Position Description

Tyndale University invites inquiries and applications for the position of Vice President, Academic & Dean of the Seminary.  

Tyndale University: Tyndale is a Christian university that prepares leaders for work in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, ministry and the global mission of the church. Tyndale is a trans-denominational, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural Christian university dedicated to working for unity in the midst of difference. We believe that every person is made in the image of God. Tyndale offers fully accredited programs in a wide range of disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, there are over 1,600 students representing over 40 denominations and 60 ethnic backgrounds and over 13,000 alumni. Founded in 1894, Tyndale is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  

Mission Statement: Tyndale University is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, to excellence in teaching, learning and research, for the enriching of mind, heart and character, to serve the church and the world, for the glory of God. 

Additional information about Tyndale University can be found on our website, www.tyndale.ca/.  

POSITION PURPOSE 

The VP Academic and Dean of the Seminary, in consultation with the Provost, provides leadership and accountability for all matters academic, financial and programmatic with regard to Tyndale Seminary (the Seminary). The VP ensures that an academic environment of teaching, research and professional excellence is created and sustained for students and faculty. At the President’s discretion, the VP serves as a member of the Cabinet (senior executive team), enabling timely, informed, responsible, and creative decisions that optimize the use of the university’s resources (financial, physical, and human). 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Develop and Maintain a Healthy Workplace Culture 

• Adopt and champion the organization’s Mission, ethos and strategic priorities within the seminary and institution-wide 
• Find opportunities to share these with direct reports and incorporate them into every responsibility carried out for the purpose of building trust with individuals and other departments. 

Leadership and Administration 

• Together with the Provost and faculty, set academic goals and establish strategic priorities for the Seminary in line with Tyndale’s overall mission.  
• Oversee the development, maintenance and administration of the Seminary’s academic programs to provide creative, accessible and leading-edge academic preparation for Christian leadership and ministry. 
• Develop accountability frameworks for implementing the academic plan and achieving academic goals. 
• Provide leadership, management coaching and strategic direction, including establishing, implementing, and monitoring achievement of strategic goals within the Seminary’s departments 
• Meet regularly with direct reports providing opportunities to disseminate information, seek input and collaborate 
• Recruit, develop, motivate, lead, and mentor direct reports. 
• Facilitate the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and academic administrative staff. 
• Develop and monitor the Seminary’s operating budget in collaboration with the Provost and SVP, Administrative & Support Services 
• Manage the budgetary process to maximize educational outcomes while maintaining efficiencies 
• Manage risk appropriately and maintain transparency, as appropriate 
• Provide primary leadership, in consultation with the Provost, for ensuring ongoing accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools and other credentialing agencies connected with Seminary’s programs 

Community Participation and Development 

• Work together with the Provost, Academic Dean of Arts and Sciences and Dean of the School of Education in obtaining/maintaining recognized credentials and accreditation. 
• Serve on and/or chair institution-wide academic committees including Promotion and Tenure Committee and Faculty Research and Sabbatical Committees. 
• Coordinate, in collaboration with the Provost, Academic Dean of Arts and Sciences and Dean of Education, institution-wide academic functions such as Commencement and Convocation Chapel and the Joint Faculty Retreat. 
• Work together with the Human Resources Department, Provost, Academic Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Dean of the School of Education in providing excellent professional development opportunities for direct reports.  
• Create and sustain the infrastructure and environment required to facilitate, nurture, and support research excellence. 
• Mentor faculty and guide them in their development in teaching, research and service. 
• Seek and initiate opportunities for partnership and collaboration with the broader constituency of academic institutions, churches, denominations and ministry organizations. 
• Represent the President and /or Provost, as requested. 
• Lead special strategic projects, task forces, research at the request of the President. 
• Establish collegial connections with other academic institutions and organizations. 
• Elevate the visibility and image of the university through public speaking, preaching, networking and constituency relations. 
• Other work-related responsibilities as assigned by the Provost. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education 

• Earned doctorate in theology or related discipline 

Experience 

• Minimum of 10 years in a university/seminary environment in progressively senior leadership roles  
• An accomplished academic leader with proven experience in budgeting and building effective teams 
• Strong record of research and publication consistent with a faculty position and recognized academic status, preferred 
• Proven experience in building new academic programs 

Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Strong communicator (written and verbal) 
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills 
• Proven ability to inspire and mentor direct reports 
• Proven ability to lead debate and collegial decision-making processes 
• Capacity to promote the highest standards of academic excellence in teaching and research 
• Some working knowledge of online learning systems and other modes of delivery 
• Strong overall leadership abilities, including the ability to build capacity, to be an agent of change within the framework of organizational values and traditions, to articulate departmental goals aligning with the institutional vision and mission and to inspire others 

Personal Characteristics 

• A career history demonstrating personal values such as integrity, openness, transparency, trust, respect for cultural and ethnic diversity, and a caring and respectful approach to all interpersonal relationships 
• Demonstrated professionalism and tact, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels 
• Team oriented with the ability to take initiative and motivate others 
• A passion for Christian higher education and the desire to play a key role in preparing students to become exceptional members of society 
• A keen desire to serve family, church, work and community.  
• A firm commitment to Tyndale’s mission, values, Statement of Faith and Community Standards Statement 

Physical and Mental Demands 

• Function in a highly demanding environment which requires constant scanning for issues and challenges against multiple priorities, threats and demands on limited resources. Manage significant workload involving complex issues, requiring decisions critical to the university 
• Moderate to high level of stress.  May result from dealing with emergencies, personnel issues, negotiating and liaising with multiple deadlines, demands of Cabinet and Board members 
• Available to work fluctuating non-standard business hours  
• Duties and responsibilities that do not constitute a major change may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor either orally or in writing. 

Salary Range: $105,000 to $ 125,000 

How to Apply: 

Interested applicants are invited to submit a letter of application outlining their interest and qualifications, a statement of faith that describes how it informs their leadership, and a complete curriculum vitae. Names and contact information for referees will be requested following the initial screening; at least one referee must be able to speak to the applicant’s Christian character. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. 

Questions and applications can be submitted in confidence to Tyndale University Human Resources at hr@tyndale.ca.  Tyndale University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. Should you require assistance, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@tyndale.ca. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation during the selection process are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. 

External candidates can apply for the position at the External Career Centre. While we thank all those interested, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Internal candidates can apply on ADP Workforce Now through the Career Centre. The Career Centre can be accessed through the path Myself > Talent > Career Centre.