Appointment of
Vice-President University Relations
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
The University of
Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is a major research-intensive university and a
member of the U15, the top research universities in Canada.
The U of S was originally home to two colleges: agriculture, and arts and science.
These colleges continue to play an important role. We are well known globally for
our expertise in agriculture and bioresources, and the College of Arts and Science is
home to more of our students than any other college. Since our early days, the campus
has grown and evolved to also include a full range of health science and professional
colleges, and a cluster of world-class research facilities, including the Canadian Light
Source, VIDO-InterVac, the Global Institute for Food Security and the Global Institute for
Water Security.
Due in part to the high quality of research infrastructure, we have six areas of special
focus: Aboriginal Peoples, agriculture, energy and mineral resources, animal and human
health, synchrotron science and water security. In these signature areas of study, and
many others, we have attracted a host of pre-eminent faculty and researchers.
In addition to having the opportunity to work and study at one of Canada’s top research
universities, our students, faculty, researchers and staff enjoy a high level of support
typical of a smaller university, creating an environment that inspires collaboration,
innovation and discovery. Our students have the opportunity to gain practical, handson experience in their field of study, whether by taking part in an internship or co-op
program, participating in a field class, or by taking advantage of a study abroad or
exchange program at another Canadian or international institution.
Our population of international students and self-declared Aboriginal students is
growing. Our diverse community of students, staff and faculty creates an environment
where all can feel welcome, and a culture of learning, growth and deeper understanding
that extends beyond the classroom. In the spirit of Treaty Six, in whose territory the
U of S is located, our vision is to be recognized as a place where many peoples come
together to engage in mutually respectful relations and dialogues.
After students’ time on campus is complete, they join an illustrious group of over
148,000 alumni who are spread across the globe. Our graduates are known for their
work ethic, resourceful nature and determination, and will continue to build on our
history of success to address the world’s challenges now and in the future.
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
The position
The vice-president university relations (VPUR) is a member of the university’s senior
leadership team and is the senior leader responsible for managing the reputation and
key external relationships of the institution. In addition to providing critical vision
and leadership at the institutional level, the VPUR also provides vision, leadership and
direction for a portfolio that includes development, alumni relations and community
relations, and marketing and communications. As a principal ambassador for the U of S,
the VPUR is a highly visible senior leader and builds relationships in order to further
the reputation and resources required for the U of S to take its place among the most
distinguished universities in Canada and the world.
The U of S is committed to diversity with a strategic focus on Aboriginal engagement.
The VPUR will have awareness of, and sensitivity to, issues around diversity and inclusion.
NATURE OF THE WORK
Reporting to the president, the VPUR is responsible for leading a team dedicated
to building relationships with alumni and the larger community, for building a
culture of philanthropy, and for telling the institution’s story. The VPUR will inspire
a team of professionals and excel at encouraging and facilitating collaboration and
communication across the institution in service of the mission of the U of S.
The VPUR sits on the President’s Executive Committee (PEC) and the Provost’s Committee
on Integrated Planning (PCIP). As a member of PEC and PCIP, the VPUR plays a central
role in defining and achieving the institution’s strategic directions and priorities.
The VPUR will provide strategic counsel to the president, other senior leaders and
governing bodies on issues related to alumni and community relations, fundraising and
communications significant to the university’s reputation.
The focus of the VPUR is medium to long-term and must align with the strategic
directions and priorities of the university. A commitment to best practices in the
professional areas within the portfolio and developing innovative solutions for service
delivery is required. Building positive relationships, particularly with deans and other
senior leaders, is of critical importance.
The VPUR will support academic and administration units in their advancement efforts,
including development and implementation of a sustained fundraising program for the
university that is driven by the identified strategic directions and priorities.
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
Reporting relationships
REPORTS TO
President
DIRECT REPORTS
Associate Vice-President Development
Associate Vice-President Marketing and Communications
Associate Vice-President Alumni and Community Relations
Director Advancement Services
Executive Assistant
INTERNAL INTERFACES
President
President’s Executive Committee (Vice-Presidents, University Secretary,
Senior Strategist Government and Public Relations)
Provost’s Committee on Integrated Planning
(Vice-Presidents, Integrated Planning Office)
Board of Governors, University Council and Senate
(tri-cameral governance)
Senior Leadership Forum (Deans, AVPs, PEC)
EXTERNAL INTERFACES
Donors
Alumni
Community Foundations
Community Leaders
Government
Media
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
Key accountabilities
The vice-president university relations is accountable for the
following outcomes:
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
Works with and as part of the senior leadership team to shape the strategic directions
and priorities for the University of Saskatchewan
Provides vision and leadership to advancement activities across the organization,
working closely with deans, senior administrators, and other senior leaders
Develops and articulates a vision for advancement that translates into strategies and
action plans that support the university’s strategic directions and priorities
Creates a culture of collaboration that stimulates creative thinking and a desire to
achieve excellence
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Plays a key role in defining and achieving the university’s strategic directions and
priorities
Works with deans and other senior leaders to develop and integrate institutional
and college advancement plans to further the university’s strategic directions and
priorities
Develops and monitors key performance indicators (KPI’s) and a system of on-going
assessment of KPIs against advancement plans
ADVANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
Creates a senior leadership team in University Relations that will work together to
maximize the outcomes of the unit in support of advancement activities across the
university
Leads and provides support to the AVP development in the creation and
implementation of a sustained fundraising program that will increase funding from
all sources, develop new partnerships and identify revenue generation opportunities
with government, business, industry, foundations and individuals
Leads and provide support to the AVP alumni and community relations in the
creation and implementation of programs that strengthen engagement of all alumni
throughout their lives and result in increased giving of time, talent and financial gifts
Leads and provides support to the AVP marketing and communications in the
creation and implementation of a strategic communications and integrated
marketing activities that will advance the reputation of the university
Leads the director advancement services in providing appropriate support to
University Relations operations
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
Key accountabilities
PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT
Leads a central and distributed University Relations team towards high standards
of performance and outcomes through a superior service environment
Ensures collaboration and integration of advancement activities across the
organization
Builds and advances a knowledgeable and productive advancement team
committed to the long-term success of the U of S
Builds organizational capacity for change
Creates positive, diverse, and inclusive work environments
Creates opportunities to increase awareness and knowledge of Aboriginal culture,
language and worldviews
FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Aligns resources with the university’s strategic directions and priorities
Develops innovate and creative opportunities to generate significant revenue for
the organization
Ensures long-term growth and sustainability of the university’s physical, financial
and human resources
RISK MANAGEMENT
Incorporates the identification, assessment and management of risks into the
planning processes and decision-making
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
Candidate profile
An accomplished, strong and influential leader with at least 15
years of progressive experience, preferably in an academic setting
or other large, complex, diverse organization with an advanced
degree or an equivalent combination of skills and experiences.
Other important skills or experiences will be:
Demonstrated success working at a senior level, including
building a vision and inspiring people to achieve exemplary
performance outcomes
Proven ability to develop and sustain relationships with senior
leaders (deans, vice presidents, associate vice-presidents)
Demonstrated team-building skills with a proven ability to
develop proactive partnerships, lead and participate effectively
in teams, and leverage diverse skills of team members
Demonstrated ability to develop effective person-to-person
relationships to achieve shared goals and objectives, and
deliver results
Demonstrated success in leading fundraising, ideally in the
higher-education sector
Demonstrated and thorough knowledge of fundraising
methodologies and practices
Proven record of personal success as a fundraiser who can
secure large gifts in support of institutional priorities
Demonstrated ability to work with staff, faculty and senior
administrators to establish a culture of philanthropy
Business acumen and financial management skills are essential
Highly articulate with excellent communication skills (oral,
written and listening)
Demonstrated participation in relevant professional
organizations and activities
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
Core competencies
The U of S has developed competencies that support its strategic
directions and people values. Competencies are the attributes,
behaviours, manner and style of how skills and knowledge are
applied to the job. Each person brings different combinations of
competencies to their position and all competencies are applicable
in varying degrees depending on the expectations of the job.
There are six competencies that are core to jobs at the university.
They are:
Leadership/Vision
Support for Progress
Results Orientation
Personal Effectiveness
Communication
Relationship Building
LEADERSHIP / VISION
The demonstrated ability to build a shared, compelling and credible vision of the
future, influencing people to ensure outcomes that support achieving the vision;
applicable to all jobs at all levels; a culture of leadership:
Influences others to share and commit to a common vision
Fosters positive work and learning environments
Values and considers differing points of view before making a decision
Makes timely decisions even when unpopular or difficult
Anticipates how decisions affect people
Delegates authority and responsibility
Holds others accountable for making and meeting commitments
Provides continuous, honest and supportive feedback
Supports development and continuous improvement
SUPPORT FOR PROGRESS
The demonstrated ability to initiate, implement and support innovation and
institutional change, and enhance programs and services:
Challenges the status quo
Advocates innovation and creativity, even when risk is involved
Adapts and maintains productivity in an atmosphere of changing practices
Demonstrates an optimistic attitude towards change
Demonstrates emotional maturity and resiliency in difficult circumstances
Engages and supports others in the change process
Works with, rather than resists, forces of change
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
Core competencies
RESULTS ORIENTATION
Focuses on results and completing objectives within the framework defined by the
university’s plans and policies:
Readily accepts and responds to challenges
Directly confronts problems and persists in finding solutions
Remains optimistic and persistent in the face of adversity
Demonstrates courage rather than avoidance to resolve difficult issues
Identifies shared interests to develop positive outcomes
Focuses on facts and root causes rather than reacting to symptoms
Celebrates successes and learns from mistakes
PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Demonstrates an ability to reflect, clarify and commit to what is important, take
responsibility for growth and development, and contribute to positive and productive
work and learning environments:
Demonstrates integrity and ethical conduct in words and deeds
Keeps promises and commitments even when unpopular or difficult
Seeks out and appreciates feedback, demonstrating a commitment to learning
Accepts ownership and responsibility for outcomes
Learns and recovers from setbacks/mistakes
Shares expertise willingly and is sought out as a resource for others
Forgoes personal recognition in support of success of others
Takes responsibility for balancing work and personal commitments
COMMUNICATION
The demonstrated ability to convey information and ideas to individuals in a manner that
engages the audience and helps them understand, retain and respond to the message:
Communicates clearly and ensures understanding
Listens actively to understand others’ points of view
Provides useful and valuable information to others
Demonstrates an awareness of the effects of communications on others
Understands and demonstrates the need for confidentiality and discretion
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
The demonstrated ability to develop the rapport necessary to build, maintain and/or
strengthen partnerships and relationships inside and outside of the university:
Seeks out and promotes positive relationships
Builds opportunities through collaboration and partnerships
Maximizes opportunities to achieve outcomes through or with others
Demonstrates understanding, respect and concern for others
Participates willingly and openly supports team decisions
Proactively deals with conflict by openly addressing problems
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
Location
Saskatoon is the biggest city in Saskatchewan, with a population of about 260,000. The
U of S sits in the centre of the city on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
Saskatoon is well known for many things—its beautiful riverbank and skylines, the
many bridges that join the city across the water, its warm and sunny summers and
its less than warm winters. Luckily, the sun still shines even on the coldest days. In
fact, Saskatoon is one of the sunniest cities in Canada. There are year-round festivals,
activities and celebrations to take part in, and a blossoming foodie and local shopping
scene that has people talking.
The city, and the province, has seen significant growth in recent years. Though it is
getting bigger, it still retains its sense of community. It is a university town, and the
university is an important part of what makes Saskatoon so special. Visit saskatoon.ca
for more information.
Although the main campus is located in Saskatoon, the U of S is truly the province’s
university. Programs and partnerships with other colleges and schools make it easy
for students to complete a U of S degree while staying at home in their communities
around the province.
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
DID YOU KNOW?
OUR STUDENTS
OVER
OVER
STUDENTS
FROM OVER
SELF- DECLARED
23,800 2,300
ABORIGINAL
STUDENTS
100
OVER
OVER
3,900
3,300
2
3
GRADUATE
STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
COUNTRIES
STUDY HERE
OUR CAMPUS
15
OVER
120
HUSKIE
ATHLETIC
CHAMPIONSHIPS
ATHLETICS
TEAMS
CANADIAN
LIGHT SOURCE
SYNCHROTRON
VIDOINTERVAC
THE GLOBAL
INSTITUTE
FOR WATER
SECURITY
NOBEL
PRIZE
RECIPIENTS
THE GLOBAL
INSTITUTE
FOR FOOD
SECURITY
13
COLLEGES
GRADUATE
SCHOOLS
TOXICOLOGY
CENTRE
6
AFFILIATED
OR FEDERATED
COLLEGES
SYLVIA
FEDORUK
CENTRE
OUR ALUMNI
280 5
1OSCAR
MORE THAN
ORDERS OF
CANADA
PRIME
MINISTER OF
CANADA
11
OLYMPIC
GOLD
WINNER
MEDALISTS
8
3
PREMIERS
OF CANADA
JUSTICES OF
THE SUPREME
COURT OF
CANADA
73
RHODES
SCHOLARS
UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS
6
GOVERNOR
GENERAL’S
LITERARY
AWARD
WINNERS
To explore this opportunity
further, please send your
resume in confidence to
usask@boyden.com or contact:
Kevin Gregor Partner
kgregor@boyden.com
Morgan Campbell
Associate Partner
mcampbell@boyden.com
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UNIVERSIT Y OF SASKATCHEWAN / APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENT UNIVERSIT Y RELATIONS