Candidate Profile
PRESIDENT & VICE CHANCELLOR Simon Fraser University
The Search Committee has developed the following criteria for the background, experience, skills, and personal qualities the committee will consider in its search for the next President & Vice Chancellor of Simon Fraser University. While these are not the total list of qualities required to fulfill the responsibility of this role, they are seen to be the most important.
PRIORITY CRITERIA
Related Experience: Related Experience: Successful senior leadership and administrative experience gained as a Dean, Vice President or President in a well respected university. Alternatively, candidates could bring executive experience, from the public or private sector provided that they have a close understanding of the post-secondary sector. Through experience, has gained thorough knowledge of and respect for teaching, research and the role of a post-secondary institution in society and the challenges facing the post-secondary sector. International experience will be an asset. Academic: Brings strong academic credibility as a result of promoting and developing both teaching and research excellence. Well respected academic qualifications are preferred. Strategic: Strategic Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to work with others to set priorities and establish strategies to move a complex organization forward in establishing and realizing its vision. Thinks in broad future terms and able to envision and articulate a range of possibilities. Sees the big picture in which an organization functions. Innovative, open to new ideas and a progressive thinker with regards to education and learning. Financial Acumen: Solid financial acumen. Able to understand and manage the financial drivers of a large, complex organization with multiple funding sources. Understands and effectively manages risk. Brings innovative thinking to opportunities and challenges. Leader: A Visionary Leader: Highly effective at bringing people together to focus on the vision and strategy of an organization. Effective at garnering buy-in for and leading positive organizational and cultural change. Positive, enthusiastic, inclusive, engaging and charismatic leadership style. A strong team leader and team member with the demonstrated ability to work in a collegial environment. Skills: Consummate Relationship Skills : Is engaging, approachable, diplomatic, open and transparent and thrives on meaningful interactions with others. Able to establish and maintain a highly effective working relationship with the Board Chair, other board members, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders. Able to develop and maintain productive relationships with all levels of government and the community.
PRIORITY CRITERIA (cont’d)
Highly Effective Communicator: Able to communicate effectively in a wide range of arenas. Communicator: nicator Effective at communicating to the general public through the media. Transparent, clear and articulate and an excellent listener. Student Centered: A demonstrated appreciation for students and student learning. A real affinity for the elements that contribute to a rewarding campus life. Understands and promotes new forms of learning. Highly Personable: A genuine people-person who will be interested in and will reach out to Personable: individuals at all levels. Has high emotional intelligence, is down to earth, engages naturally with others. Culturally sensitive and internationally aware. Character: Strength of Character: High level of self-confidence. Able to effectively advance his/her views and perspectives. Able to hold true in difficult situations. Adaptable, comfortable dealing with ambiguity. Unquestionable integrity. Acuity: Political Acuity: Has the capacity to partner with municipal, provincial and federal government officials to advance common interests. Brings the necessary diplomacy and persuasive abilities to be successful in a complex political environment. Fundraising: Fundraising: Has the capacity for and an interest in fundraising. Has the required skills to attract individuals, corporate partnerships/sponsorships and endowment funds by building stronger linkages with the broader community including industry, educational institutions and government.