President and Vice Chancellor

President and Vice Chancellor
Office of the President
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus
Full-Time
5-year term renewable by the Board of Governors
Employment Opportunity No.: 26.60

Closing Date: July 31st, 2026, 4:30 Yukon Standard Time

Yukon University is seeking a visionary leader to serve as its next President and Vice-Chancellor at a defining moment in its evolution. As Canada’s first university north of 60°, Yukon University is a catalyst for northern innovation, Indigenous self-determination, and transformative learning. Guided by the vision of a flourishing learning and research community, the University is defining a future that is uniquely northern, globally relevant, yet deeply rooted in place. Reporting to the Board of Governors, the President will provide resolute leadership as the University pursues its ambitions and community engagement, while creating new paradigms of northern, Indigenous, and community-based learning.

Central to this role is a profound commitment to reconciliation and to Yukon University’s unique identity as an institution grounded in the Traditional Territories of the fourteen Yukon First Nations. The University recognizes Indigenous knowledge systems as essential and has embraced a path of decolonization, renewed relationships, and ethical partnership. The President will lead this work with humility and authenticity, strengthening relationships with Yukon First Nations and ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing continue to enrich the educational experience and future goals of the institution.

The successful candidate will be an advocate for Yukon University, building partnerships across the North and throughout Canada. They will bring a distinguished record of executive leadership, strategic vision, and organizational achievement, along with deep relationship-building skills and notable fiscal and operational judgment. Experience in post-secondary education, Indigenous partnerships, public service, research, community development, or other complex mission-driven organizations will be greatly valued. Above all, they will be a compassionate and inspiring leader who understands the transformative power of education and finds purpose in creating opportunities for learners, communities, and future generations across the North.

The next President of Yukon University will help shape the future of northern higher education, advance reconciliation through action and partnership, and inspire a generation to make a positive difference in the Yukon, Canada and across the globe.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Canada's most innovative and distinctive universities.

Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however qualified candidates who self-identify as Yukon first Nations, as well as Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority.

For more information, please go to the Careers board on the Yukon University website and see the attached Executive Brief.

Quoting the employment opportunity number, please send your cover letter and resume to:

Human Resource Services
Yukon University, Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5K4
Fax: View phone number on yuwin.ca
Email: [email protected]

Applicants should clearly outline all relevant qualifications since selection for interview will be based on applications submitted.

Please be prepared to provide official transcripts upon request.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.