Executive Director, Western Continuing Studies

Western University

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapéewak and Chonnonton peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom Western recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, Western University is Canada’s third largest research-intensive university, and is a founding member of the U15 group of Canada’s distinguished research universities. Since its first graduating class in 1883, Western University has become a vibrant centre of learning, attracting students with broad worldviews seeking to study, engage, and lead. As Western looks towards its 150th anniversary in 2028, the University is poised for even greater impact, with a focus on educating, supporting, and encouraging leaders who think and act boldly in response to the grand challenges of our times.
Western Continuing Studies (WCS) - the continuing education portfolio of Western University – is the educational bridge between the university and the global community. WCS creates and delivers accessible, innovative and responsive programs, including credit and non-credit courses in professional development, personal interest, and corporate learning; post-degree diplomas integrated into Western’s academic programs; and, French immersion education through Western’s French Immersion School in Quebec. The WCS portfolio also includes the Western English Language Centre (WELC), offering English language programs supporting undergraduate and graduate international student success. In partnership with academic departments, employers, community organizations and professional associations, WCS serves over 2,500 unique learners on an annual basis, through innovative leadership in lifelong learning. For more information, visit www.wcs.uwo.ca.

Reporting to the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs, the Executive Director of Western Continuing Studies provides strategic leadership and operational management to the portfolio, including budgetary oversight and leadership of the WCS team, fosters the highest level of quality assurance in learning, new program development and the student experience, and develops partnerships and initiatives with academic, industry, and community partners and stakeholders. The Executive Director identifies opportunities to grow programming and revenue, advocates for innovative practices in lifelong learning, and ensures that WCS’s mandate reflects Western’s core academic vision, mission, and operating principles.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience, possesses business and financial acumen and a commitment to proactive outreach and community engagement, and has knowledge of principles, practices and trends in continuing education across North America. A dynamic and entrepreneurial leader, the Executive Director brings a track record of driving growth, innovation, and productivity in past portfolios with experience leading strategic planning in higher education and a passion for lifelong learning and the impact it has on society. The Executive Director is an outstanding communicator, a consummate collaborator, a natural relationship-builder, and an empowering leader who motivates staff and fosters a transparent, inclusive, and respectful environment.
Western University is located on the banks of the Thames River in London, Ontario, a thriving city to nearly 400,000 people, 200 kilometres west of Toronto. London is a safe and green city offering affordable housing, world-class health care facilities, culture, and is a hub for higher education, medical research, manufacturing, and technology. As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, London is known as the “Forest City” because of the natural beauty, trees, and green space found throughout. For more information, please visit www.westernu.ca.

Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting Odgers Berndtson. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.

Applications are encouraged immediately at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/19075. The Committee will begin considering candidates in September 2023, with the new Executive Director to take office in January 2024. To submit a nomination or to apply directly, please write to edwcs@odgersberndtson.com.