President and Vice-Chancellor

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR

We acknowledge and respect this sacred land on which Victoria University operates. It has been a site of human activity for thousands of years. This land is the territory of the Wendat Nation, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Victoria University invites nominations and applications for the position of President and Vice-Chancellor. The appointment is for a term of five years, renewable, beginning July 1, 2027.

Founded in 1836, Victoria University became federated with the University of Toronto in 1890. It has its own governance structure, Board, budget, and endowment, while operating within one of the world’s leading research universities. This distinctive model enables Victoria University to combine the extraordinary academic programs of the University of Toronto with personalized learning and an exceptional student experience. Victoria University is home to two distinct colleges. The first is Victoria College, which serves 4,400 students, is an undergraduate college within the U of T’s Faculty of Arts & Science, distinguished by its commitment to undergraduate research and exceptional co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities. The second is Emmanuel College, a graduate multireligious college, with 250 students. A member of the Toronto School of Theology, Emmanuel College is a leading centre for multireligious theological education, bringing together students from many faiths in an academically rigorous and inclusive learning environment.

Victoria University is student-centred, financially sound, and well-positioned for the future. It has a deep-rooted culture and committed community, exceptional academic programs, and an outstanding reputation. As the university looks to its next phase of growth and evolution, guided by its Strategic Plan 2026 – 2031, it seeks a dynamic, relational, and accomplished leader as its next President and Vice-Chancellor.

Serving as the chief executive officer of Victoria University, the President provides strategic leadership to advance the University's mission, academic excellence, financial sustainability, and institutional priorities. Reporting to the Board of Regents, the President leads and engages the University's academic and administrative communities, ensures effective and innovative operations, and champions an exceptional student experience. As the University's chief ambassador and advancement leader, the President cultivates strong relationships with alumni, donors, governments, and external partners, while working closely with the University of Toronto and the Toronto School of Theology to strengthen collaboration and enhance opportunities for the VicU community.

The ideal candidate for President will be an experienced administrator and credible scholar, with a track record of promoting and sustaining excellence and a deep commitment to the student experience. They will possess the leadership skills and administrative experience, along with a business mindset to advance Victoria University on all fronts, while honouring its close-knit community, strong sense of belonging, liberal arts tradition, culture of intellectual engagement, and commitment to leadership development, all of which are central to the University’s identity. Working with the Board, Senate, the Principals of Victoria College and Emmanuel College, the faculty, the senior administration team, alumni, and an engaged student body, the President will have an open and collegial leadership style, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of partners. They will champion inclusion, equity, diversity, accessibility, reconciliation, and belonging, while fostering a culture of trust, respect, engagement and community participation.

Victoria University has partnered with the leadership advisory firm Odgers for this recruitment. Applications are encouraged immediately and ideally by October 21, 2026, to Julia Robarts and Krutika Hotwani at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/31863. The position will remain open until filled. Inquiries, nominations, and accommodation requests can be directed to vicupresident@odgers.com. This posting is for an existing position.

Victoria University is committed to equity in access to employment and a diverse and inclusive workplace. The University encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please write to vicupresident@odgers.com or call +1 (416) 366-1990 for accommodation at any point in the search process.