Job Description

Niagara University Ontario – Who are we?

Niagara University is a private Catholic institution with a proud tradition of a north American/binational presence with campuses located in Vaughan, Ontario, and Lewiston, New York. As a private Catholic institution founded in 1856, Niagara University has had an educational presence in the Greater Toronto area for over 40 years with a proud tradition of graduating outstanding students who go on to serve the GTA in many leadership positions.

Strategically situated in Vaughan, Ontario, the campus provides convenient access for staff and students across the Greater Toronto Area. The modern facilities create an engaging learning environment designed to support professional development across multiple disciplines.

Our Vaughan location offers significant advantages for both students and employees:

• Centrally positioned in the GTA with excellent highway and public transit access
• Proximity to York Region and Toronto's diverse business community, creating rich networking and employment opportunities
• Located in one of Canada's fastest-growing municipalities, with ongoing development and investment
• Access to the cultural diversity and amenities of the Greater Toronto Area
• Connection to industry leaders across multiple sectors, facilitating research partnerships and experiential learning
• Part of the innovation corridor that stretches throughout Southern Ontario

Academic Programs

Niagara University offers the following programs at our Vaughan campus:

• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Education (BPS)
• Master of Educational in Leadership (MSED) *Fully online
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics (ISDF)
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (CJA)
• Master of Arts in Disaster/Emergency Management and National Security (DEM)

Niagara University Ontario emphasizes a values-based approach to education, combining rigorous academic standards with a commitment to developing professionals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Student Experience

Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and strong connections to employers and institutions throughout Ontario. The university maintains a supportive community atmosphere that encourages professional growth and networking opportunities across industries. With a year over year graduation rate of 93%, NUO is a leader in post-graduate career advancement education.

Join our team, we are now searching for:

Dean and Campus Principal

We are seeking an experienced senior administrator ready to take their career to the next level.

This role offers:

• A growth-oriented position with opportunities to support the growth strategy for our expanding Ontario campus
• Opportunity to engage with all levels of government to advance the interests of the University
• Collaboration with academic and administrative departments to support all facets of campus operations
• Professional development opportunities within a supportive institutional environment
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our growing campus community

The ideal candidate brings proven senior leadership experience at a college or university in Canada. Experience within the Ontario education sector is preferred but not required. You are quick learner and eager to lead and support to the Niagara University in Ontario leadership team. Lastly, you value learning and supporting students to reach their educational goals.

Working at Niagara University Ontario means becoming part of an institution dedicated to transforming lives through education. Our faculty and staff play a vital role in preparing the next generation of leaders for Ontario's schools, businesses, and community organizations.

The Dean and Campus Principal is the senior administrative leader of the Niagara University campus in Ontario, Canada, reporting directly to the University President. The incumbent will serve on the President's Senior Leadership Team and is a resource to the University's Board of Trustees. The Dean and Campus Principle provides visionary, strategic leadership, and advocacy for the development of long- and short-term campus goals, and provides organizational leadership, oversight of personnel and campus operations, compliance and governance. This senior campus leader works cooperatively within Niagara University in Ontario (NUO) and New York to strengthen and expand programs and activities in ways that exemplify the University by engaging with community partners to advance the University's vision and mission. Critical areas of focus for the Dean and Campus Principal include quality assurance, governance and building government relationships, strategic enrolment management, exploring program mix, expanding educational and corporate partnerships, raising awareness of the University within the greater Toronto area, across Ontario, and internationally, , and increasing fiscal resources to support operational needs.

The incumbent is responsible for developing and guiding implementation of NUO's campus strategic plan that aligns with the broader University vision, ensures adherence to NU policies and procedures, augmenting and/or developing NUO policies and procedures where appropriate and as required., responsible for multi-year fiscal and resource planning and oversight, , oversight of academic, operational and enrolment processes , of the Niagara University campus in Ontario. The Dean and Campus Principal represents the interests of the Ontario campus in the wider administrative and academic community of Niagara University (NU), collaborating on curriculum, program expansion, compliance enrollment, branding and marketing in Ontario. In addition, the Dean and Campus Principal is expected to show collaborative leadership and initiative in all aspects of advancement and development including maintaining strong community and alumni relations. The Dean and Campus Principal will foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for a diverse student body, faculty and staff. The incumbent will support initiatives related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belongingness in collaboration with the Vincentian Excellence committee and the and engaging the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. As a student-centered leader the Dean and Campus Principal will support strategic efforts focused on student services, including but not limited to building experiential learning opportunities with Academic Deans to support MCURS requirements, health and wellness initiatives, career events, social events that support student learning, development, wellness and growth.

The incumbent will provide supervision to and development of, members of the campus leadership team to foster a highly effective and collaborative work environment leading to collaborative, collegial and outstanding leadership across campus.

The role of Dean and Campus Principal requires a high degree of diplomacy and effective communication skills, to be accessible and approachable, and to have a leadership style which encourages faculty, administration, and staff participation through consultation and delegation. The incumbent must be a reflective and engaged listener, with extensive administrative experience and a demonstrated record of leading and managing multiple priorities and reporting relationships and possess a keen ability to drive key initiates with a sense of urgency. As a Senior Administrator of an independent Catholic University, the Dean and Campus Principal shall demonstrate a familiarity with the Catholic tradition of higher education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide visionary leadership to articulate and execute a strategic vision for the university's growth and development.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence among faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop and action integrative multi-year fiscal and resource planning, and resource allocation to ensure the university's fiscal health and sustainability and maintain focus on funding strategic priorities.
• In collaboration with VP Advancement, engage in, and support, fundraising efforts, grant acquisition, and philanthropic initiatives to secure additional financial resources.
• Oversight of enrolment to implement recruitment strategies that attract a broad and diverse pool of domestic and international students.
• Oversight of admissions and student services, ensuring effective admission processes, student support services, and retention programs.
• Oversight of IT and operations, ensuring responsive operations and multi-year maintenance planning.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with faculty, NUO leadership team, staff, alumni, donors, government officials, and the local community.
• Liaison with the Provost and Academic Deans regarding academic programs, faculty development, consent renewals and compliance.
• Coordinate external reviews (e.g.,PEQAB), launch new programs, ongoing reviews (PEQAB)
• Foster partnerships and collaborations with other educational institutions and organizations in the GTA and the province.
• Responsible for all matters related to MCURES, PEQAB, IRCC, PAL allocation and ISP/DLI compliance processes and requirements.
• Responsible for understanding and actioning governance of a private American University based in Ontario, Canada.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the university's mission and goals.
• Working with Academic Deans, regularly assess programs and adapt strategies to meet changing educational and market demands.
• Promote academic excellence in concert with the Provost and Academic Deans by supporting faculty development, research initiatives, and innovative teaching and learning methods.
• Work with Academic Deans to ensure curriculum alignment with industry trends and accreditation standards.
• Enhance the university's reputation and visibility through effective branding and marketing strategies.
• Work with Academic Deans and Provost to lead efforts to attract and retain top-notch faculty.
• Effectively communicate the university's mission, values, and achievements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Be an exceptional communicator both verbally and written with efforts to always maintain open lines of communication.
• Champion a diverse and inclusive campus culture, promoting equity and inclusion for all members of the university community.
• Implement and support DEI initiatives at Niagara University Ontario fostering a welcoming environment.
• Stay informed about government regulations and policies affecting higher education institutions in Ontario.
• Participated on provincial meetings with MCRUES focused on private Universities.
• Advocate for the university's interests with MCURES, Ministry of Education, IRCC, all levels of government and other regulatory and governance bodies.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. A Ph.D., Ed.D., from an accredited institution.
2. Proven experience in higher education leadership, preferably as a college or university, senior leader (e.g, dean, campus principal, or vice-president).
3. Demonstrated success in quality assurance and compliance, strategic enrollment management, fundraising, multi-year integrated fiscal and resources planning and oversight.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including cultural competence and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
5. A commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion in the Canadian/Ontario context, and the ability to lead initiatives to promote these values.
6. Visionary thinking, strategic planning abilities, and a history of driving academic excellence.
7. Familiarity with international student recruitment and global education trends. Political and regulatory acumen related to higher education policy and compliance.
8. Strong organizational and communication skills.
9. Ability to communicate effectively with key government officials, as well as internal stakeholder groups.
10. Computer literate including Microsoft Office and department related computer applications. Advanced technical and data management skills.
11. Familiarity with Ontario stakeholder organizations in higher education leadership and within the fields of approved programs.
12. Ability to work independently and on occasion evenings, weekends, holidays, and out-of-town travel.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS

The functions of the position are typically performed sitting, but at times require standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements. Tasks involving working on a computer keyboard, calculator, cutting, labeling, and taping involve extensive wrist and hand movement. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others or to otherwise demonstrate or explain how they can perform the essential functions listed above. This position also requires the ability to travel whenever the need arises.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

1. A Ph.D., Ed.D., from an accredited institution.
2. Proven experience in higher education leadership, preferably as a college or university, senior leader (e.g., vice president, dean.)
3. Valid Ontario driver's license required. License must meet insurance company rules and regulations for driving underwriting criteria and be able to legally cross without restriction the United States/Canada border.