President and Vice-Chancellor

Located in the heart of Treaty 1 Territory and the traditional homelands of the Métis Nation, the University of Winnipeg is a diverse urban campus committed to academic excellence, student success, innovative research, inclusion, and reconciliation. With 14,000 learners and approximately 1,000 faculty and staff, the University of Winnipeg combines a strong tradition of outstanding scholarship in teaching, research, and creative work with a unique sense of community engagement. Highlighted by the iconic and historic Wesley Hall, the modern Richardson College for the Environment & Science Complex, and the architecturally striking Buhler Centre, our campus is located in and is an integral part of one of Canada’s most diverse neighbourhoods.

UWinnipeg delivers high quality education with a focus on liberal arts. Known for small class sizes and strong student-faculty connections, UWinnipeg is home to undergraduate faculties in Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Kinesiology and Applied Health, and Science; more than a dozen graduate studies programs; as well as a unique on-campus high school: the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. UWinnipeg ranks highly among primarily undergraduate universities for external science grant funding, and we maintain an intimate and engaged learning environment that is accessible and diverse. UWinnipeg is recognized as a top university for Indigenous participation, with approximately 10 per cent of our student body self-identifying as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. We are committed to increasing Indigenous inclusion, scholarship, and perspectives at UWinnipeg.

Accountable to the Board of Regents, the President and Vice-Chancellor (“the President”) is the Chief Executive Officer, Chair of the academic Senate, and primary advocate and ambassador for UWinnipeg. They are responsible to chart the path for UWinnipeg’s future, and to provide leadership and oversight that will inspire faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The President acts as the lead spokesperson to enhance institutional reputation and visibility by maintaining vital partnerships and stakeholder relations with community, business, and government.  Performing a key role in fundraising to strengthen academic supports, student awards, and the planned Library Renewal Campaign, the President will ensure the continued advancement of UWinnipeg as a post-secondary institution of excellence.

Leading with a collaborative and consensus-based approach, the President will leverage creativity and innovation to support the academic environment, reinforce student retention and success, influence policy, advance research, and nurture the workforce of tomorrow.  The President will foster an environment that measurably improves UWinnipeg’s equity, diversity, and inclusion values throughout the institution and demonstrates a deep commitment to UWinnipeg’s engagement with Indigenous and other equity seeking communities.  Building on the momentum of UWinnipeg affirmed Strategic Directions – Academic Excellence and Renewal; Student Experience and Success; Indigenization; Research Excellence, Knowledge Mobilization and Impact; and Financial and Institutional Resilience – the President will develop and implement the next strategic plan for the University of Winnipeg. 

The successful candidate will possess an earned doctorate or the highest credential in their discipline and have an appreciation for and knowledge of scholarly activity, pedagogy, research, and executive administration.  Recognized as an exceptional communicator, the ideal candidate is visionary and authentic with extensive experience leading a large complex organization. This leader possesses a demonstrated strength to build relationships, trust, and influence with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, government, and community partners. Candidates will also be expected to have a proven track record in fundraising, and government relations. 

Responsible to provide — and play a role in mentoring — progressive leadership in a time of significant global change and transition, the next President will help define and achieve growth in terms of outcomes, impact, and success.  The President will navigate change and inspire students, faculty, staff, and community partners to build a resilient and stable future for the University of Winnipeg.

Life In Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a culturally diverse city with a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and short commute times compared to Canadian averages — making it a great place to work, live, and raise a family. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, a thriving culinary scene, a diverse arts and culture community, and is home to major league sports teams as well as scenic parks and nearby lakes. Learn more about Life in Winnipeg.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to support The University of Winnipeg in the appointment process for the next President and Vice-Chancellor. To explore this opportunity further, please send your CV and Letter of Interest in confidence to UWinnipeg@jssearch.ca.