Principal & Chief Executive Officer University of British Columbia

International Students Program - New UBC Initiative

In response to a rapidly changing demographic and economic global landscape, and the unprecedented worldwide demand for higher education, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is establishing a new international students program on its Vancouver campus to meet the rising expectations of an increasingly mobile international student. 

Ranked among the top 25 universities in the world, UBC's vision is to create an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world. Situated in Vancouver, one of the world's most beautiful, dynamic and multi-cultural cities, UBC offers not just intellectual riches, but an unrivalled quality of life.

This new program will enable outstanding students from a wide variety of international school systems and with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds to have the opportunity to transition into the University upon successful completion of the program. While UBC currently welcomes international students to study at the University, the new program is fundamentally different in that it will reach out to students who need additional time and instruction to qualify for admission to a degree program at UBC. This new initiative will offer a preparatory program of foundational English language and first-year instruction to international students, within a framework of smaller classes, individualized instruction, and an on-campus residential experience. Program capacity will be enhanced by investment in new purpose-built academic and housing infrastructure.

To lead this exciting new initiative, UBC seeks to appoint a dynamic and inspiring leader and builder as Principal & CEO. The Principal & CEO will report to a Board, consisting of key members of the University's senior executive as well as external experts and leaders in the field.

Qualified candidates for this position will have an advanced degree with an earned doctorate degree preferred. You will bring strategic leadership experience gained in a senior administrative role in the post-secondary sector and/or a private sector or not-for-profit environment. The ability to manage a large budget, multiple projects, and a high-performance, results-oriented team required.  International experience is a definite asset. A demonstrated understanding of the current landscape for international education is beneficial but not required.

The Principal & CEO will have overall responsibility for the Program, including development of the academic curriculum in consultation with the admitting Faculties, the management of the student experience from recruitment to graduation, the financial performance of the program and the management of all staff.

To explore this opportunity further, please contact Barbara Morrison, Barbara Quelch or Brent Cameron, Odgers Berndtson, in our Vancouver office at 604-685-0261. Please submit your resume and related information online via the Apply button.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.