York University invites nominations and applications for the position of Provost & Vice-President Academic.

York University is known internationally as a modern and progressive institution of higher education driving 21st century learning and innovative research and creative activities for maximum impact. Our vision is to provide a broad sociodemographic of students with a high-quality education at a research-intensive University that is committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.   

Since its establishment in 1959 York has grown quickly into Canada’s third largest University with three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area.  These include the Keele and Glendon campuses as well as a new state-of-the-art campus in the City of Markham focused on how technology and entrepreneurship are reshaping all fields of knowledge and practice.  Planning is also underway for a new School of Medicine approved by the province in March 2024 which will educate the next generation of talented primary care physicians to enhance access to integrated community-based care in our service area and beyond.

As a comprehensive university with 11 Faculties, 32 research centres, and over 400 partnerships in 60 countries, York is a vibrant intellectual community where scholars are finding solutions to some of the most challenging problems in the world. Our campuses are living labs creating opportunities to work with industry, and other sectors, and enhancing the knowledge and skills that students need to be career-ready, independent thinkers, and citizens a rapidly changing society and labour market.

York University also champions sustainability contributing to positive changes in local and global communities through its work on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Times Higher Education (THE) has recognized that work by ranking York as the 35th most impactful university in the world in 2024. With many subject placements in the top 150 of the 2024 QS World University Rankings, York continues to strengthen its reputation as a global leader in the post-secondary education sector.   To learn more about the University, an institution that reflects the vibrancy and pluralism of the city in which it is located, visit http://www.yorku.ca.

Reporting to the President & Vice-Chancellor, the Provost & Vice-President Academic is the Chief Academic Officer of the institution and a key member of York’s executive leadership team.  The Provost oversees a broad portfolio of academic units and is responsible for driving excellence across the academy and providing leadership in institutional planning and resource allocation.  As the Chair of the Technical Subcommittee of Senate’s Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee, the Provost will lead the development of York’s next University Academic Plan, building on current strengths and seizing new opportunities in collaboration with the entire executive team. The Provost works closely with the Vice-President Finance and Administration in the development of the annual budget. See University Academic Plan 2020 - 2025. 

The incoming Provost joins York at an exciting time of transformation in post-secondary education. The University is keen to attract a visionary, strategic leader committed to the provision of an outstanding educational experience for its 46,000+ students—including more than 7,300 international students from over 160 countries —and the continuing development of a rich array of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs supported by a diverse complement of over 7,000 faculty and staff. Our next Provost will demonstrate scholarly excellence and have a track record of administrative success, financial acumen, academic planning, and building collaborative teams in a large and complex university environment. Relevant experience outside the academy is also welcomed as a potential asset.  They are comfortable leading change and will demonstrate the ability to develop and implement institutional strategic plans working with colleagues across the university. They will be a skilled communicator who will build trusting relationships with faculty, staff, students and external constituents. They must also demonstrate a deep commitment to collegial governance as well as collaboration, equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenization and reconciliation.

York University is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, within its community. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Applicants wishing to self-identify can do so by contacting Perrett Laver. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodation will be provided by both Perret Laver and York University throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

The appointment is for a five-year renewable term commencing July 1, 2025 or as mutually agreed. The Search Committee will begin considering applications in late December 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. An executive search exercise is being undertaken by York’s search partner Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the University in helping to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates. Applications should consist of a full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications and relevant achievements. It should be accompanied by a cover letter describing how candidates meet the selection criteria, why the appointment is of interest, and what they believe they can bring to the role. Interested candidates are asked to submit applications by Noon Monday February 10th, 2025 Eastern Time.

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