Associate Vice President Equity and Inclusion

Division: Office of the Provost and VP Academic

The University of Guelph is searching for a strategic leader to serve as its next Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of building an inclusive community at one of Canada’s top comprehensive universities, so that all members can reach their full potential.

About the University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is renowned for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and exceptional student experiences. Located on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the University is deeply committed to reconciliation and creating an inclusive campus environment. Guelph consistently ranks among Canada’s top universities for its interdisciplinary approach, fostering creativity and collaboration across a range of academic disciplines.

The University of Guelph is committed to building a university community where all students, faculty, staff, partners and community members experience belonging, are valued and respected, and are empowered to contribute, succeed and thrive. Grounded in our commitments to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (IEDIA), reconciliation, human rights, anti-racism, anti-oppression and decolonization, we seek to embed these principles throughout our leadership, governance, decision-making, policies, practices and relationships. We recognize that achieving meaningful and sustained progress requires addressing systemic and structural barriers, cultivating accountability, and advancing transformative change across the institution. This work is a shared responsibility that depends on courageous leadership, collaboration and collective action.

The Role

The Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion plays a vital leadership role in advancing these aspirations and strengthening a culture of inclusive excellence across all aspects of university life.  Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and serving as a member of the University’s senior leadership team, the Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion, provides strategic, institution-wide leadership to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility (EDIA), human rights, and belonging across all campuses of the University of Guelph.

The AVP, Equity and Inclusion serves as the University's senior leader responsible for fostering a coordinated, systemic, and integrated approach to EDIA across student, faculty, and staff experiences. Through a close and intentional University-wide partnerships the AVP, Equity and Inclusion collaboratively develops and advances a shared institutional vision that aligns EDIA and human rights with Indigenization, reconciliation and decolonization into a cohesive framework for institutional transformation.

Together, the AVP, Equity and Inclusion and AVP, Indigenous Initiatives provide strategic leadership for university-wide initiatives, policies, programs, education, accountability frameworks, and cultural change efforts that support equitable, inclusive, accessible, and respectful learning, research, and working environments.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership for the University's equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility (EDIA), human rights, anti-racism, and anti-oppression priorities, advising senior leadership and governance bodies on strategic opportunities, risks, and institutional transformation.
  
• Institutional Transformation and Partnerships: Lead the development and implementation of a University-wide vision and framework for inclusive excellence, working collaboratively with the Assistant Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives and campus partners to advance Indigenization, reconciliation, accessibility, belonging, and equity across all campuses.
• Academic Excellence and Research: Champion equitable and inclusive teaching, learning, research, and student experiences by partnering with academic and administrative leaders to address systemic barriers and support the success of diverse students, faculty, and staff.
• Human Rights, Accessibility and Compliance: Provide strategic oversight of human rights, accessibility, accommodation, and equity-related policies, programs, and processes, ensuring compliance with legislative obligations and alignment with evolving best practices.
• Education, Engagement and Capacity Building: Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging through institutional education, awareness, professional development, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen accountability and capacity for EDIA across the University.
• Leadership and Administration: Lead the Office of Equity and Inclusion, providing oversight of strategic planning, governance, operations, budgeting, performance measurement, and cross-functional partnerships that advance the University's equity and human rights commitments.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is an accomplished and collaborative leader with significant experience advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, human rights, community engagement, or related priorities within complex organizations. They bring a demonstrated ability to lead institution-wide cultural and organizational transformation, develop strategic frameworks, and translate vision into measurable outcomes. Deeply committed to reconciliation, anti-racism, anti-oppression, accessibility, and belonging, the ideal candidate builds trusted relationships across diverse communities and inspires collective action. With strong political acuity, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills, they foster accountability, navigate complex and sensitive issues, and advance meaningful, sustainable change.

Qualifications and Experience

While the Search Committee recognizes that no single candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.

• A graduate degree in a relevant discipline; a doctoral degree is considered an asset.
• Significant senior leadership experience in equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, community engagement, human rights, higher education, organizational development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide organizational and cultural transformation within complex institutions.
• Extensive experience developing institutional strategies and translating vision into measurable outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of human rights, accessibility, employment equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression, reconciliation, and community engagement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships with equity-seeking communities and diverse partners.
• Experience leading policy development, governance processes, organizational change, and accountability frameworks.
• Strong understanding of post-secondary education, academic culture, and university governance.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Sound judgment and experience managing complex, sensitive, and confidential matters.

Attributes

• A collaborative leader who seeks out opportunities to engage others in partnership.
• A consultative leadership style, able to lead through complex situations with integrity and transparency.
• The ability to work collegially and effectively within a unionized environment, building trusting relationships.
• A kind and relational leader who projects calm and inspires hope.
• A curious spirit with a desire to be creative.

Deadline: November 27th or until a suitable candidate is found. 

Why Join the University of Guelph? The University of Guelph offers a vibrant and inclusive campus community that values collaboration, innovation, and impact. As the AVP, you will have the opportunity to effect real and transformative change at a globally recognized institution dedicated to improving life.

We will provide support in the recruitment processes for applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Abbey MacLeod at amacleod@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca