Executive opportunities

ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL

The University of Waterloo invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice-President International (AVP-I) – a role that will support the global aspirations that characterize our institution.  

Internationalization is an important element of Waterloo’s 2020-2025 strategic plan. In recognition of the opportunity to further expand our research and commercialization impact, to continue to develop our talent, and to advance Waterloo’s strong connectivity to the global community, the institution has been establishing a comprehensive and holistic approach to international activities.

Our next Associate Vice-President, International (AVP-I) will lead Waterloo’s internationalization effort in a rapidly-changing external environment to create structures at the institution to advance our aspirations in internationalization in collaboration with our six Faculties,  and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.  The AVP-I is a member of the senior leadership team of the Vice-President, Research and International (VPRI).

Nominations and applications are invited from the University of Waterloo community for the position of Associate Vice-President, International (AVP-I) for a five-year term.

The key roles and responsibilities for the portfolio, as well as the desired knowledge, skills and attributes of an ideal candidate are described below. Candidates must hold a tenured faculty position at the University of Waterloo with experience in leadership and advancing strategic priorities.  The successful candidate is expected to take office on January 1, 2024, or as soon as possible after that date.  Nominations and applications for this position are requested by 2023-09-29 via email to Katy Wong-Francq at kwong@uwaterloo.ca. 

A complete submission package includes:

1. A written Expression of Interest, highlighting relevant experience and vision for the role.
2. An academic CV in a conventional format for your discipline.

Equity Statement 

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

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

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935

The Associate Vice-President, International is a member of the senior leadership team of the Vice-President, Research and International, is a member of Executive Council, leads Waterloo International, and plays an important role in enhancing international collaborations and international opportunities for faculty, staff and students.  With a team of 15 staff in Waterloo International, key responsibilities of the position include: 

Strategic 

• supporting implementation of the University’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan and Waterloo at 100’s strategic objectives from an international perspective 

• providing and implementing a high-level vision for international partnerships that will enhance the University’s standing on a global scale and grow opportunities for Waterloo’s members 

• raising the profile of internationalization in key areas of strategic importance to the University through, for example, inbound delegations, outbound executive travel, and worldwide presence more broadly 

• developing metrics for the achievement of goals set out in Waterloo International’s Objectives, Activities and Milestones plan 

• enhancing the Institution’s reputation in key research areas of relevance to global stakeholders  

• promoting and facilitating collaborative internal networking with respect to internationalization objectives and opportunities 

• supporting opportunities for University of Waterloo students to become global citizens through International experiences 

Operational 

• stewarding (negotiating, agreeing, and implementing) international agreements 

• managing the International Travel Safety and Security portfolio 

• hosting inbound international delegations  

• supporting outbound executive travel  

• coordinating international initiatives that involve multiple campus units 

• managing international issues and leading special projects that arise  

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES 

The desired candidate, an experienced, visionary leader who will build on the strengths of the University to develop a compelling vision for the future of internationalization at Waterloo, will have some or all of the following skills and experiences and will inspire a remarkable Waterloo International team: 

• Experience in developing strategic, international partnerships  

• Dedicated to serving diverse communities and to advancing Waterloo’s international strategy and deepening our partnership relationships and global experiences for learning and research 

• Experience in international development 

• Exceptional communicator 

• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain professional, collaborative working relationships with widely diverse groups including faculty, executive management, senior academic and administrative officers, and government officials and to lead teams and foster their growth 

• The ability to support the integration and excellence of internationalization through a whole-of-university approach while supporting the diverse mission and practices of the University 

• Experience in staff management 

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.