Assistant Vice-President, Artificial Intelligence Strategy (AVP-AI)

It is within this dynamic academic environment that the University of Guelph invites applications for the role of Assistant Vice-President, Artificial Intelligence Strategy (AVP-AI).

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and working with a pan-university mandate, the AVP-AI is a leadership role responsible for setting and stewarding the University’s institutional strategy for artificial intelligence across research, teaching and learning, and operations. This newly created role represents a significant opportunity to advance the University’s position as a leader in the responsible, mission-aligned adoption of AI.

The AVP-AI will provide enterprise-level vision, governance, and coordination for AI initiatives across the institution, working collaboratively with academic leaders, faculty and academic staff, researchers, administrative executives, staff, and students. The role focuses on strategic alignment, policy development, institutional readiness, and capability-building, overseeing the successful implementation and execution of AI initiatives and ensuring that AI investments and applications advance the University’s academic mission, values, and long-term priorities.

An influential and collaborative leader, the AVP-AI will provide thought leadership on emerging AI trends, opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations, advising the Provost, President, and senior leadership on institutional positioning, investment decisions, and governance frameworks. The role will also represent the University in external AI networks, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives at the regional, national, and international levels.

The successful candidate will, ideally, be an academic leader with demonstrated excellence in AI-based research and application, a deep understanding of AI technologies and research frontiers, and a strong commitment to responsible, ethical, and equitable AI. The AVP-AI will be a highly effective communicator and relationship-builder, with the ability to operate at an enterprise level and influence across organizational boundaries without direct authority.

Experience leading interdisciplinary or institution-wide initiatives, knowledge of AI governance and policy development, and familiarity with the Canadian higher education context are considered strong assets.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Kathy Rahme (krahme@boyden.com) and Collin Ritch (critch@boyden.com) of Boyden Executive Search. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume directly at: https://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3212