Associate Vice President, Indigenization and Decolonization

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis. Learn more about MRU’s Land Acknowledgment.

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University (MRU) grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, MRU is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research.

MRU serves approximately 16,000 students, with a full-load equivalent (FLE) of 11,948. The university offers 14 bachelor’s degrees encompassing 38 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. MRU also boasts one of Canada’s elite Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited programs.

With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals.

At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace. We will further indigenize and internationalize our campus, enhance our research culture, and expand fundraising efforts. Together, we will achieve these strategic priorities through a strong focus on our employees as the driving force behind the University’s success.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Associate Vice President (AVP), Indigenization and Decolonization, is the senior leader at Mount Royal University for guiding indigenization and decolonization. The successful candidate will provide transformative vision, strategy, leadership and direction to advancing our institutional commitments to indigenization and decolonization. The AVP is a member of the senior academic leadership and actively contributes to institutional governance and initiative development with an emphasis on decolonizing and indigenizing the academy. The ideal candidate will be a wise facilitator with a passion and capacity to build on indigenization efforts of our university. The role requires strong communication and coordination skills to collaboratively engage our internal and external communities in decolonization and indigenization with respect and reciprocity. The successful candidate will help to foster an environment where Indigenous students, faculty, staff, collaborators and community members can thrive in an inclusive environment.

This role will champion the integration of Indigenous perspectives into curriculum in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, while working collaboratively with the Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement to advance Indigenous research. The AVP will offer expert advice on policy, procedures, and institutional practices, ensuring respectful and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, cultures, and protocols. As the leader of the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization, the AVP will oversee staff and support Indigenous students and employees. Success in this role will require strong collaboration across the University and beyond, including partnerships with the Students’ Association, Academic Development Centre, Community Engagement, advisory councils, post-secondary institutions, and government partners, as well as a close working relationship with the Iniskim Centre to advance Indigenous student success and community connection.

The ideal candidate is an Indigenous leader (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) who brings lived experience, cultural knowledge, and strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, including the ability to build meaningful connections with the Nations in the traditional territories where MRU is located. They will possess a minimum of a Master’s degree (with doctoral preparation considered an asset) and at least five years of progressive leadership experience within a university or comparable environment. This individual is a skilled communicator, able to thoughtfully articulate perspectives on emerging Indigenous issues to diverse audiences, and has demonstrated experience working with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record in strategic planning and implementation, along with a deep commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation through indigenization and decolonization. They will have a strong understanding of post-secondary environments, including policies, programs, and practices that support Indigenous student success, as well as experience fostering Indigenous community-engaged research, teaching, and learning. In addition, they will demonstrate administrative leadership with increasing levels of responsibility, including staff supervision, and possess strong relationship-building skills across university, community, and government partners.

A comprehensive understanding of the political and legislative landscape related to Indigenous initiatives, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, is essential, as is the ability to secure funding and effectively engage stakeholders to advance meaningful and lasting impact.

The successful candidate will exemplify MRU’s leadership competencies, displaying strategic vision, inspirational leadership, resource mobilization abilities, innovative problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to professional integrity and ethical standards.

Janet Soles and Associates executive search has been retained to support this prominent and important recruitment. To explore this opportunity further or to apply, please send an email to View email address on ca.talent.com and include “MRU AVP Indigenization” in the subject line of your email. Applications should include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae/resume.