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Executive opportunities

Explore upcoming and open executive searches at the University of Waterloo.

Generally, "executive searches" refers to searches for high-level academic roles and other key campus leadership positions. 

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Director, Faculty Relations

Director, Faculty Relations

Permanent Time Type Full-Time

Hiring Range $129,842 – 162,303

The University of Waterloo (Waterloo) seeks an experienced and talented faculty relations professional to join its newly established Faculty Planning and Policy Office. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of Canada’s well-respected universities in the role of Director, Faculty Relations (Director).

The University of Waterloo (Waterloo) is the number one University in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections, with more than 42,000 students attending each year. With a global network spanning more than 220,000 alumni in 151 countries, Waterloo attracts world-class scholars including a Nobel Laureate.

With campuses, education centres, and academic partnerships spanning the globe, Waterloo is shaping the future of the planet and has developed a reputation for the excellence and relevance of its undergraduate and graduate education, delivered through six faculties: arts, engineering, environment, health, mathematics, and science. Waterloo continues to spur innovation to solve problems on a global scale and has consistently ranked highest as Canada’s most innovative university by Maclean’s magazine.

The newly established Office of the Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy supports faculty in delivering on the University’s mission. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy, the Director, Faculty Relations is responsible for providing strategic advice, expertise, and guidance to University and Faculty Leadership on a wide range of matters, including recruitment processes, academic job postings, employment agreements, tenure and promotion, and sabbaticals.

The position is also responsible for analyzing trends in and establishing best practices for faculty relations issues and providing expertise and guidance in matters of faculty discipline, grievances, and arbitrations. The Director is the University lead for faculty compensation negotiations, FAUW Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) interpretation, application, and compliance and is the primary contact for Faculty contract and compensation negotiations.  The Director provides expert advice and establishes best practices for faculty relations issues pertaining to grievance/arbitration and investigates alternate approaches to conflict resolution and problem-solving methodologies.

The inaugural Director serves as the principal resource for University Leadership, Deans, Chairs, and employees working with Faculty in responding to faculty related questions and queries and prepares reports and communication on faculty relations matters.

In helping to develop the Office of Faculty Planning and Policy, the Faculty Relations Director will analyze existing academic policies and guidelines in order to recommend and support developing and/or updating new policies and guidelines. Working in partnership with the Office of the Provost, Legal and Immigration Services, the University Secretariat, and Human Resources, the Director ensures that faculty relations activities are coordinated and escalated to University Leadership as required.

Training and development are an integral part of the role and the Faculty Relations Director develops and delivers programming and resource materials for Faculty, Academic Administrators, and Staff pertaining to academic processes and the academic life cycle. The Director leads and serves on University Committees, as required, and supports the Associate Vice-President’s committee work related to the Faculty MOA.

The Director of Faculty Relations will possess:

  • University degree (Business Administration, Industrial Relations or Human Resources) or equivalent work experience in a related field;
  • Master’s degree or LLB with specialization in Labour Law is strongly preferred;
  • 8-10 years of progressive experience in the post-secondary education sector, with a strong background in Faculty/Labour Relations with extensive experience managing collective agreements, academic processes and the academic life cycle;
  • Significant experience managing and developing staff;
  • Significant exposure to academic life cycle processes;
  • Outstanding communication skills for negotiating and resolving conflict with high levels of tact and diplomacy;
  • Demonstrated ability in the areas of compensation negotiations, arbitration and labour dispute;
  • Significant exposure to conflict and human rights, dispute resolution, policy development and demonstrated experience with ADR techniques;
  • Sound judgement and excellent decision-making skills;
  • Ability to build and foster relationships with employee group representatives and management stakeholders;
  • Deep knowledge of grievance and arbitration processes.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, kindly submit your application online at:www.kbrs.ca/Career/XXX. For additional information, please contact Amorell Saunders N’Daw at asaundersndaw@kbrs.caor Bola Moradeyo at bmoradeyo@kbrs.ca.  

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

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

Waterloo values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. Waterloo regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. 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+.

If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professionals named in the job advertisement.

President and Vice-Chancellor

President and Vice-Chancellor

With gratitude, we acknowledge that Renison University College is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Attawandaran (Neutral) Peoples, which is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on each side of the Grand River from mouth to source. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place in all corners of our campus through research, learning, teaching, community building and outreach.  We are guided by the work of our Reconciliation and Re-storying Steering Committee and Anti-Racism and Decolonization Spokescouncil, as well as the University of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations.

Established in 1959, Renison University College offers a unique community experience where students can live and learn together.  Home to approximately 4000 students, 77 faculty and lecturers, ongoing and contract staff of approximately 80 with casual staff augmenting this number each term, Renison is a comprehensive liberal arts institution and residence affiliated with the University of Waterloo, located on six acres of land adjacent to Waterloo’s main campus.  The College was founded in the Anglican tradition, and is respected as an inclusive community that values the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students.  Renison is committed to creating an engaging educational experience and offers UWaterloo degree programs reflecting social engagement through the School of Social Work, and the Social Development Studies Department; global engagement through the Culture and Language Studies Department, and community education programs, including the English Language Institute, and the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education.

Renison University College invites applications for the position of President and Vice-Chancellor. Reporting to the Board of Governors and working in collaboration with Renison’s community of faculty, staff, and students, the President will lead the College in pursuing even greater opportunities grounded in academic excellence, student success, community engagement, and financial sustainability.  As the Chief Executive Officer of Renison, the President will successfully manage the infrastructure of human, educational, financial, and physical resources required to develop and deliver the College’s programming and student residence.

The ideal candidate will possess an earned doctorate or terminal degree, in addition to a track record of senior leadership in the academy that reflects a future-focused approach and an unwavering commitment to the student experience.  To be successful in the role, the President will be an excellent communicator and motivator, and a champion for advancing institutional Indigeneity, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  In addition to nurturing reciprocal relationships with key partners, including leadership at the University of Waterloo, community partners, donors, and alumni, the President must be a visionary leader adept at uniting members of the College under shared goals. The President will inspire a collective sense of purpose and foster a shared vision for an exciting future.

Consideration of candidates will begin in December 2023 and expressions of interest will be accepted throughout January 2024, with the successful candidate assuming office on July 1, 2024.  Applications are encouraged immediately at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/28828.To enquire, apply, or suggest a nomination for this opportunity, please contact Andrea Patrick, Julia Robarts, and Nick Ketley at Odgers Berndtson at renison@odgersberndtson.com.

Renison University College respects, appreciates, and actively encourages diversity.  As part of Renison’s commitment to equity within the College, we welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals with diverse experiences based on race, ethnic origin, religion, age, colour, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability or disability, including women, 2SLGBTQ, Indigenous Peoples, and other visible minorities.  While all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.  Renison is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.  Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in the hiring process.  Please contact a member of Odgers Berndtson with accommodation requests.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts

Dean of the Faculty of Arts

The University of Waterloo (Waterloo) is currently seeking candidates committed to building on its strengths and imagining its future as the next Dean of the Faculty of Arts (Dean).

University of Waterloo

Waterloo is a destination of choice for learners who desire a strong grounding in experiential education, a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship with human-centred pedagogical values. Waterloo attracts world-class scholars, leads in providing work-integrated learning opportunities and is consistently ranked highest as Canada’s most innovative university by Maclean’s magazine. The University is also committed to making social impact, both on a global scale and in our local communities.

Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts (the Faculty) is a dynamic community of students, faculty and staff working in and across multiple disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, languages, arts, and business. Building on Waterloo’s foundational strengths, the Faculty prepares students for life and work with skills and values that emphasize the welfare of individuals, communities, and the environment in a culturally complex and technologically driven global society.

The Faculty offers a diverse range of programs across 15 departments, and three schools: The School of Accounting & Finance (SAF); The Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business; and The Balsillie School of International Affairs. The Faculty also works with the Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo (St Jerome’s University, Renison College, Conrad Grebel University College and United College – formerly St. Paul’s) to offer a variety of programs. Faculty members tackle some of the most critical issues of our time and are well recognized with awards and honours for making meaningful and tangible contributions to a number of areas including public policy, mental health, business accountability, civil liberties, cultural expression, and creative communication.

Dean, Faculty of Arts

The Dean is a senior faculty leader devoted to education, research, and to creating an environment conducive to academic activity that promotes excellence in teaching and scholarship as well as a commitment to developing global citizens who desire to make social impact.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Academic and Provost, and serving as an officer of the University within Waterloo’s senior administration, the Dean has the dual role of making independent judgments on university matters and representing the Faculty’s policies and points of view. As the senior academic leader at the Faculty, the Dean is responsible for all matters academic, financial, and material. The Dean will oversee the implementation of the newly developed Faculty of Arts Strategic Plan ‘A Future for Humanity: Faculty of Arts Strategic Plan 2023-2030' that features three Priorities for Change: building connections through interdisciplinarity; effecting social impact; and fostering student agency. As a champion for teaching and scholarship committed to the success and development of students, faculty and staff, the Dean will work collaboratively with academic, industry, alumni, and public sector partners to further enhance the stature and resources of the Faculty. The appointment as Dean will be accompanied by a tenured faculty appointment, and the successful candidate is expected to be an individual at the rank of full professor.

Ideal Candidate

You are an engaged and collaborative leader with demonstrated senior academic experience. You can lead within and across a broad range of disciplines, with an understanding of the particular challenges and unique strengths of each. You are a strong people-leader and relationship builder; you are able to pro-actively manage effective relations with and among faculty and staff through open and inclusive dialogue and have the ability to build a strong and collaborative team. You are a diligent steward with demonstrated experience managing and maintaining academic plans and financial resources.

With a strong commitment to academic excellence, you have a demonstrated understanding of developing the highest quality of teaching and research. You have a strong commitment to increasing accessibility, equity, and diversity, and the ability to maintain an inclusive climate that reflects the University’s goals to foster inclusivity, a sense of belonging, and a culture of involvement. You value relationships within, across, and outside the University and actively build and maintain connections that support the goals of Waterloo and its community.

Experience and Qualifications

  • A doctoral or terminal degree and a strong record of scholarly and research achievement, consistent with the rank of full professor, in a discipline represented by the Faculty of Arts at Waterloo;
  • Demonstrated accomplishments in an academic leadership role (such as department chair, associate dean, dean, associate vice-president) with superior analytical, organizational, budgetary, and managerial skills;
  • Experience in leading strategic initiatives or strategic change and executing on strategic plans;
  • A proven record of successful leadership in research, academic planning and program development and implementation;
  • An outstanding record of teaching and student advocacy;
  • Proven experience providing faculty mentorship, advocacy, and support;
  • The skills to function as an effective negotiator on the Faculty’s behalf, to gain support for its strategic plans and priorities, and to interact in a collegial and constructive manner as both a team member and leader with all its constituencies, including the senior administration of the University of Waterloo; and
  • A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism and to inviting and authentically listening to different cultures, communities, voices, points of view, and perspectives.

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

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

Waterloo values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. Waterloo regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who demonstrate the experience and qualifications indicated and 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+.

If you are interested in this opportunity, kindly submit your application online at: http://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17384.

For additional information, please contact Amorell Saunders N’Daw at asaundersndaw@kbrs.ca or Bola Moradeyo at bmoradeyo@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professionals named above.

The Search Committee will begin to consider applications on November 30th.  Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) at their earliest opportunity.