Assistant Vice President, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy

With gratitude, the University of Guelph recognizes that its campuses are located on the lands of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum and the traditional lands of the Hodinöhsö:ni’, Anishinaabeg and Huron Wendat, and offers respect to the Mississaugas of the Credit, Six Nations of the Grand River, the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown and the diverse communities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples who reside on these lands. The University of Guelph also recognizes that its educational and research enterprises occur on Indigenous lands across Turtle Island and Mother Earth and endeavours to ensure that its activities honour and respect Indigenous peoples and their lands.

Research-intensive and learner-centred, the University of Guelph has achieved prominence in Canada and around the world for its commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens. As a leading comprehensive university, the University plays an integral role in the educational, business, and cultural life of the province of Ontario, through the impact of its teaching, research, and community service. Guelph’s eight colleges, as well as the University of Guelph-Humber and Ridgetown campuses, pride themselves on innovative teaching, a commitment to experiential learning for students, and the advancement of cutting-edge research in the physical and life sciences, engineering, arts, business, social sciences, and agricultural and veterinary sciences.

It is within this dynamic academic environment that the University of Guelph invites applications for the role of Assistant Vice-President, Artificial Intelligence Strategy (AVP-AI).

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and working with a pan-university mandate, the AVP-AI is a leadership role responsible for setting and stewarding the University’s institutional strategy for artificial intelligence across research, teaching and learning, and operations. This newly created role represents a significant opportunity to advance the University’s position as a leader in the responsible, mission-aligned adoption of AI.

The AVP-AI will provide enterprise-level vision, governance, and coordination for AI initiatives across the institution, working collaboratively with academic leaders, faculty and academic staff, researchers, administrative executives, staff, and students. The role focuses on strategic alignment, policy development, institutional readiness, and capability-building, overseeing the successful implementation and execution of AI initiatives and ensuring that AI investments and applications advance the University’s academic mission, values, and long-term priorities.

An influential and collaborative leader, the AVP-AI will provide thought leadership on emerging AI trends, opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations, advising the Provost, President, and senior leadership on institutional positioning, investment decisions, and governance frameworks. The role will also represent the University in external AI networks, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives at the regional, national, and international levels.

The successful candidate will, ideally, be an academic leader with demonstrated excellence in AI-based research and application, a deep understanding of AI technologies and research frontiers, and a strong commitment to responsible, ethical, and equitable AI. The AVP-AI will be a highly effective communicator and relationship-builder, with the ability to operate at an enterprise level and influence across organizational boundaries without direct authority.

Experience leading interdisciplinary or institution-wide initiatives, knowledge of AI governance and policy development, and familiarity with the Canadian higher education context are considered strong assets.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Kathy Rahme (krahme@boyden.com) and Collin Ritch (critch@boyden.com) of Boyden Executive Search. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume directly to https://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3212

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. Acknowledging the University’s diverse population and ensuring that every member of an inclusive campus is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar of success. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. You are not req