Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public special-purpose teaching university, serving Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia with a proud history dating back to 1936. From its origins as a community-focused institution, VIU has evolved into a teaching-focused university serving approximately 12,000 students annually, representing approximately 8,100 full-time equivalents from 85 countries. 

Reporting to the Board of Governors and serving as Vice-Chancellor, the President is the University’s Chief Executive Officer and public representative, accountable for the overall leadership, strategic direction and performance of the institution. Working closely with a committed Board and an experienced Senior Management Team, the President will help lead VIU through a critical phase centred on sustainable growth, enrolment stability, institutional transformation and sector-wide change. 

The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive leader with experience in a post-secondary environment of comparable complexity and scope. Strategic and data-informed, VIU’s next President will bring the capacity to synthesize complex issues, manage change thoughtfully and communicate with clarity and purpose. This individual will demonstrate strong governance acumen, political insight and the credibility to build productive relationships with the Board, Senate and government. An effective influencer and consensus builder, the President balances consultation with decisiveness, holding leaders accountable while fostering trust and transparency. Personally, VIU’s next leader is resilient, values-driven and grounded – someone whose integrity, emotional intelligence, presence and business acumen inspires confidence across campus and within the broader community and ecosystem. 

This is an opportunity to lead a university that is both ambitious and authentically connected to its place. Situated in Nanaimo – one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing and most livable and temperate coastal communities – VIU offers the rare combination of strategic complexity and quality of life. With its oceanfront setting, strong partnerships and vital role in regional prosperity and productivity, the University stands at the centre of a dynamic and evolving region. For a leader drawn to meaningful impact, community engagement and the stewardship of a mission-driven institution at a defining moment, the presidency of Vancouver Island University represents a compelling and consequential next chapter.

VIU offers a competitive compensation package which includes an attractive base salary and excellent benefits, including a defined benefits pension plan. The compensation range for this role is $245,000 - $288,000. Further details will be discussed with candidates during the interview process. To explore this opportunity further, please click Apply https://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3323

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.