President and Vice-Chancellor Position Description

Located in Mi’kma’ki the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, Mount Saint
Vincent University (MSVU) is strongly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and
accessibility (EDIA). MSVU is an institution that was established by women for the advancement of
women with social responsibility and social justice at its core. We embrace the diversity of our
community and are committed to efforts that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
across all facets of our university, within our local community, and in society at large.
MSVU is made up of nearly 4300 students (representing 64 countries), 550 faculty and staff, and
more than 34,000 alumni. Our research centres provide unique learning opportunities for students
while facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, Alzheimer’s disease, literacy,
childhood development, and more. Faculty members and departments offer early access to hands-on
research opportunities enabling both graduate and undergraduate students to enhance their
education by working alongside forward-thinking researchers. As a university committed to
scholarship that nurtures global citizenship, leadership, and promotes the advancement of women,
we seek to enhance and enrich our models of teaching and research.

The President reports directly to the Board of Governors. Under the Chair of the Board of
Governor’s direction, and in cooperation with other senior officers of the University, they share in
the functions and responsibilities common to the President’s office. Specifically, the President is
expected to:

  1. Exercise effective leadership in partnership with the Board of Governors to implement the
    vision and the mission of the University as described in the strategic plan, and role and scope
    statements approved by the Board of Governors.
  2. Foster a culture that attracts, retains, and ensures success of students, faculty and employees.
  3. Provide strategic leadership with regards to the University’s commitment to social justice,
    equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
  4. Continue to advance the University’s commitment to reconciliation and indigenization.
  5. Implement a detailed strategy to implement the strategic plan including objectives, timelines,
    accountabilities, and outcome measures.
  6. Champion the University’s advancement initiatives and fundraising initiatives to attract
    investment from donors, alumni, community, industry, local, provincial and federal
    governments.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and experience for operational and fiscal management of the
    University. Oversee the internal operations of the University with the Vice Presidents to
    ensure that available resources are appropriately budgeted for and allocated in accordance
    with the University’s strategic plan.
  8. Continue to advance the Board’s ongoing work on governance in order to ensure
    compliance with best practices.
  9. Exercise oversight of all collective bargaining processes with the objective of securing
    collective agreements with all five bargaining groups in a financially accountable and timely
    fashion, without labour disruption.
  10. As Chair of Senate and working with the Vice President Academic and Provost, establish
    academic direction consistent with the University’s mission, and ensure that the University’s
    academic objectives are achieved within a quality framework.
  11. Ensures collegial and collaborative work of the governing bodies (BoG and Senate) focusing
    on the achievement the University’s vision, mission and values
  12. Provide leadership to the President’s Senior Executive Team (SET), specifically to the Vice
    President Academic and Provost and the Vice President Administration on a regular basis.
  13. Effectively advocate for the University through contact with, and/or participation in various
    levels of government and with councils and organizations involved in higher education at the
    local provincial, national, and international levels.
  14. Serve as an ambassador and representative for the University in the process of furthering
    interuniversity cooperation, making presentations to government and other granting
    agencies, convocations, and during all major public events.
  15. Promote accountability on the part of the University through regular and accurate
    communication to stakeholders.

Direct Reports to this Position:

➢ Vice President Academic and Provost
➢ Vice President Administration
➢ Executive Administrative Advisor to the President
➢ Associate Vice President University Relations
➢ Special Advisor to MSVU on Aboriginal Affairs
➢ EDIA Advisor
➢ Harassment and Discrimination Advisor
➢ Governance Secretary

President’s Senior Executive Team (SET):

➢ Vice President Academic and Provost
➢ Vice President Administration
➢ Associate Vice President, University Relations
➢ Associate Vice President, Research
➢ Associate Vice President, Student Experience
➢ Dean, Faculty of Education
➢ Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science
➢ Dean, Faculty of Professional Studies and Graduate Studies