The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land that was promised to the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations of the Grand River, and is within the territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples.
The University of Waterloo aspires to be one of the top innovation universities globally and champions a culture that combines curiosity and risk-taking with entrepreneurship and leadership. Our industry partnerships, world-class research, international engagement and largest global co-operative educational program of its kind make us one of the most unique and impactful universities in the world.
Waterloo is embarking on a search for its seventh president and vice-chancellor. Our next president will be visionary, bold and inspirational — leading Waterloo’s commitment to global engagement and positively impacting Canada and the world by applying its renowned research capabilities and educating our future leaders and entrepreneurs to tackle humankind’s greatest challenges. Of immediate concern, our next president will establish the university as a global leader in the aftermath of the current global public health crisis’ impact on society and post-secondary education.
One of Canada’s top universities and consistently ranked as the most innovative, Waterloo’s culture and creator-owned intellectual property policy attracts incredibly talented and diverse faculty, students and staff who keep the University at the cutting edge of innovation and discovery. Waterloo is a leader in collaborating across sectors and disciplines to shape our future by operating at the forefront of discovery, learning and impact. Our graduates play a key role in starting and building new ventures around the world and in Canada where nearly 20 per cent of tech founders are Waterloo alumni.
Our success is grounded in teaching excellence and curiosity-driven, fundamental, applied and interdisciplinary research and discovery. Early exposure to research, experience-rich work terms, and a wealth of entrepreneurial opportunities create a unique learning environment for our students. Our dedication to education begins with equity-focused initiatives that open doors to education for all learners and a culture focused on ensuring student success.
The new president will be first and foremost the leader of a truly unique university. They will inspire an outstanding University community to achieve its ambitions and leverage the strengths of their team to turn vision into reality, supported by the counsel of the Board of Governors to which the president is ultimately accountable. To do this, the successful candidate will understand and appreciate Waterloo’s unique approach to solving humankind’s significant problems and making the world a better place, as enunciated in the University’s strategic plan.
With a significant emphasis on external engagement, the next president will embody Waterloo’s outstanding reputation, its research intensity and impact, and its commitment to internationalization, sustainability, and world-class education. They will hold a terminal degree with a track record of scholarly achievement and a deep understanding of academic institutions. They will bring an international outlook and be knowledgeable about the Canadian post-secondary education system. They will bring a demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and advancing truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The president will be committed to students’ well being and academic achievement, preparing the future leaders of our society, as well as fostering a supportive culture that embraces diversity, wellbeing, positive mental health and enabling our students, faculty and staff to thrive and achieve their potential.
An executive search is being undertaken by the University of Waterloo’s search partner Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the University in identifying a diverse field of qualified candidates and in the assessment of candidates against the selection criteria.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae and cover letter that explains how the candidate meets the selection criteria listed in the appointment details, which include information on how to apply. These can be found at www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting reference number 4554. Interested candidates are asked to submit applications by 12 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday, June 5, 2020. The committee will begin considering applications at the end of June and will continue evaluations into the fall.
The University of Waterloo regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. At Waterloo, you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines and collaborate with an international community of scholars and a diverse student body, situated in a rapidly growing community that has been termed a “hub of innovation.” All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
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