Lead a university built to meet the moment.
For more than 60 years, Simon Fraser University has challenged convention, connected ideas with action, and demonstrated the power of a university deeply engaged with the communities it serves. Today, SFU stands at another defining moment, and is seeking an exceptional academic leader to serve as its next President and Vice-Chancellor.
Recognized as one of Canada’s leading universities for almost two decades, SFU is home to close to 40,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff across three distinctive campuses in Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver. Powered by a $1 billion balanced budget, SFU brings together outstanding students, scholars, staff, alumni and partners with a shared ambition: to use knowledge, learning and engagement to make a meaningful difference in British Columbia, Canada and the world.
The next President will lead SFU as it advances the four priorities at the heart of What’s Next: The SFU Strategy: upholding Truth and Reconciliation; engaging in global challenges; making a difference for British Columbia; and transforming the SFU experience. These priorities centre SFU’s academic mission and connect its teaching, research, people, partnerships and operations around a common purpose.
There is significant momentum on which to build. SFU is strengthening its research and innovation enterprise; expanding experiential and lifelong learning; deepening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Host Nations; advancing interdisciplinary responses to challenges ranging from climate change and health to democracy and emerging technologies; and reimagining how its campuses and programs serve learners and communities. In 2026, SFU welcomed the inaugural class of its new Stephens Family School of Medicine - the first new medical school in Western Canada in 60 years, supported by a historic $40 million philanthropic gift.
The next President will be an accomplished and highly respected leader with the academic credibility, strategic capacity and personal qualities to lead a large, complex and ambitious research university. They will bring a deep appreciation for the fundamental purposes of a university and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, academic freedom, teaching, research and student success. An inclusive and relational leader, the President will listen well, seek diverse perspectives and build trust across a community with many voices. They will be comfortable leading through change; making thoughtful and sometimes difficult decisions; being a visible and effective advocate for the University; stewarding significant financial, human and physical resources; and building high-performing leadership teams.
Application Information
Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories its three campuses reside.
Simon Fraser University invites applications and expressions of interest from outstanding candidates in Canada and internationally. Applications should include a curriculum vitae and a letter describing the candidate’s interest in the role and how their experience and leadership approach align with the opportunities before SFU.
The expected base salary range for this position is $440,000 to $500,000. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined within this range based on their experience, qualifications and other relevant considerations, and in accordance with the University’s approved executive total compensation framework. In addition to base salary, SFU provides a comprehensive executive benefits and pension package. The President is also provided with an on-campus President’s Residence and is expected to reside there.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values for Simon Fraser University. SFU encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.
To submit your application materials, click Apply.
