Vice President, Academic

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community?
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Vice President, Academic to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s academic portfolio. As the Senior Academic Officer, this role is responsible for the development and execution of the Academic Plan, ensuring the success of both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.
This is a full-time permanent position. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
Why AUArts?
AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently.
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.
The Opportunity
Competition #2425-AP-MP-22
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President, Academic leads a dedicated team, which includes the Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Academic Resources, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports academic excellence.
This role is pivotal in shaping the University’s research strategy, overseeing the establishment of a vibrant research culture, and driving scholarly research and creative activities that align with the goals of the Academic Plan.
In addition to academic leadership, the Vice President, Academic leads Teaching and Learning activities to advance a culture of professional development and the pedagogical needs of faculty in support of curricular innovation and academic rigor.
A key representative of the University, the Vice President, Academic engages with faculty, external stakeholders, students, and the broader community. A significant portion of the role involves governance responsibilities, including chairing meetings and building strong relationships with external partners and community members.
As a member of the senior leadership team; this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include but are not limited to: program innovation and relevance, new curriculum exploration and development, expanding scholarly research and creative activities, diversification of revenue, and formally embedding Work Integrated and Experiential Learning (WIEL) in the curriculum.
**Experience and Qualifications**:
In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
- Terminal degree in art, craft, design or relevant field
- 7 years experience in leadership role within a post-secondary institution
- Demonstrated experience in the leadership of undergraduate program management
- Demonstrated experience with faculty labour relations
- Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures
- Proficient in operational and financial management
- Demonstrated accomplishment in enrollment management and student retention
- Demonstrated experience innovating programs & curriculum
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives
- Qualification for Academic Position (BDes, BFA, SCSS) preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of Higher Education’s new and future trends as they relate to Teaching and Learning, especially in the context of art, craft, and design education preferred
- Demonstrated experience innovating programs & curriculum preferred
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives preferred

**Competencies**:
AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization. Responsibilities of senior leaders include the following:
Healthy Spaces
- Govern by example fostering respectful workplace principles.
- Inspire organization proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness.

Active Inclusion
- Govern by e