The 17th President of the University of Toronto (U of T) will lead Canada’s preeminent university, renowned globally for its excellence in research and teaching. An inspiring leader and accomplished academic, the President will have the unparalleled opportunity to guide the university into its third century. The appointment is for a five-year term, renewable. As stipulated in the University of Toronto Act (1971), the President must be a Canadian citizen.
U of T is distinguished by an extraordinary depth and breadth of excellence. Ranked among the top 10 public universities worldwide by Times Higher Education, U of T has remarkable strengths in disciplines that span the humanities, social sciences, sciences and the professions. The university is committed to inclusive excellence in which every member of our community can work, live, teach and learn in an environment of tolerance and mutual respect.
Reporting to the Governing Council, the President will be charged with realizing the university’s mission as a public institution that is one of the world’s leading research universities, with undergraduate, graduate and professional programs of the highest quality. The President will work to enhance and defend the university’s preeminence in research by attracting and retaining superb faculty members and researchers, identifying and expanding sources of research funding and upholding its fundamental commitment to academic freedom, freedom of research and freedom of speech.
The President will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the university, working closely with a collaborative and high-performing senior team. The President will lead efforts to further enhance the university’s impact and influence as a world-leading institution in research, innovation, education and public engagement. They will be committed to nurturing student success and well-being in a caring community. The President will cultivate strong external relationships with local communities, Indigenous nations in the region, governments at all levels, donors and industry stakeholders. The President will be responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the university and will lead its advancement efforts as outlined in our Defy Gravity Campaign. They will be an inspirational and persuasive advocate for the university’s core mission and its contribution to the public good. The President will be a resilient individual who demonstrates integrity, principled judgement and who seeks to build a university-wide culture of trust and respect.
An executive search is being undertaken by U of T’s search partner Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the Presidential Search Committee in identifying a diverse field of qualified candidates and in the assessment of candidates against the selection criteria. For further information and details of how to apply (including a full position description and selection criteria), please visit Perrett Laver’s Vacancies page quoting reference 7322. The deadline for applications is Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at midnight EST.
The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.
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