SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY VICE-PROVOST & ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, STUDENTS
THE REGION: METRO VANCOUVER Metro Vancouver, with a population of 2.6M, is a vibrant collection of municipalities spread across the Lower Mainland of BC. Surrounded by mountains, ocean, and farmland, the region is a paradise for those who enjoy splitting their time between lively urban environments and the great outdoors. The region is a place where it is possible to go skiing, golfing, and sailing all in one day. Less than two hours to the mountain resort of Whistler / Blackcomb, and approximately three hours to Seattle, the region offers something for everyone.
Based in Burnaby, BC, this opportunity also includes responsibilities for Simon Fraser University (SFU)’s Surrey and downtown Vancouver campuses. Burnaby is centrally located within the heart of Metro Vancouver, only a few minutes’ drive to both the North Shore and downtown Vancouver. With almost 200,000 residents, Burnaby includes suburban and urban areas, and is home to freshwater lakes, forested parks, and an ocean beach.
Surrey is BC’s second-largest city and one of the fastest growing cities in Canada; it is expected to surpass the City of Vancouver as BC’s largest city within the next ten years. With over 6,000 acres of parkland, Surrey is home to a diverse array of cultural communities and has a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Connected to the rest of the Lower Mainland by an extensive transit network, Surrey has become a preferred destination for newcomers to the Lower Mainland.
With just over 600,000 residents, Vancouver is home to an ethnically and linguistically diverse community and is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Described as “Manhattan with mountains,” locals take advantage of the temperate climate by spending their time at the city’s many parks and beaches and on the waterfront Seawall, as well as enjoying the city’s world-class restaurants, shopping destinations, and cultural events.
THE INSTITUTION: SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Simon Fraser University (“SFU”) is consistently ranked among Canada’s top research-intensive universities and is Canada’s #1 comprehensive university. SFU forges lasting partnerships that enhance the social, economic, and cultural well-being of the communities it serves. SFU equips its students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing and challenging world. With more than 180,000 alumni around the world, SFU’s work and impact can be seen in all corners of the globe.
Guided by a shared vision to be a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future, SFU is committed to meeting the changing needs of both the world around us and the people and communities it serves. With vibrant campuses in BC’s three largest cities—Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver—SFU is not just shaping minds, it is also shaping communities.
Established in 1965 on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh), k?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), S?wx?wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam) Nations, the Burnaby campus houses the majority of SFU’s world-class academic and research infrastructure. The Vancouver campus, known today as the intellectual heart of the city, opened in 1989 on traditional x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) territories to foster connections with the business community and meet the educational demands of working professionals. Opened in 2002, SFU Surrey campus resides on the traditional territories of q?íc??y? (Katzie), k?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples and has brought SFU’s cutting-edge initiatives and programs into BC’s fastest growing city.
More than 7,000 faculty and staff provide support to the university’s facilities, classrooms, students and campus experiences. SFU’s faculty and staff ensure we are able to offer our 37,000 students the best educational experience possible during their time at SFU. SFU is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Through its dedication to inclusive excellence, SFU strives to create an environment where everyone is valued, respected and empowered to succeed.
THE OPPORTUNITY: VICE-PROVOST & ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, STUDENTS The Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President, Students (AVPS) leads a highly motivated team of more than 400 full and part-time student services professionals engaged in the delivery of programs and services that span a student’s entire university experience, from recruitment to graduation. The AVPS provides strategic leadership and management of the University’s policies, programs and services related to Student Services and many aspects of the student experience.
The Role Reporting to the Provost & Vice-President, Academic, the AVPS is a member of the University’s senior leader-ship team, sharing responsibility for the overall leadership of the University. The AVPS provides senior policy advice and leadership in three broad areas:
Sustaining and enhancing a campus environment that is attractive, challenging, and supportive for the broadest possible range of students;
Ensuring that Student Services activities are prioritized to meet the strategic goals of the University;
Fostering collaboration between Student Services and other academic and service units that provide services and support to students.
Operating in a complex, multi-campus environment that blends centralized and decentralized service delivery models, this is an outstanding opportunity for a progressive and visionary student services leader to take a strong department to the next level. Bringing a value system grounded in equity, diversity and inclusion, and a communication style that prioritizes transparency and a proactive flow of information, the AVPS should work across the institution to sustain and enhance a campus environment that is attractive, challenging, and supportive for the broadest possible range of students. The AVPS should bring a strong financial and policy lens to a role where data-informed decision making enables demonstrable improvements in student well-being, belonging, and success.
The following positions report directly to the AVPS:
Registrar and Executive Director, Student Enrolment
Executive Director, Student Affairs
Executive Director, Student Services Operations
Director, Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office
The AVPS oversees the following functions:
Student Enrolment
Information, records and registration
Student recruitment
Admissions
Financial aid and awards
International enrolment
Student Affairs
Student wellness (including health and counselling, multifaith services, and student conduct)
Experiential learning
Careers and advising
SS equity, diversity and inclusion
Indigenous student services
Centre for Accessible Learning
Student Services Operations
Finance
Administration
Business analysis, assessment and projects
Communications and marketing
Specific Responsibilities:
Provides leadership to the ongoing strategic development, review and analysis of the University’s provision of student services and other forms of support and enhancement for students, both undergraduate and graduate (when appropriate) at all campuses,
Provides leadership for student engagement and student success and related priorities as outlined in the Academic Plan and aligning with the University’s What’s Next Strategy; enables and facilitates SFU’s commitment to EDI and Truth and Reconciliation in line with these strategies,
In conjunction with the AVP, Academic, plays a leadership role in developing and implementing the Strategic Enrollment Management agenda and the Strategic Enrollment Plan,
In conjunction with the Provost & VP Academic, the VP, Research & Innovation and other colleagues, participates in the development and implementation of the University’s International Strategy,
Develops, recommends and implements strategies, policies and procedures that ensure integration and consistency of SFU’s activities and plans related to students and student life with the University’s vision, mission and goals,
Develops financial, human resource, and information technology plans for the administration of Student Services that conform to University practices, and is responsible for ensuring that the budget and financial resources are expended in keeping with the strategic priorities and direction of the University,
Enables student accessibility in the broadest sense, and stays current with evolving legislative changes and how those changes affect SFU and its students,
Builds partnerships between Student Services and the Faculties, and with the Deans of Graduate Studies, Library Services, and Lifelong Learning to ensure the highest quality student experience combining both academic and social life,
Provides primary university liaison with the President of the Simon Fraser Student Society, and collaborates with the Dean of Graduate Studies to ensure ongoing positive relationships with the Graduate Student Society Executive. Participates in joint committees with representatives of both the undergraduate and the graduate student governance bodies,
Attends and participates in meetings of the Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents/Deans group. Serves on University Committees as required and carries out such other duties as may be assigned by University bodies, the President, and the Provost & Vice-President, Academic, and,
Undertakes research in student services-related topics and is active in advancing the profession of student services at the provincial, national and international level.
THE PERSON The AVPS should be a visionary, values-driven leader, skilled in promoting a holistic set of student-focused programming to enhance student life and SFU’s institutional goals. A strong communicator and listener, they harness the passion and dedication that exists across the university to create a cohesive, team-based culture focused on success for all students. The AVPS should balance integrity, collaboration, courageous leadership, and business acumen with the ability to genuinely connect with SFU’s array of partners and communities. The ideal candidate is a natural relationship builder who understands the AVPS’s role in a complex institution.
Professional & Personal Qualifications:
An earned Doctorate is preferred, although not required,
Successful leadership and administrative experience in a well-respected university with responsibility for delivering student services with significant human resources and budget responsibility,
An impressive record in creating a vibrant community of belonging where all students can flourish,
A depth and breadth of experience in student affairs, services, and accessibility,
A demonstrated commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and ensuring appropriate programs, resources and supports are in place for Indigenous students,
A track record of championing and deepening EDI initiatives across the institution,
Experience in leading and managing large complex organizations in an academic setting,
Experience working collaboratively with academic faculties and other support units; understands the value of a strategic enrollment management approach,
An effective builder of engaged, multi-departmental teams; able to recruit the right people for the right positions and provide them the responsibility to manage towards clearly defined goals,
Experience supporting the flourishing of international students and the positive impact they make, and,
Ethical and scrupulously fair; knows how to balance interests and model desired behaviours.
Competencies and Personal Characteristics: Leadership – Achieves desired results by encouraging the contribution of others; a courageous and positive team player who acts with a sense of urgency and leads by example; sets and communicates clear goals. Strategic – Develops a plan in support of organizational strategic direction; demonstrates an understanding of the link between one’s job and organizational goals, and performs one’s job with the broader goals in mind. People Development – Fosters development of others through coaching, managing performance and mentoring; has a genuine desire to develop others and help them succeed; formally and informally recognizes de-serving staff and colleagues. Influential and Collaborative – Has an open and consistent approach to working with others and possesses strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and develop/maintain partnerships, obtaining stakeholder agreement. EDI and Truth & Reconciliation – possesses a deep appreciation and track record of supporting and implementing EDI and reconciliation initiatives, and efforts to decolonize systems and structures; creates a culture of belonging and safety for all students. Integrity and Honesty – Demonstrates a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit behind the rules and core values of the organization, setting an example of professionalism and ethical propriety. Accountable – Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities; focuses on results and measuring attainment of outcomes in a business focus. Creativity and Innovation – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes. Effective Working Relationships – Treats colleagues, and stakeholders with respect; resolves conflicts in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees. Communication – Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and purpose; communicates effectively in both positive and negative circumstances; listens well; values transparency. Student Focused – Anticipates and attends to the needs of students, and other internal and external partners of the institution; keeps student interests in the forefront.
SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. The salary range is $215,000 to $260,000. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Nick Lay or Tony Kirschner LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH #880—609 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5 Phone: (604) 688-8422 Email: vancouver@leadersinternational.com
