Profile of the ideal candidate

Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General

Concordia University is seeking a Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General. This appointment is normally for a five-year term, is renewable upon an open search and will commence June 1, 2001. The incumbent seeks re-appointment and is therefore a candidate for this position.

Dr. Frederick Lowy is inviting all members of the Concordia community to comment on the profile of the ideal candidate for the position of Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General. In particular, comments from the following assemblies are encouraged: Senate, Arts and Science Faculty Council, Commerce and Administration Faculty Council, Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Council, Fine Arts Faculty Council, Council of the School of Graduate Studies.

Please send your comments to: Enza De Cubellis, Secretary to the Advisory Search Committee, S-BC-203, e-mail: enza@alcor.concordia.ca or fax: 848-4546 by 10 a.m. on April 17, 2000.

VICE-RECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS

and SECRETARY-GENERAL

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Concordia University has recently redefined the portfolio of the Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General. Reporting directly to this position are the following 10 offices:

Advancement & Alumni Relations

Equity Programs

Government Relations & External Affairs

Human Resources and Employee Relations

Information Services

Institutional Archives

Legal Counsel

Marketing Communications

Office of the Board of Governors

Public Relations

Translation Services

Reporting directly to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General is responsible for the development and maintenance of effective relationships with the University's various constituencies, effective government and external relations, generation of public and private support for the University and affiliated organizations, and the University's overall communications strategy. In addition, the Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General is responsible for the development and maintenance of effective human resources strategies, ensuring a positive labour relations environment within the University.

As the Secretary-General, the Vice-Rector ensures the smooth operation of the Board of Governors and Senate and that all the University's legal affairs are properly managed.

Organizational Structure:

This position is one of four senior administrative positions reporting directly to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor. The other three are: Provost and Vice-Rector, Research; Vice-Rector, Services; and Chief Financial Officer.

Challenges:

A number of challenges will be faced by the Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General, of which the most notable are:

* To design and lead an ongoing fundraising strategy to meet not only the annual needs of the University for external support, but also to meet the University's needs for recapitalization and development

* To establish closer liaison with governments and other Quebec universities

* To oversee human resources management, and especially labour relations, in the context of changing legislation

* To ensure successful and efficient collective bargaining agreements

* To increase the visibility, public understanding and support for Concordia and to facilitate the development of a coherent external and internal communications strategy

Qualities Sought in Candidate:

While it is recognized that no candidate for the position of Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General is likely to meet all the criteria outlined below in equally strong measure, the following experience, attributes and personal qualities are desirable:

* Credentials and experience sufficient to ensure an understanding of and respect from the University community as a whole

* Superior communication skills, oral and written, in English and French

* Capacity to listen to and appreciate the views of others

* Capacity for effective team work with other senior administrators

* Superior organizational and administrative skills

* A positive attitude to problem solving

* Energy, creativity and resourcefulness

* Integrity, honesty and high ethical standards

* Capacity to exercise good judgement

* Ability to be an articulate, effective spokesperson for the University