Vice President, Finance and Administration

Dalhousie University operates in the unceded territories of the Mi’kmaw, Wolastoqey, and Peskotomuhkati Peoples. These sovereign nations hold inherent rights as the original peoples of these lands, and we each carry collective obligations under the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and Treaty rights in Canada.

We recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people whose histories, legacies and contributions have enriched that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia for over 400 years. 

Dalhousie University is seeking our next Vice President Finance and Administration.

Located on Canada’s East Coast, with campuses in the vibrant oceanside city of Halifax and an Agricultural Campus in Truro —known as the Hub of Nova Scotia— Dalhousie University is proud to serve as the province’s leading research-intensive institution. We welcome more than 21,000 students from across the province, the country, and over 115 countries worldwide. In addition to our main campuses, Dalhousie offers academic programming and clinical learning opportunities in communities across Nova Scotia, including in Yarmouth and Cape Breton, as well as a medical campus in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dalhousie combines teaching and research excellence with a strong sense of civic responsibility—attracting more than $210 million in external research funding each year. From connecting graduates to high-demand careers to supporting innovation, to partnering directly with local industries and communities, Dalhousie is committed to building a stronger Nova Scotia while growing our impact nationally and globally.

Dalhousie’s Vice President Finance and Administration (VPFA) is a valued senior leader, reporting to the President and working with senior leaders and the Board of Governors to support Dalhousie’s mission and strategic direction through planning, directing, and overseeing the administrative and business functions of the university. The VPFA works closely in collaboration with the Provost and Vice President Academic to develop and implement Dalhousie’s budget and is responsible for a range of university services including Facilities Management, Financial Services, University Risk and Assurance, Information Technology Services, Athletics and Ancillary Services, Sustainability, and Housing and Campus Connections.

While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position:

Leadership Experiences and Achievements Required

• advanced education and/or professional credentials
• significant leadership experience across a breadth of administrative functions
• experience working within a complex governance structure, a unionized environment, and a broadly accountable context whose objectives extend beyond just financial results
• experience effectively managing financial challenges
• demonstrated experience building, mentoring, and empowering high-performing diverse teams
• proven leadership in equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and a demonstrated commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
• demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and honesty
• a record of successfully leading teams and organizations through change and uncertainty
• the ability to communicate effectively and build authentic relationships in varying contexts from the board room to the coffee line
• the ability to make hard decisions using an empathetic and people-centered approach
• enthusiasm and passion for the mission of the university

Assets

• experience with capital planning and facilities renewal
• experience modernizing technology infrastructure and managing risks related to cyber security and AI applications
• experience providing leadership for ancillary units, athletics, housing, and/or sustainability
• a strong national network in related fields
• a professional accounting and/or finance designation
• a record of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities
• proven ability to advocate and liaise effectively with government bodies, industry associations, and professional organizations at a local, provincial, and national level
• experience managing enterprise risk at a programmatic level

Competencies
As with all Dalhousie senior leaders the VPFA will be required to demonstrate Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, with the below being of particular importance to success in the role:

• Thinking and Acting Strategically
• Accountability for Performance and Results
• Change and Innovation
• Relationship Building
• Respect and Inclusion

How to Apply:
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. A complete application will include a full CV and cover letter describing how you meet the selection criteria, why the appointment is of interest, and what you believe you can bring to the role. To be considered, please submit your application by May 8th through this link.

For more information and to review the more detailed position brief, please contact the leadership recruitment team at [email protected].

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

If we contact you for an interview and you are a person with a disability who requires technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and any way in which we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University recognizes its obligation to accommodate candidates in order to ensure full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.