University Secretary

Job Description

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is Canada’s engaged university, defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement and impact. SFU is unconventional, fearless, compassionate, approachable, and ready. SFU aspires to represent the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures to the fullest of ways throughout our institution.

Our principles prioritize people and communities with a focus on academic and intellectual freedom, diversity, internationalization, respect for Indigenous peoples and cultures, a supportive and healthy work environment, and sustainability.

With an annual budget of $871 million, and a $450 million endowment fund, SFU has campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey.  The SFU community includes 2,500 staff and over 1,000 faculty that deliver world-class programs to approximately 37,000 undergraduate and graduate students.   SFU has consistently been ranked as a top employer in Canada. 

The Office of the University Secretary serves as the university’s corporate secretariat. The University Secretary reports to the President of the University and is also accountable to the Chair of the Board of Governors.  The University Secretary is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the activities of the Board of Governors and its committees and the initiation, development and administration of university processes and policies, and is the member of the university’s management team responsible for organizing, supporting and promoting the good governance of the University. The University Secretary advises the President and the Chair of the Board of Governors on highly sensitive and confidential issues that may significantly affect the governance, functioning or reputation of the institution. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Canadian university governance and has significant, senior-level experience working in or with a university in a role that directly supports and advises or regularly comes into contact with the Board of Directors, Senate and executive team. This experience could include experience in a university secretary office, in a board office, provost or president’s office, a general counsel office, or other areas within a university.

This position is located on Burnaby Mountain, offering convenient access to all that the Lower Mainland has to offer.

How to Apply

For more information on this exceptional leadership opportunity at one of Canada’s leading universities, please contact our search consultants, Danielle Conn, Brent Cameron or Kathryn Young, at +1 (604) 685-0261. To apply for this position, click Apply.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ(Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. SFU is an equity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

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.