance with Ministerial requirements and is responsible for enrollment and marketing in Ontario. In addition, the Vice President is expected to show collaborative leadership and initiative in all aspects of advancement and development including maintaining strong community and alumni relations. The Vice President will foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for a diverse body of students, faculty and staff and support initiatives related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belongingness in collaboration with the Equity and Inclusion Council and support the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation. The incumbent will provide leadership in the management, supervision and evaluation of identified student services programs, career and integration programs that support student learning and development, and other initiatives for students.

The role of Vice President of Ontario Administration requires strong diplomatic and communication skills, to be accessible and approachable, and to have a leadership style which encourages faculty, administration, and staff participation through consultation and delegation. The incumbent must be a reflective and engaged listener, with extensive administrative experience and a demonstrated record of managing multiple priorities and reporting relationships, and possess a keen ability to drive key initiates with a sense of urgency. As a Senior Administrator of an independent Catholic University, the Vice President shall demonstrate a familiarity with the Catholic tradition of higher education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

• Provide visionary leadership to articulate and execute a strategic vision for the university's growth and development.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence among faculty, staff, and students.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure the university's fiscal health and sustainability. and maintain focus on funding strategic priorities.
• Lead fundraising efforts, grant acquisition, and philanthropic initiatives to secure additional financial resources.
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract a broad and diverse pool of domestic and international students.
• Supervise review of staff conducting the student applications (credential assessment) for Ontario graduate programs and ensure compliance with program consent from the Ministry.
• Ensure effective admission processes, student support services, and retention programs.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, donors, government officials, and the local community.
• Liaison with the Provost and Academic Deans ((including but not limited to, Arts and Science, Education, Business) regarding academic programs, faculty support, coordination of classes (online, hybrid and face-to-face as articulated for Ministerial consent)), and ongoing program reviews.
• Coordination of new programs and ongoing reviews (PEQAB) as well as submission of annual compliance reports associated with compliance with consent to operate in Ontario and authority for DLI, OSAP among others.
• Foster partnerships and collaborations with other educational institutions and organizations in the GTA and the province.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the university's mission and goals.
• Regularly assess progress and adapt strategies to meet changing educational and market demands.
• Promote academic excellence in concert with the Provost and Academic Deans by supporting faculty development, research initiatives, and innovative teaching methods.
• Ensure curriculum alignment with industry trends and accreditation standards.
• Enhance the university's reputation and visibility through effective branding and marketing strategies.
• Lead efforts to attract and retain top-notch faculty and staff.
• Effectively communicate the university's mission, values, and achievements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Address issues transparently and maintain open lines of communication.
• Champion a diverse and inclusive campus culture, promoting equity and inclusion for all members of the university community.
• Implement DEI initiatives in keeping with Ontario expectations and priorities and policies to foster a welcoming environment.
• Stay informed about government regulations and policies affecting higher education institutions in Ontario.
• Advocate for the university's interests and navigate regulatory frameworks effectively.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. A terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
2. Proven experience in higher education leadership, preferably as a university president, provost, or dean.
3. Demonstrated success in fundraising, financial management, and budget oversight. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including cultural competence and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
4. A commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion in the Canadian/Ontario context, and the ability to lead initiatives to promote these values.
5. Visionary thinking, strategic planning abilities, and a track record of driving academic excellence.
6. Familiarity with international student recruitment and global education trends. Political and regulatory acumen related to higher education policy and compliance.
7. Strong organizational and communication skills.
8. Ability to communicate effectively with key government officials, as well as internal stakeholder groups
9. Computer literate including Microsoft Office and department related computer applications. Highly developed technical and data management skills.
10. Familiarity with Ontario stakeholder organizations in higher education leadership and within the fields of approved programs.
11. Ability to work independently and on occasion evenings, weekends, holidays and out-of-town travel.
12. Ability to drive a personal or university vehicle for the purpose of university business on a regular basis.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS :

The functions of the position are usually performed sitting, but may require some amount of time standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements may be required. Tasks involving working on a computer keyboard, calculator, cutting, labeling, and taping involve extensive wrist and hand movement. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others or to otherwise demonstrate or explain how they can perform the essential functions listed above. This position also requires the ability to travel whenever the need arises.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

1. A terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
2. Proven experience in higher education leadership, preferably as a university president, provost, vice president or dean.
3. Valid Ontario driver's license required. License must meet insurance company rules and regulations for driving underwriting criteria and be able to legally cross without restriction the United States/Canada border.