Vice President, Academic

Niagara College is inviting applications for the position of Vice-President, Academic. We are seeking a passionate and forward-thinking candidate who is committed to advancing our mission of delivering outstanding applied education and training to meet the evolving needs of our world.

Located in the heart of the Niagara Region – just minutes from one of the world’s most well-known tourism destinations – Niagara College offers more than 130 innovative programs between our campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since opening its doors in 1967, Niagara College has grown to become a leader in education and training and one of the most enterprising colleges in Canada.

Reporting to the President, the Vice-President, Academic serves as the senior academic officer of the College. This role is responsible for the development, quality, and delivery of all postsecondary, post-graduate, apprenticeship, and non-postsecondary credit programs. The successful candidate will lead the planning, organization, staffing, and direction of all full-time and part-time academic programs, including contract and customized training offered through the Academic Schools. The Vice-President will also oversee the development and management of strategic academic partnerships, joint program offerings, and articulation agreements with other educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations.

As a member of the Executive Team, the Vice-President, Academic plays a key role in the overall leadership and strategic direction of the College.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Developing and directing the implementation of strategic and academic plans, goals, and objectives
• Ensuring the currency and quality of the College’s academic programs
• Planning, development, and implementation of new programs, ongoing improvement of existing programs, program rationalization, and effective program review processes
• Directing and monitoring all academic activities, including curriculum development and delivery, instructional methods, academic standards, and student evaluation methods
• Representing the college on committees and groups concerned with academic policy and programs
• Managing of College-wide resources and preparation for future fiscal viability through participation in a wide range of operational decision-making affecting the current and future effectiveness of the College
• Governing the complaint resolution process for advanced cases
• Ensuring the efficient and effective use of fiscal and physical resources within the academic area
• Maintaining a high level of employee performance through effective recruitment, selection, training, development, motivation, performance management, and evaluation of employees
• Adhering to union collective agreements, in addition to regulatory, legislative, and college-level policies or requirements

Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in education administration, or a similar field of study. A Doctorate Degree is preferred
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in postsecondary education
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum development, academic policy, accreditation, program review, and instructional quality assurance
• Experience managing partnerships with other academic institutions, industry, government, and community members
• Familiarity with education regulations, funding models, and policy frameworks
• Strong grasp of trends and challenges in higher education with a deep understanding of the postsecondary education landscape, including applied learning, credential frameworks, and accreditation requirements
• Competency in fiscal and resource planning, academic budget management, and performance metrics
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and engagement skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse academic teams and foster a culture of collaboration, equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement
• Strong ethical standards, sound judgment, and a commitment to academic integrity and student success

What we offer:
• Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT) with contributions matched by Niagara College
• 93% top-up of maternity and parental leave pay for 52 weeks
• Generous vacation time
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and paramedical services (massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, psychotherapy, and psychology)
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Access to Employee Family Assistance Program, including counseling services, financial literacy services, nutrition advice, and more
• Employee tuition assistance and dependent tuition subsidy
• Hybrid work arrangements: a balance of on-campus and remote work

The posting will remain active until the position is successfully filled.

We offer a balance of on-campus and remote work arrangements. As a place-based organization, all positions will involve some degree of on-campus work.

Niagara College is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community. We offer an inclusive work environment and welcome applications from all qualified individuals who believe they can contribute to further enhancing campus diversity and equity efforts. If requested, accommodations will be made to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process.
Note: Credentials obtained outside of Canada require an evaluation to determine the Canadian educational equivalence. This evaluation must support the educational requirements for the position as a condition of employment. For further information, visit: World Education Services http://www.wes.org/ca/.

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted