С»ÆÊéÊÓƵ

We acknowledge that Epekwitk, part of Mi’kma’ki, is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people, who in 1725, first signed the Treaties of Peace and Friendship with the British Crown. Those treaties did not deal with the surrender of lands and resources, but instead recognized Mi’kmaq title and negotiated a path toward an ongoing relationship between nations. We acknowledge that we carry out our daily work in Mi’kma’ki.

The С»ÆÊéÊÓƵ (UPEI) invites applications for its next President and Vice-Chancellor. This position represents an excellent opportunity to play a transformative role in the development of the University and its incredibly positive impact on the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and the world. We look forward to welcoming a visionary leader who shares our enthusiasm for this extraordinary post-secondary institution.

UPEI comprises circa 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students across nine faculties—Arts; Business; Education; Graduate Studies; Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies; Nursing; Science; Sustainable Design Engineering; and Veterinary Medicine—and two schools—Mathematical and Computational Sciences and Climate Change and Adaptation. The first cohort of UPEI’s new Faculty of Medicine will begin studies in 2025.

Located in Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island, С»ÆÊéÊÓƵ has a rich history. Formed in 1969 as the provincial university, С»ÆÊéÊÓƵ honours its proud legacy through academic excellence and research innovation. In 2019, the University celebrated 50 years of outstanding leadership and achievement in education and research with a full year of commemorative events and activities.

Reporting to the Board of Governors, the President and Vice-Chancellor will provide leadership to the UPEI community to collaboratively support the development and achievement of the University's mission and goals. Working in a highly transparent and collegial manner, the President will be responsible for building the vision and strategy for UPEI’s next stage of development. They will have an inclusive and people-centred approach focused on engaging students, staff, and faculty. The President will be responsible for managing operations and finance, as well as external relations with the provincial government, local communities, donors, and industry stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a people-first leadership approach and will personally align with the University’s values of Academic Freedom and Rigour; Accountability and Integrity; Excellence; and Inclusion, Equity, and Reconciliation. While UPEI recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates. 

They will be a credible academic and possess strategic leadership, management, and finance experience in a post-secondary setting. They will have a commitment to, and experience in, advancing the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reconciliation and Indigenization. They will also have broad experience in external relations, including in government engagement, governance, and fundraising. They will champion a culture of trust at С»ÆÊéÊÓƵ and bring to the position excellent relationship building and communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

An executive search is being undertaken by UPEI’s search partner Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the University in identifying a diverse field of qualified candidates and in the assessment of candidates against the selection criteria.

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae and cover letter describing briefly how the candidate meets the selection criteria, why the appointment is of interest, and what they believe they can bring to the role.

Further information about the appointment details and position profile can be found here:  

For details on how to apply, visit  quoting reference number 6686. Interested candidates are asked to submit applications by Friday, November 3, 2023.

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is dedicated to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.  

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.  

UPEI will provide support in the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact angela.licata@perrettlaver.com.

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Closing date for applications is November 3, 2023.