The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) invites applications for the position of Interim Vice-President Academic and Research for a one-year term. During this period the successful candidate will play a key role in collaboratively shaping the future of the academic and research portfolio. The successful candidate will be eligible to apply for the continuing position once it is established.

Located in Charlottetown, UPEI is known for its strong sense of community, commitment to student success, and growing national and global impact. Established in 1969, UPEI builds on a proud legacy of academic excellence while advancing a bold vision for the future through its Strategic Plan 2025–2030, , which prioritizes student-centered learning, impactful research, Indigenous engagement, and sustainable institutional growth.

UPEI is home to approximately 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students across ten faculties—Arts; Business; Education; Graduate Studies; Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies; Medicine; Nursing; Science; Sustainable Design Engineering; and Veterinary Medicine—as well as the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences and the School of Climate Change and Adaptation.

This interim appointment offers a unique opportunity for a respected academic leader to contribute meaningfully to UPEI’s academic mission during a period of strategic implementation and institutional momentum.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Interim Vice-President Academic and Research provides leadership across the University’s academic portfolio, including teaching and learning, research and scholarship, academic planning, enrolment-aligned program development, and graduate studies. The role is central to advancing the priorities of the Strategic Plan, including:

•    Enhancing student success, access, and retention through high-quality, inclusive, and experiential learning opportunities.
•    Strengthening research excellence and impact, including interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships that address regional and global challenges.
•    Advancing Indigenous knowledge, engagement, and reconciliation across academic programs and research initiatives.
•    Supporting sustainable enrolment growth and innovative program development aligned with workforce and societal needs. 
•    Fostering a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging across the academic community.

Working closely with Senate, Deans, and the broader academic leadership team, the Interim Vice-President Academic and Research ensures alignment between academic priorities, resource planning, and institutional goals, while maintaining strong relationships across campus and with external partners.

The successful candidate will be a respected academic with significant senior administrative experience in a university setting. They will hold a PHD or equivalent terminal degree and be appointable at the rank of full professor and bring demonstrated success in academic and institutional planning, implementation, and resource alignment, along with strong financial acumen and experience.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence required to lead in a fast-changing, collaborative and collegial environment.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and evolving institution committed to sustainable excellence in teaching, research, and community impact.

The salary range for this position is $252,292 - $271,692 annually.

Please refer to the UPEI Leadership framework and Position Profile.

Application Instructions

Application packages, including a letter of intent, a research and teaching dossier including an updated curriculum vitae, a statement of research achievements and future objectives, an overview of how equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are integrated into the applicant’s research design and practices, and the names and contact of at least three references, must be sent as one PDF file to: 
chiefofstaff@upei.ca

Review of applications will begin April 7, 2026; however, the competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

UPEI will provide support in the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please communicate your needs to Kelly Drummond, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources, at ktdrummond@upei.ca