Opportunity Profile
Associate Vice President, Scholarship,
Research, and Creative Activity
THE LOCATION NANAIMO, BC
Nanaimo is a city of approximately 88,000 residents, located on beautiful Vancouver Island – a
tourist destination blessed with the natural beauty of mountains, forests, and seashore, a mild
climate, and many opportunities for year-round outdoor sport and recreation. Nanaimo is close to
the major metropolitan areas of Vancouver and Victoria, providing the best of all worlds to its
residents.
THE ORGANIZATION VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY
Known as a centre of excellence for teaching, applied research and learning, Vancouver Island
University (VIU) is producing quality graduates in demand by employers across the country and
around the world. With roots that date back to 1936 when Nanaimo’s first vocational training
school opened its doors, VIU shares a rich history and connection with its communities. It is this
history and commitment to people that has provided VIU with a solid foundation on which it
continues to grow.
In 2008, Malaspina University-College became a university under an amendment of the University
Act and officially began operation as Vancouver Island University on September 1, 2008. The
main campus of VIU is located in Nanaimo, with regional campuses in Cowichan Valley and
Powell River and a campus centre in Parksville. VIU has evolved into a dynamic, internationallyknown university supporting a student population in excess of 18,000 full- and part-time learners
(including 1,500 international students and over 2,000 Aboriginal students), and employing over
2,000 faculty and staff. VIU proudly fosters student success, strong community connections,
international collaborations, and provides access to a wide range of programs – academic,
applied, career/technical, vocational, and developmental – designed for regional, national, and
international students.
VIU is a dynamic and internationally respected university with a reputation for its Aboriginalfocused programs, for attracting international students, for leading-edge Coastal Resource
Management programs, and for trades and technology programs. Located on British Columbia’s
spectacular West Coast, VIU offers both students and employees the opportunity to live and learn
in one of the most beautiful university settings in Canada.
To learn more, visit: www.viu.ca
Vancouver Island University’s Purpose, Vision, and Values
Purpose:
As a leader in providing high-quality learning, Vancouver Island University supports the well-being
of the people of Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia by promoting a high quality of life
for their communities through commitment to student success, community engagement and
associated scholarship.
VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY – Associate Vice President, Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity – Opportunity Profile
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Visionary Goal:
Through the promotion of excellence in learning, we inspire our students and the people of
Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia as a trusted educational partner in the search for
sustainable cultural, economic, environmental, and social prosperity.
Core Values:
Our core values which support our vision, shape our culture, and reflect VIU’s principles and
philosophy are as follows:
Learning – We support student success, access to education, appropriate use of technology,
development of literacies, communication and exchange of ideas across disciplines and locations,
exploration and application of new thought, and pursuit of lifelong learning.
Discovery – Through the pursuit of free enquiry, we promote an enduring learning community.
Engagement – We value ongoing cooperation with our partners in education, with communities in
our region, and with colleagues throughout the world.
Achievement – We believe in the potential of our learners, and are committed to promoting the
excellence and success of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Diversity – We value human diversity in all its dimensions, and are committed to maintaining
learning and working environments which are equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
Celebration – We celebrate the achievements of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the
communities we serve.
Sustainability – We support a healthy, sustainable environment through progressive operational
practices and promotion of environmental awareness.
THE OPPORTUNITY AVP, SCHOLARSHIP, RESEARCH AND CREATIVE
ACTIVITY
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the AVP, Scholarship, Research, and
Creative Activity is VIU’s advocate and leader for the integration, promotion, and advancement of
Scholarly Activity and Creative Engagement across the institution, and within the region and its
communities. This position regularly interacts with Deans, faculty, staff, business and community
leaders, as well as federal, provincial, and agency officials.
Key Responsibilities
The AVP, Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity has responsibilities in the following areas:
Advise the President, Provost and other members of the Senior Management Group in the
formulation of programs, strategies and policies to enhance VIU’s role and mission as
defined in the Academic Plan, with particular reference to the promotion of excellence in
learning, scholarly activity and community engagement.
Provide intellectual leadership and a strong commitment to scholarly activity that
addresses the University’s mandate.
Design, establish and maintain an organizational structure and staffing that effectively
accomplish the University’s scholarship and community engagement.
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Establish and implement short and long term organizational goals, strategic plans, policies
and operating procedures that are consistent with institutional goals, policies and
procedures.
Serve as the Authorized Institutional Officer with signing authority for research grants,
contracts, certificates and other federal level assurances.
Provide oversight for the promotion of a culture of excellence in learning by working
closely with the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning.
Provide leadership and direction for fostering a culture of scholarly activity that builds on
VIU’s role as a teaching regional university, the Academic Plan, the Regional Action Plan,
and commitment to community engagement.
Promote applied research as a centerpiece of that mandate.
Promote and manage community engagement, including experiential learning, applied
research and knowledge mobilization.
Work closely with the Director of the Centre for Community Engagement to develop a
strategic plan for community engagement
Lead in the development of a Scholarly Activity Strategic Plan that builds on the direction
set out in VIU’s Academic Plan and other associated plans.
Implement the Scholarly Activity Strategic Plan.
Identify and promote opportunities for increased undergraduate research.
Identify opportunities for funding community engagement and research and scholarly
activity and promote faculty and instructor involvement in taking advantage of funding
opportunities.
Develop budgets and budget submissions.
Provide leadership for the management and commercialization of intellectual property.
Oversee the operation of the Office of Research and Scholarly Activity; including TriCouncil Memorandum of Understanding, day-to-day operations, office budgets and
compliance with ethics and animal care.
Work closely with the Provost, and Deans and Directors to identify research opportunities,
and funding and facility needs.
Provide oversight for the Centre for Community Engagement nd other similar institutes
and centres.
Provide advice to and support for Research Chairs.
Organize opportunities for researchers to develop collaborative opportunities with partners
internal and external to VIU.
Take the lead in responding effectively to major opportunities or issues that arise related to
research and scholarly activity.
Promote research investment needs during the budget process.
Identify special capital projects that are needed to fund research that addresses the
Academic Plan and Scholarly Activity Strategic Plan.
Provide management and direction for the Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and
Research Contract functions for the Institution by working collaboratively with the Office of
the Vice-President Administration and Finance.
Provide oversight and management of Animal Care and Research Ethics, including
supervision of the Research Ethics Officer.
Represent the University at provincial and national programs.
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Serve on ad hoc and standing University committees.
THE PERSON
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels;
Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to inspire those within the organization;
Demonstrate creative thinking and the ability to develop solutions within challenging
environments;
Commitment and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse constituents;
An appreciation for and experience in applied research;
A commitment to developing, enhancing, and sustaining a diverse student body, faculty,
and staff;
Ability to work under pressure, against time constraints and in a rapidly changeable
environment;
In-depth knowledge of BC post-secondary educational environment is an asset.
Required Qualifications
The incumbent will possess:
PhD or equivalent academic research degree from an accredited university.
Academic credentials, scholarly activity, community engagement and/or appropriate
agency, NGO or private practice experience sufficient to qualify for appointment.
Demonstrated success in acquiring competitive funding for scholarly activity or community
engagement.
Evidence of significant scholarly work including publications, creative works or consulting
activity.
Evidence of successful grant writing.
Proven leadership, project management and administrative capabilities.
Commitment and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse constituents.
An appreciation for and experience in applied research.
A commitment to developing, enhancing and sustaining a diverse student body, faculty
and staff.
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Competencies and Personal Characteristics
Leadership – Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the
contribution of others; a proactive and positive team player who acts with a sense of urgency and
leads by example; sets and communicates clear goals.
Accountable – Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities; focuses on results and
measuring attainment of outcomes in a business focus.
Strategic – Develops and implements a plan in support of organizational strategic direction.
Demonstrates an understanding of the link between one’s job responsibilities and overall
organizational goals and needs, and performs one’s job with the broader goals in mind.
Communication – Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and
purpose; communicates effectively in both positive and negative circumstances; listens well.
Creativity and Innovation – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional
approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting
edge programs/processes.
Effective Working Relationships – Treats staff, colleagues, and customers with respect;
resolves conflicts respectfully and in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides
effective feedback to colleagues/employees.
Integrity and Honesty – Demonstrates a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit and
intent behind the rules and core values of the organization, setting an example of professionalism
and ethical propriety.
Client Focused – Anticipates, responds, and attends to the needs of clients and other internal
and external stakeholders of the department and organization. Keeps the member or customer
interests in the forefront.
COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and
excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed further in a personal interview.
FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Robin Noftall or Greg Longster
Davies Park Executive Search
#880 – 609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: vancouver@daviespark.com
Additional information can be found at: www.daviespark.com
VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY – Associate Vice President, Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity – Opportunity Profile
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