As a global leader in student-managed learning opportunities, we are committed to developing leaders at Lakeland College. It’s something we excel at because of our exceptional team. Their passion and commitment to academic excellence, innovation and achievement is what sets Lakeland apart, as an educator and an employer. Join our team and be part of helping our students take the lead not only into the future, but today.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the President, the Vice President, Academic & Research (VPAR) provides strategic leadership for academic excellence across Lakeland College and supports applied research focused on agricultural sciences, including livestock and crop production. The VPAR ensures programs remain responsive to workforce and industry needs while advancing academic transformation and building meaningful partnerships.

Working closely with the Deans, the VPAR supports Lakeland’s academic schools in enhancing the student and employee experience, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and promoting institutional accountability.

As a collaborative member of the Senior Leadership Team, the VPAR champions learner success, innovation and continuous improvement. This leader builds strong relationships, inspires faculty and staff, advances applied research, and ensures programs and services remain responsive to students, communities, industry, and the changing world of work.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership, Learner Success & Applied Research

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Lead the development and implementation of the College's academic plan, including services that support student success

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Oversee program quality, curriculum, credentials, academic standards, accreditation and continuous program review and improvement

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Advance student-centred teaching, experiential learning and a Work-Integrated Learning framework for credit programming

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Lead the development, renewal and delivery of relevant, in-demand programming aligned with community, labour-market and industry needs

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Drive a culture of applied research, scholarship, innovation and integrity across the College

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Lead and support Deans in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and chair Deans' Council and other committees as required

Strategy, Partnerships & Relationships

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Contribute to institutional strategy and planning, including Board of Governors and Executive planning activities and government accountability requirements

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Build trusted relationships with students, employees, the Faculty Association, government, communities, school divisions, business, industry and post-secondary partners

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Develop and maintain transfer, exchange and pathway agreements with provincial, national and international partners

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Champion accessibility, equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization throughout the academic and student experience

- Represent Lakeland College with senior academic officer groups and other external partners

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Develop and maintain strategic relationships with government and agencies to advance institutional priorities in education & research.

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Advocate for policies and funding that support student success and regional economic sustainability.

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Champion academic programs by actively promoting their quality, relevance, and graduate outcomes.

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Ensure programs meet labour market needs, communicate a compelling value proposition, attract qualified students, and achieve sustainable enrolment targets.

People, Resources & Accountability

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Coach, mentor and develop direct reports while fostering a positive, safe and high-performing work setting

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Set clear expectations and support effective performance management and accountability across the portfolio

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Provide responsible stewardship of divisional budgets and resources to maximize the student and faculty experience

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Support effective policy development, data-informed decision-making, proposal writing, grant procurement and collective bargaining strategy

Job Requirements

- A Master's or PhD in a relevant field or combination of education and experience may be considered

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Minimum of 10 years of related progressive leadership experience, preferably in a post-secondary environment or a comparable complex organization

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Demonstrated success in institutional and academic leadership within a public governance structure

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Strong strategic planning, implementation and integration skills across multiple portfolios

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Demonstrated success in proposal and grant writing, with knowledge of relevant funding opportunities

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Exceptional relationship-building, communication, collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making skills

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Experience leading innovation and change, resolving conflict and developing high-performing teams

- Knowledge of institutional research, accreditation, program quality and current post-secondary trends

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Financial management experience and the ability to allocate resources with integrity, transparency and accountability

Additional Information

This is a 5-year contract commencing on August 1, 2027, and ending on July 31, 2032. The position is based at the Vermilion Campus; however, regular travel between the Vermilion and Lloydminster campuses is required. Lakeland College offers an attractive pension, remuneration and benefits package.

Competition will remain open until September 27, 2026. We’ll begin reviewing applications during the week of September 28, 2026. All resumes are to be submitted electronically on our website www.Lakelandcollege.ca

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered. Those selected for an interview will be contacted.

📌 VP, Academic & Research (Vermilion)
🏢 Lakeland College
📍 Vermilion