"Secretary General, Governance and University Life"

Founded in 1848 and located in the heart of the nation’s capital, Saint Paul University (SPU) is a bilingual institution federated with the University of Ottawa. Faithful to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, SPU distinguishes itself through the quality of its teaching, the richness of its university life, and its commitment to human dignity, social justice, and the dialogue between faith, reason, and culture.

SPU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields - including theology, philosophy, canon law, social communication, public ethics, social innovation, counselling and psychotherapy, conflict studies, and transformative leadership and welcomes a diverse, open, and engaged university community.

Reporting to the Rector, the incumbent of the position Secretary General, Governance and University Life plays a central role in the governance and institutional life of Saint Paul University (SPU). In this capacity, the incumbent serves as a strategic advisor to the Rector and contributes to the effective functioning of the University at both the corporate and community levels.

A role at the heart of governance and university lifeIn the responsibilities associated with the Governance stream, the incumbent ensures the implementation of exemplary governance practices in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. The incumbent ensures that the University’s decision-making bodies operate with rigour, transparency, and fairness, and that administrative and decision-making processes support the mission, vision, and values of SPU. The incumbent oversees the legal and regulatory compliance of decisions, the preservation of institutional archives, and the application of policies related to access to information, the protection of personal information, and institutional ethics.

In the responsibilities associated with the University Life stream, the incumbent leads and coordinates activities and services that foster the well-being, engagement, and success of the university community while contributing to a spirit of living together. The incumbent helps create a healthy, inclusive, and inspiring learning and working environment, where diversity, social justice, and the integral development of the person are central priorities. Close collaboration is maintained notably with the deans, faculty leadership, student associations, the student success centre, Indigenous services, and pastoral services in order to ensure the coherence, vitality, and quality of the overall university experience. The incumbent also contributes to conflict resolution processes.

As a member of the senior leadership team and the Administration Committee, the incumbent actively participates in the strategic planning of the University and in the implementation of its major orientations. The incumbent provides strategic monitoring of current issues and trends in order to identify opportunities or risks that may affect the institution. The incumbent also supports the Rector in institutional representation with civil, religious, and community partners, and contributes to enhancing the visibility and impact of the University at the local, national, and international levels.

Through collaborative and unifying leadership, the person leading the Office of the Secretary General, Governance and University Life embodies the values of SPU: excellence, respect, justice, and service, in a spirit of openness, dialogue, and faith in human dignity.

Ideal ProfileAs the ideal candidate, you are a collaborative, unifying and principled leader, recognized for your strategic insight, your rigour, and your ability to bring people together around shared goals. You have significant experience in governance and a deep understanding of institutional dynamics - particularly within the academic sector - combined with a strong commitment to well-being, student success, and community life.

You are comfortable operating in both administrative and academic spheres, and you are able to balance the demands of compliance and transparency with a human-centred, inclusive, and service-oriented approach. Through your collaborative and influential leadership, you inspire trust, encourage engagement, and foster innovation.

Diplomatic and adept at communicating with diverse audiences, you excel in managing interpersonal and institutional relationships. You listen attentively, analyze with rigour, and act with discernment and fairness. Your colleagues describe you as empathetic, approachable, respectful, organized, consistent, and just—someone with a strong ethical sense and a deep respect for the values of a Catholic university.

In harmony with SPU’s mission, you demonstrate a sincere openness to the diversity of people, cultures, and convictions. You are able to integrate faith, reason, and culture in a perspective of inclusion, social justice, and the integral development of the person. You are fully proficient in English and French, both spoken and written, and navigate easily in both official languages.

A Committed and Inclusive WorkplaceSaint Paul University is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and other equity-seeking groups. We value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. In keeping with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In keeping with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, Boyden and Saint Paul University will provide accommodations upon request during the recruitment, selection and assessment process for candidates with a disability.

Submitting Your ApplicationInterested candidates are invited to submit their application package, including their curriculum vitae and any other relevant documentation, no later than Friday, January 16, 2026, to: mgaudreault@boyden.com, indicating the title of the position in the subject line of the email.

*We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.*