Why AUArts?

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 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.

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? 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.

The Opportunity

Competition #2425-AP-MP-22

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.

This is a full-time permanent position. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.

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.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building and leading academic and student success initiatives. The ideal candidate has an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization. The ideal candidate has an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, and can work collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance the academic mission of AUArts, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and inspiring organizational proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. They bring a proven track record of achievement in advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout an organization.

Experience and Qualifications:
The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of success in the role. While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they are desirable and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position.

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

How to Apply

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17440425636670000008oqf

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

KBRS and AUArts will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca

Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.

We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.