President and Vice-Chancellor

We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.

Memorial University of Newfoundland invites nominations and applications for the position of President and Vice-Chancellor (click title to view digital ad).

Since its founding in 1925, Memorial University has grown to more than 18,000 students and 3,700 faculty and staff: 100 degree programs are offered across Memorial’s multi-campus system, which includes the St. John’s Campus, the Marine Institute, the Labrador Institute, the Signal Hill Campus, the Grenfell Campus, and the Harlow Campus located in Essex, England. Research funding totals approximately $100 million annually, and Memorial’s nationally and internationally recognized faculty includes 29 fellows of the Royal Society of Canada and 20 Canada Research Chairs. Initiatives that are sparking the imagination and creating distinctive research opportunities, such as the Ocean Frontier Institute, COASTS (Cold Oceans and Arctic, Science, Technology and Society), C-CORE, and work in medical genetics are improving the environments in which we live and work. Growth in the area of teaching and learning continues across business, education, fine arts, sciences, health disciplines, and the humanities and social sciences, and the University’s unique partnership with Nunavut Arctic College enriches the teaching and research enterprise. A global network of more than 95,000 accomplished alumni—deeply engaged and committed to the success of the University—strengthen Memorial’s capacity and reputation for leadership in research, teaching, and public engagement. The institution is an exemplar for linking higher education with local communities. Where many are seeing the importance of responding to communities on a global and on a local level, Memorial University—the only university in the province, and established as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the First World War and subsequent conflicts—is recognized for its historical and ongoing commitment to building a better future for Newfoundland and Labrador, for Canada, and for the world. More information about Memorial University can be found at: https://www.mun.ca/.

For this next chapter in the University’s development, a bold, visionary, and strategic leader is sought. The new President must possess an inspirational style of leadership, encouraging faculty, staff, students, and alumni to see the world in new ways and encouraging them to recognize the role they play in changing it for the better. A strong communicator and champion for the University, they must be capable of navigating a range of audiences and demonstrating to others—in a compelling manner—why Memorial is an excellent place to study and work, pursue ideas, partner with, and invest in. 

The ideal candidate for President and Vice-Chancellor possesses an advanced terminal degree and senior administrative experience ideally gained within a multi-campus setting. They will have a track record of promoting and sustaining teaching and research excellence, a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, and an unwavering commitment to the student experience. The new President will possess the leadership skills and administrative experience to advance the University on all fronts, while honouring the deep traditions and values that are so important to the Newfoundland and Labrador community. They must have an open and transparent leadership style, exceptional interpersonal skills, experience with government relations and handling complex budgets, a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and an abiding respect for the principles of collegial governance.

This is a pivotal time in Memorial’s evolution: a time for strengthening its profile and deepening community ties, a time for positioning the University as a national and international leader in teaching and research, and a time for thinking boldly about new strategic directions and the future of the institution.

Consideration of candidates will begin in the summer of 2019, with the new President to take office in early 2020. Nominations and/or applications should be submitted, in confidence, to Gerri Woodford or Jason Murray at munpresident@odgersberndtson.com.

Memorial University is strongly committed to employment equity and especially welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of diverse sexuality and gender, and persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. 

Memorial University and Odgers Berndtson respect people’s different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants during the process. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Odgers Berndtson.