Chief Executive Officer

The Role – President

Reporting to the Board of Governors, the President delivers inclusive and strategic leadership to Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) by collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders to inspire confidence and ensure that future artists, craftspeople, and designers receive a quality education that is pertinent to the global community.

As the visionary and strategic leader of the institution, this role is tasked with advocating for and integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, forming strategic partnerships, and executing the AUArts Strategic Plans while determining priorities and resource allocation. The position necessitates a transparent and communicative leadership style to cultivate open and productive dialogue with students, faculty, and staff.

The President serves as the formal representative of the University and its public-facing leader, engaging with alumni, donors, student leadership, national and international post-secondary leaders, key partners, as well as serving as the representative for government contacts, liaisons, and committees.

As the head of the President's Cabinet, this role oversees the comprehensive management of University operations, ensuring the most effective and cost-efficient utilization of its resources, within the governance structures, policies, and growth strategies of the University, encompassing areas such as academic oversight, strategic enrollment growth, expanded continuing education, teaching and learning, policy, corporate operations, and labor relations.

Key leadership initiatives include, but are not limited to: diversification of revenue, financial sustainability, development of external partnerships, enhancing advancement profile, program innovation and relevance, exploration and development of new curricula, expanding scholarly research and creative activities, and promoting research grant development and strategic enrollment.

Reporting To The President Are

• VP, Finance & Operations
• VP, Advancement
• Dean, Academic Programs
• Dean, Students
• Dean, Innovation, Learning & Development
• Executive Director, People & Culture
• University Secretary
• Executive Assistant

Strategic Organizational Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and inspirational leadership to the entire AUArts community, developing, championing, and implementing strategic vision and planning for the University, such as the AUArts Strategic Plan for the Future and AUArts Academic Plan. Direct organizational goals and initiatives including equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, lead change management initiatives, and actively demonstrate the vision and culture of the organization. Foster an effective shared governance framework, maintaining accountability to the Board of Governors and the General Faculties Council while providing overall leadership and direction to AUArts, ensuring that the institution operates within the policy framework established by the Board. This includes providing timely advice and background information on potential issues, opportunities, significant activities, and financial matters to support the Board and the General Faculties Council in fulfilling their governance responsibilities.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee and direct a team of senior leaders (President's Cabinet), facilitating and leading meetings, setting operational and long-term goals, and ensuring accountability and progress among teams in alignment with the vision and strategic goals of the University. Actively monitor and manage the operational and financial performance of the institution in conjunction with senior leaders. Respond proactively to operational and budget needs of the University in a strategic and accountable manner. Review, monitor, and manage financial approvals including University capital projects, assets, and liabilities; provide authorizations for major financial expenditures and related actions. Develop and sustain an effective organizational structure that supports the development and implementation of strategic goals and initiatives that further strengthen the capacity of AUArts. Authorize, delegate, and approve actions related to collective bargaining, grievances, arbitrations, Human Rights complaints, and significant breaches of University policies and procedures. Lead the academic operations of the University, setting operational and long-term goals, activities, and acting as arbiter for academic policy disputes.

University Governance

• Steward and lead the governance operations of the University, managing actions among decision-making bodies and senior University leaders to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the bicameral system of governance, as per the Alberta Post-Secondary Learning Act. Oversee the development of policy creation, amendment, and direct/approve all relevant policy and procedure actions related to overall University governance and accountability. Together with the senior academic leadership, ensure that the highest standards for curricula development, teaching, and learning are met and maintained. Lead and facilitate the activities of the General Faculties Council (GFC) and their various committees to ensure the effective and efficient operation of University governance. Liaise with the AUArts Students Association to ensure matters of academic concern are addressed and to examine ways of increasing student participation in academic governance.

External Relations

• Effectively represent the University to all levels of government and develop partnerships to attain shared goals. This includes working proactively to obtain and attract resources from government, philanthropy, and other programs. Provide leadership and build relationships within the arts, business, and political communities locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Engage with the donor and alumni community through a shared vision of the expansion of AUArts vision and strategic plans. Forge relationships and enhance networks globally in the development of alumni relations for the institution and leverage the success of the institution and its graduates. Foster open communications and connect with a strong internal community which includes faculty, staff, students, and administration through visible and transparent leadership. Represent AUArts for media, donor relations, external committees, and promotional activities.

Candidate Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess a record of distinguished and inspired leadership with experience in the arts, an awareness of the challenges facing Universities, and the business, administrative, and communication skills required to advance AUArts' institutional goals. Outstanding skills in leadership, planning, administration, human relations, community relations, and resource development will be critical to the President's success.

• A graduate degree (doctorate preferred) or a terminal credential in the candidate's field, from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of recent, relevant senior administrative experience at the post-secondary level with a grounding as an educator and related achievements that will foster credibility within the University community and beyond.
• In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with alternative equivalent qualifications, experience, and leadership will be considered.
• A leader who has demonstrated a commitment to instilling the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within their organizations.
• A strong focus on student success and satisfaction, and commitment to working and engaging alumni.
• A reputation for integrity and openness, and an ability to engender trust in lasting relationships.
• Intellectual depth and an understanding of the academy, an understanding of the research landscape and studio practice, within the Canadian and/or global context, and a passionate commitment to post-secondary institutions in general.
• A public persona that is articulate, engaging, and highly visible, with the ability to motivate and inspire the entire University community to champion its unique position and strengths.
• A collaborative and consultative management style, along with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to bring people together to develop and work collaboratively toward shared goals.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership skills, including the ability to deal creatively with complex issues and balance the competing demands of various constituencies.
• Senior level planning experience involving the setting of strategic direction, priority development, resource allocation, and transition and change.
• The ability to lead the development of effective relationships with the business community, community-driven organizations, Indigenous communities, alumni, and other key external partners.
• A record of successful advocacy in developing strong relationships with all levels of government supporting the University's aspirations for growth.
• A proven track record of successful philanthropy, and the ability to develop an ongoing philanthropic capacity to support new levels of excellence.
• The ability to recruit, motivate, empower, and retain outstanding faculty and staff, combined with a strong commitment to professional and leadership development.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA)

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be provided. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

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