President and Vice-Chancellor

President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Northern British Columbia

Prince George, British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is seeking an exceptional, values-driven leader to serve as its next President and Vice-Chancellor. This is a rare opportunity to lead a distinctive Canadian university that is deeply rooted in northern British Columbia and nationally recognized for its impact in teaching, research, sustainability, and community engagement.

The Organization

UNBC operates within a vast and diverse region that shapes its identity and impact. Northern British Columbia is home to about 300,000 people, and UNBC serves a region spread across an area the size of France with many rapidly changing communities, resource-based economies, and Indigenous peoples, including many distinct First Nations. The University’s distributed campus model spans Prince George, Quesnel, Fort St. John, Terrace, and Prince Rupert, each with its own unique local context and community relationships. UNBC also has a long-standing federated agreement with Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Institute in Gitwinksiklhw.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to strengthening and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities. The University aspires to strong relationships with all Nations on whose unceded and treaty territories our campuses are situated, and with other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities throughout the North.

Located in north-central British Columbia, UNBC provides outstanding learning and research opportunities that explore cultures, health, economies, sciences, and the environment. As one of BC’s four research universities under the University Act, we bring new knowledge to students and to the world while fostering a welcoming community that is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. The University is also Canada’s Green University™ and consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s rankings and recently placed in the top 5% of the Times Higher Education World University Ranking.

UNBC’s work is inherently place-based. The teaching, research, and partnerships of the University are tied to the priorities of the North, including rural and remote health, environmental stewardship, energy and natural resources, and community resilience.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Governors, the President and Vice-Chancellor serves as the University’s chief executive officer and leads the University in achieving its vision, mission, and strategic plan. The President oversees the academic, research, administrative, financial, and external relations of the University, and is accountable for furthering institutional sustainability, reputation, and impact. As Chair of Senate and a member of the Board of Governors, the President ensures effective governance, collegial decision-making, and the quality and integrity of all academic programs.

A central responsibility of the role is visible, authentic leadership reflecting respect for Indigenous peoples, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, and supporting meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities.

The Ideal Candidate

As the successful candidate, you are a collaborative, community-oriented leader with the credibility and presence to lead a research-intensive regional university. You bring intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex environments with empathy and resolve.

Qualifications and Experience

• An earned doctorate, preferably with credentials suitable for appointment at the rank of Professor.
• Extensive senior administrative experience, with demonstrated financial and operational acumen in a complex organization.
• Proven ability to lead in a unionized environment, including experience with labour relations and collective bargaining.
• Effective communication skills and public presence, with the ability to serve as a visible ambassador for the University.
• A record of effective partnership-building, fundraising, and engagement with government, Indigenous organizations, and community partners.