University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is seeking a Provost and Vice-President, Academic to join our innovative and digitally oriented institution that prepares graduates for leadership in a digital world.
UNF is part of Global University Systems (GUS), an international network of private higher-education institutions brought together by a shared passion for accessible, industry-relevant qualifications. The university operates under a bicameral governance system with a Board of Governors and an Academic Council.
Located in downtown Niagara Falls, UNF’s technology-centred approach puts students first, offering a cutting-edge learning framework that is adapted as technology changes and new processes emerge. Students learn from industry leaders and highly experienced faculty while gaining experience through work-integrated learning opportunities in eight interdisciplinary programs designed to address the widening digital skills gap.
UNF is a growing Canadian institution with nearly 2,800 students enrolled across an expanding suite of academic programs, supported by a dedicated community of more than 250 faculty and staff. With a strong focus on high-quality, digital-focused education, the university continues to broaden its program offerings to meet emerging needs in the global economy while maintaining its inclusive, student-centred learning environment.
As an integral member of the university’s senior leadership team and reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Provost and Vice-President, Academic is the principal academic officer of the university. They are responsible for planning, development, administration, and integrity of the academic affairs of UNF. The Provost and Vice-President, Academic provides input into strategic and systems planning, regulatory submissions, and measures and reports on the efficiency and effectiveness of this portfolio from both educational and business perspectives. The Provost and Vice-President, Academic acts as the immediate designate for the President and Vice-Chancellor, when required.
The successful candidate will be a changemaker with the drive to continuing building the university, establishing a strong foundation for future generations. The Provost and Vice-President, Academic will share the founding vision for UNF as a university that instils a truly digital mindset in its graduates. A visionary who can see the potential of this post-secondary institution as a new model for preparing a future-ready workforce is preferred. Above all, the new leader will have a passion for education. The Provost and Vice-President, Academic will be an educator and influencer with the ability to create experiences that meet students where they are in life – whether they are fresh out of high school or looking to retrain for a second career.
UNF’s mission is to prepare graduates to be leaders in a digital world through innovative degree programs and research. All academic programs have been designed to promote a digital mindset characterized by digital fluency – a combination of technical proficiency, literacy, ethics, and communication – and by a growth mindset that is future-focused, collaborative, change-oriented, and disposed toward continuous learning.
UNF is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons/persons of color, women, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, please advise UNFProvost@lavernesmith.com to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
The consultants will begin review of candidates immediately, with committee consultation later in the new year. The search will continue until the position is successfully filled, ideally by summer 2026. Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references, not letters. References will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate. Applications should be submitted in confidence to the university’s executive search consultants:
Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
UNFProvost@lavernesmith.com
UNF is situated on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Hatiwendaronk and Anishinaabe peoples. We also acknowledge the many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home.
We commit to building relationships based on respect, reciprocity, and reconciliation as we work, learn, and gather on this land. Furthermore, we acknowledge that the Niagara region is situated on treaty land, and we stand with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.
