Vice-President, Strategic Infrastructure and Campus Safety Durham College Oshawa, Ontario

Vice-President, Strategic Infrastructure and Campus Safety, Durham College

Durham College (DC) seeks a visionary, collaborative and strategic leader to fill the new role of Vice-President, Strategic Infrastructure and Campus Safety. This executive will be pivotal in shaping the future of the college’s physical environment and IT infrastructure, as well as championing the safety and security of its vibrant community.

The Organization

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students in developing career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops, and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

As a leader in innovative teaching and learning, DC stands out with its diverse range of market-driven programs across various disciplines. From culinary management, farming and horticulture, business and IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services to media, art and design, each program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen fields.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer over 145 programs – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, approximately 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning, and over 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

As a forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, DC has earned its place among the top institutions. With over 2,600 full- and part-time employees, we have been ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers for 13 years, and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for eight years. Moreover, we have been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, an achievement we have earned ten times. 

DC is not just an educational institution, but a driving force in the Durham Region, with an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million. We are proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve, contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments, and collaboration.

Durham College and Ontario Tech University share a unique relationship, collaborating closely while providing students with access to shared resources, including libraries, research centers, and recreational facilities. This partnership fosters a vibrant shared academic community enhancing both practical and theoretical learning and preparing students for the evolving workforce. This partnership has continued to evolve since the creation of the University in 2002, with shared Information Technology services, campus facilities, and campus safety and security.

Position Accountabilities

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the college’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Vice-President, Strategic Infrastructure and Campus Safety is responsible for the strategic planning, development, and maintenance of critical infrastructure and campus safety at DC as well as shared spaces and services with Ontario Tech University (OTU). The scope of duties includes managing teams responsible for: enterprise systems and academic delivery information technology; facility renovation and maintenance; space planning and usage; and the college’s comprehensive safety and security policies and systems. 

This position will be instrumental in transforming shared services with their campus partner OTU while assisting in the development and implementation of the college’s own strategic plan and annual business plan, and in alignment with the College’s Academic Plan. Close collaboration with the Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management; the Associate Vice-President, Information Technology; and the Director, Campus Safety are essential to ensuring that campus infrastructure and services support the college’s academic mission and strategic objectives, while fostering safe and dynamic learning and working environments.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic Infrastructure Planning – Planning and executing major capital investment projects and renovations in alignment with financial planning processes, ensuring space principles, standards and usage align with the college’s long-term strategic goals.
• Information and Learning Technology Innovation and Management – Championing the development, implementation and evaluation of information technology services, processes and digital solutions across DC campuses, in collaboration with the academic leadership of the College.
• Facilities Management – Overseeing the maintenance and operations of physical facilities to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency, in support of environmental sustainability goals.
• Campus Safety and Security – Designing and implementing comprehensive safety and security protocols, emergency response plans, and continuous assessment of campus security measures.
• Leadership and Governance – Collaborating with other senior leaders, campus staff and the college’s Board of Governors to integrate infrastructure and safety priorities into the broader strategic agenda of the college.

The Ideal Candidate

DC seeks a seasoned leader with extensive experience in large-scale, transformative information technology, infrastructure and campus safety initiatives. Candidates should possess a strategic outlook with the ability to anticipate future needs, develop comprehensive planning frameworks to guide actions and respond proactively. Applicants should be exceptional listeners and communicators with the ability to motivate people to work together for the benefit of the student experience. The new Vice-President’s leadership style is characterized by a high degree of integrity, collaboration, accountability, and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent education and experience, is an asset.
• At least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a similar role, ideally within an educational institution or a large, multi-site public sector organization.
• Experience leading, managing and developing service-driven teams in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic plans in a complex infrastructure portfolio, meeting key milestones, deadlines and budget targets.
• Proven track record of managing significant infrastructure projects such as new information technology implementations and facilities upgrades.
• Ability to support positive culture through the adoption of change and innovative practices.
• Strong understanding of risk management and emergency preparedness.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with peers, partners and stakeholders.
• Experience with integrating sustainable practices into enterprise operations.

Skills and Attributes:

• Superior financial analysis and planning skills, with a keen ability to establish strategic priorities and manage budgets responsibly.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of fostering productive collaborations and inspiring and guiding large and diverse teams.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences and translate complex technical information into business terms.
• Sound judgment, able to quickly assess a variety of inputs and make timely, effective decisions.
• Integrity and creativity, with an empathetic approach to managing people.
• Diplomacy and discretion, with a facilitative style and the ability to explain decisions.
• Superior organizational skills, able to balance multiple priorities while being responsive.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for students, employees and visitors.

Durham College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation.

Durham College is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process by contacting accommodations@kbrs.ca .

We will begin reviewing applications on June 26, 2024.

Don't forget to mention you found this opportunity via Academica Careers.