President and Vice-Chancellor

President and Vice-Chancellor Join to apply for the President and Vice-Chancellor role at St. Mary's University. St. Mary's University (StMU) embarks on an ambitious new chapter of growth and transformation. The next President and Vice-Chancellor will be a visionary leader who inspires confidence and trust, fosters collaboration across a diverse academic community, and stewards the opportunity to take Western Canada's only independent Catholic University to the next level with the goal of becoming Canada's preeminent Catholic university. Scope and Responsibilities The President and Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary's University, providing visionary, strategic leadership to advance the mission, values, and long-term priorities of the institution. This leader is accountable for driving the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan and for fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. Specific Responsibilities Faith Leadership – Promotes and models involvement in the Roman Catholic Faith Community, ensures students, faculty and staff are provided opportunities for spiritual development, and fosters a lifestyle in harmony with the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings. Academic Leadership – Provides leadership in all matters relating to the academic success of the University as outlined in the Roman Catholic Intellectual Tradition, promotes the improvement of educational opportunities for all students, and leads strategic enrollment growth and program diversification. Finances and Governance – Ensures the University operates in a fiscally responsible manner, advances large scale fundraising campaigns and strengthens government relations to secure funding for infrastructure and program expansion, and complies with all legal, Ministerial, Ecclesial and Board mandates and timelines. Communications and Community Relations – Takes appropriate action to ensure open, transparent, positive internal and external communications, maintains effective relationships within the University and the broader community, keeps the Board and Chancellor informed through the provision of appropriate accountability reports, and enhances the campus to become a gathering place for all where community spirit flourishes. Leadership Expertise – Demonstrates exemplary leadership in a manner that is collaborative with those with whom the President works most directly, and builds and empowers a high performing team. Desired Candidate Background and Experience The President and Vice-Chancellor will be passionate about the value of a liberal arts education approach and possess the following education and experience: Education – A Doctorate Degree or equivalent terminal degree. Experience – Prior success creating welcoming, engaging, and safe environments; proven senior academic and people leadership experience (Provost, Vice President Academic, or equivalent); proven leadership in a Catholic institution; demonstrated success in fundraising and strategic planning; experience managing institutional change, capital projects, and enrollment growth initiatives; ability to balance tradition with innovation; exemplary communication skills; strategic vision; business acumen; ability to advance diversity across all sectors; and proven leadership in a complex academic or mission-driven organization. Competences and Personal/Professional Attributes Skilled Administrative Leader – An experienced administrative leader who understands the full spectrum of organizational, financial, and academic issues and can make sound, sometimes difficult decisions with integrity. Faith-based Community Builder – Fosters a collegial, faith-inspired environment, encourages open dialogue, collaboration, and consensus-building, and cultivates a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all members of the StMU community. Champion of Academic Excellence – A deeply understands the value of a liberal arts education that educates the whole person and advocates for academic excellence, supports faculty as teachers and researchers, and actively engages in the intellectual life of the university. Relationship Cultivator – A diplomatic and patient communicator who builds strong, strategic partnerships across government and the community to advance the university’s goals, is culturally aware, politically astute, and adept at advocating for StMU’s mission and priorities. Strategic Visionary – Brings the ability to craft and articulate a vibrant and compelling future for StMU and translate it into actionable strategies that enhance student experience, strengthen programs, and ensure long-term institutional viability. Attractions to St. Mary's Lead the only independent Catholic University in Western Canada to national pre-eminence. Lead an expanding Catholic institution with a strong community reputation towards excellence. Lead an organization that puts people first and emphasizes human dignity and personalized education. Lead in an environment that offers small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships, creating a uniquely engaging learning environment. Lead an institution that is expanding by growing academic programs, building new facilities, and increasing enrollment. Live in Calgary, where the university benefits from a vibrant city and a dynamic professional environment supported by financial stability and an entrepreneurial spirit. Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, is one of Canada’s most dynamic and rapidly growing cities. Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Known for its strong energy sector, Calgary is also a hub for innovation, finance, and technology. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with festivals like the Calgary Stampede, a world-famous rodeo and exhibition, drawing visitors from around the globe. With over 1.6 million residents, Calgary is celebrated for its high quality of life, diverse communities, and access to outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Its sunny climate—boasting more days of sunshine than any other major Canadian city—adds to its appeal as a place to live, work, and explore. To learn more about Calgary and St. Mary's University, please visit: www.visitcalgary.ca and https://stmu.ca/ To Apply For more information or to apply, please contact: StMUPresident@dhrglobal.com by January 31, 2026. Applications should include a letter addressing how the applicant’s experience matches the position requirements, and a current C.V. #J-18808-Ljbffr