The candidate profile is a document that will be used in the recruitment and evaluation of candidates throughout the search process. The profile is made of two parts: a job description and leadership qualities.

1. Experience: Has successful senior leadership and administrative experience gained in a research-intensive university as a Dean, Vice President, President or analogous roles. Has a thorough knowledge and understanding of Canadian university governance principles, academic freedom, and the wide range of academic and administrative units that comprise a successful university. Has an exemplary track record as an educator and researcher. Should be appointable as a Full Professor at SFU. 

2. Strategic Vision: Has the capacity to envision, articulate and champion what Simon Fraser University can contribute and become in our rapidly changing global higher education environment. Has a record of success in developing and implementing strategy for a complex organization. Is an innovative thinker in respect to the university’s place in society and the world. Has a vision for, and perspective on, the role of artificial intelligence in a university. Demonstrates the capacity to make thoughtful decisions in the face of complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty. 

3. Leadership Style: Leads with integrity, compassion, inclusivity, courage and sound judgment. Builds effective senior teams, establishes clear expectations, enables shared accountability, and makes timely and difficult decisions. Demonstrates the ability to resolve conflict, navigate differing perspectives constructively, and oversee a broad range of academic, financial, human resource, and administrative functions across a complex, unionized, multi-campus organization. Brings the resilience, discipline, and organizational capacity required for a demanding leadership role. 

4. Relationship & Communication Skills: Is approachable, engaging, authentic, and sincere. Has a track record of successfully building and maintaining highly productive relationships with a broad range of people on and off campus. Listens actively and communicates effectively. Builds trust through an open, respectful and collegial approach. Is effective at presenting to the general public through the various forms of media and public events. 

5. Student Centred: Enjoys interacting with students and developing strategies to engage students. Has a real affinity for the elements that contribute to a rewarding campus life. Cares about students and understands the factors that affect students’ experience and well-being and to equipping students for success beyond the university. 

6. Research Champion: Has a passion for the important role that university research plays in society. Has an appreciation for the full range of diverse forms of scholarship on campus and a thorough grasp of opportunities and challenges facing researchers in Canada and beyond. Understands the relationship between research and graduate and post-doctoral training in the Canadian university context. Advocates for the research needs of the entire University community, with the ability and commitment to build partnerships outside of the University. 

7. Teaching & Learning Advocate: Has demonstrated a commitment to a culture where excellence in teaching and the learning environment is valued and rewarded. Supports faculty, staff, and students in advancing innovative, inclusive and high-quality approaches to teaching and learning. 

8. Decolonization, Indigenization and Reconciliation: Has a proven record of leadership and a willingness to learn and support meaningful action in advancing and advocating for decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation within complex institutions. Is committed to embedding Indigenous perspectives and ways of being across the university, and to advancing SFU’s responsibilities to Truth and Reconciliation and commitments through sustained action, engagement and partnership with Host Nations and Indigenous Peoples, and measurable outcomes. 

9. Inter-cultural Understanding and Competence: Has a deep understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and a demonstrated track record of supporting and advancing these principles and objectives within a complex organization. Is culturally sensitive and internationally aware and can adapt their approach to engage effectively and authentically across diverse audiences and contexts. 

10. External Advocate: Will be an effective relationship builder and advocate with alumni and with Indigenous, municipal, provincial, federal, and international government partners, among others. Brings the necessary diplomacy and persuasive abilities to be successful in a complex political environment. Is committed to, and enthusiastic about, fundraising on behalf of the University. Has the required skill to attract philanthropic, industrial, and other partnership funds by building strong external linkages.