Associate Vice President Academics – Health and Research

Full-time Term Position – 3 years

Regina Campus

First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. The University continues to uphold its mission of enhancing the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture, and artistic heritage of First Nations people. The University is a unique place of learning specializing in Indigenous knowledge and providing post-secondary education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike within a culturally supportive environment. First Nations University of Canada is a federated college of the University of Regina, and its academic programs are accredited through that institution. Wisdom, respect, humility, sharing, harmony, beauty, strength, and spirituality are the values of the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv).

Under the direction of the Vice President Academic, the Associate Vice President Academic (AVPA) - Research will work in coordination with the Vice President Academic to provide leadership in the areas of Indigenizing the University’s academic work specifically related to Research. In addition to having responsibility for general academic program development and approval, teaching development, and liaison with academic departments, communities and other campuses regarding Research, the AVPA-Research’s overall responsibility will be to sustain and deepen a culture of "engaged research" that will build capacity in research, and specifically Indigenous health research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Promote the overall mission of the University with respect to First Nations’ cultural enhancement and First Nations’ self-determination initiatives through education in accordance with established policies and regulations of FNUniv.
• Lead and build a strong research FNUniv unit; lead and mentor university research initiatives
• Assess and strengthen FNUniv’s research strategy, programming, policies, and activities across the university. Support faculty research proposal application processes onto research implementation.
• Explore ways to encourage and ensure successful principal investigator research proposal applications; this including Tri-Council research opportunities.
• Identify community, national and international research funding opportunities.
• Establish a strong research network.
• Be knowledgeable of Indigenous customs, philosophical traditions, ceremonial protocols, Indigenous and non-Indigenous research methodologies, methods, practices, and pedagogies, research frameworks and design.
• Continue and enhance the Indigenization of the academic research work in the institution.
• Create a FNUniv Indigenous Research Ethics Board.
• Promote and award successful research applications and projects.
• Provide clear and concise reports on all research activities to the Vice President Academic
• Provide direct leadership to the Indigenous Peoples Health Resource Centre (IPHRC).
• Explore and develop research initiatives that will promote the health and well-being of Indigenous people.
• Increase the health research capacity at the FNUniv.
• Collaborate with the appropriate academic units to facilitate faculty/research appointments for qualified IPHRC employees and foster the affiliation to IPHRC of faculty in appropriate academic units whose research interests are congruent with IPHRC.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Earned doctorate at the Associate Professor or Professor level.
• Eligible to hold or holding national level funding, accompanied with a deep knowledge of Tri-Council and provincial funding requirements.
• Minimum five years’ experience in supervisory academic administration.
• Strong record in teaching, research, community service, work with Elders and Aboriginal communities.

Required knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of best practices in Indigenization of academic environments; curriculum development, management, and program assessment; program planning; instructional design and development, including technology enhanced methods of course delivery; and trends in general education.
• A record of health research program development including grants management, fund accounting, budgeting, human resource development, research and policy creation, and experience working with culturally diverse populations.
• Ability to provide strategic recommendations to the Senior Administration regarding the academic mission and research programming of the University.
• Ability to understand and work in a flexible environment, working well under time pressures with simultaneous activities.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with a wide range of people.
• Proficient in the use of research, statistical analysis, and information technologies.
• Proven ability to provide sustained leadership in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online at www.fnuniv.ca.

Closing Date: July 18, 2025

We would like to thank you for your interest and to all those that applied; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The First Nations University of Canada relies on section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give preference in employment for this position. Please indicate your status in your cover letter or resume.

Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed by email at humanresources@firstnationsuniversity.ca We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.