Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checksJob End Date
March 31, 2032Applications for this position should be submitted to Griffith Group directly. Visit https://griffithgroup.ca/ubc-vice-president-students/ for more information.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the world’s leading research universities – an institution inspiring people, ideas, and actions for a better world. With two main campuses (Vancouver and the Okanagan), more than 73,000 students, 20,000 faculty and staff, and a balanced annual budget over $4 billion, UBC is an institution of remarkable breadth and depth that is distinguished by its world-class research and societal impact.
UBC’s commitment to fostering an outstanding student experience and vibrant learning community is articulated in both the institution’s Strategic Directions 2025-2030 and its recently launched Student Strategic Plan 2026-2029. UBC also is the largest provider of student housing in Canada, with accommodation for more than 16,000 students across the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
UBC welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of the Vice President, Students, commencing Spring/Summer 2027.
Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice President, Students (VPS) serves as the institutional leader in the areas of student housing and community services, student health and wellbeing, athletics and recreation, and career development on both UBC campuses. As a member of the President’s Executive Team, the VPS provides cohesive, strategic leadership, ensuring a unified and coordinated student‑centred service approach delivered through nine teams led by seasoned senior leaders. The VPS leads and cultivates institutional structures and programs to ensure UBC provides an exceptional student experience; where all students achieve their full potential, contribute to a civil and sustainable society, have access to enhanced student learning opportunities, and are challenged to reach their full potential through an environment that is student-centred, that fosters collaboration across student-facing services, and enables all students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Applications are sought from executive leaders who have a substantial, successful, and proven track record leading a complex and diverse students’ portfolio in a large, research based academic institution, experience that preferably spans a multi campus environment is a strong asset. Experience ideally includes the development of university-wide policies, short- and long-term operational plans, financial acumen and budgetary accountability, leadership best practices, and the creation of new campus initiatives. Your current department is known to be innovative, student-focused, inclusive and genuinely interested in working with, and supporting, students’ well-being. Candidates must hold an undergraduate and preferably a graduate degree from a recognized institution, and be resilient, passionate, supportive, and outcomes-oriented.
To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with the University of British Columbia, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith ([email protected]) and/or Caroline McLean ([email protected]) or visit https://griffithgroup.ca/ubc-vice-president-students/
Salary and Compensation Package: In accordance with BC’s Pay Transparency Act, the position has an expected base salary range of $325,000 - $350,000. To read about UBC’s benefits package, including the Prescribed Interest Rate Loan (PIRL) program, please visit: https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc
At UBC, we believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning. We encourage applications from marginalized groups based on the grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code. All applicants will be asked to complete a confidential diversity survey. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [email protected].
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.
Use of AI: Griffith Group Executive Search does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.
Reason for posting: Existing Vacancy
Skills Required
- Substantial, successful, and proven experience leading a complex and diverse student portfolio in a large, research-based academic institution
- Experience developing university-wide policies and short- and long-term operational plans
- Financial acumen and budgetary accountability experience
- Experience applying leadership best practices and creating new campus initiatives
- Undergraduate degree from a recognized institution
- Graduate degree from a recognized institution
- Experience in a multicampus environment
- Resilient, passionate, supportive, outcomes-oriented, innovative, student-focused, and inclusive leadership approach
The University of British Columbia Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The University of British Columbia and has not been reviewed or approved by The University of British Columbia.
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Healthcare Strength — UBC’s extended health and dental plans cover many services beyond the provincial plan, with up to $3,000 per person annually for counselling/psychological services, plus paramedical coverage and a 24/7 EFAP. Feedback suggests this breadth of coverage meaningfully enhances total compensation for eligible employee groups.
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Retirement Support — Employees typically participate in either the UBC Staff Pension Plan (target benefit) or the UBC Faculty Pension Plan (defined contribution), with dedicated resources and options detailed by the plans. Feedback suggests these university‑run pensions are viewed as central to the overall value proposition.
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Parental & Family Support — Recent updates added or streamlined family‑building benefits for fertility treatment, surrogacy, and adoption, and departments reference parental top‑ups via Supplemental Employment Benefits. Feedback suggests these supports are notable differentiators for those planning families.
The University of British Columbia Insights
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