Vice-Provost, Open Learning, Teaching and Innovation Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC

The role

The Vice-Provost, Open Learning, Teaching and Innovation reports directly to the Provost and Vice-President Academic and plays a critical role in shaping the future of TRU’s educational landscape. They are responsible for supporting the Provost’s vision of integrated strategic planning (TRUly Flexible and TRUBold), and they will focus on promoting best practices in pedagogy that foster student success. Focuses will include critical digital pedagogy, educational innovation and applications of technology, decolonization and indigenization of curriculum and providing open access to learning. They must be knowledgeable and accountable for relevant provincial ministry mandates that position TRU as BC’s open learning institution, and objectives of the BC Digital Learning Strategy. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance TRU's reputation as a leader in flexible and open education.

Key areas of oversight and responsibility are:

Strategic Leadership of Teaching and Learning

Provides strategic direction for teaching and learning initiatives at TRU, whether online, hybrid or in-person. Leads TRU’s initiatives such as TRUly Flexible and TRUBold, ensuring the development and delivery of high-quality, accessible educational offerings for all TRU students. Supports the expansion of TRU’s credit bank and excellence in prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR).

Learning Design and Innovation

Fosters a culture of innovation and creativity in teaching and learning while promoting the effective use of open educational resources and educational technologies to enhance teaching and learning across the university. Oversees bold and innovative integration of technology-enhanced learning and distance education initiatives. Supports the development of new teaching methodologies and curricular innovations.

Innovation in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Leads the advancement of scholarly research that drives evidence-based innovations in teaching practices. Encourages and supports faculty in exploring new methodologies and pedagogical strategies that enhance student learning outcomes. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement by integrating evidenceinformed teaching practices.

Quality Assurance

Working with the Provost and in partnership with Faculties, Schools, and Division of Open Learning, works with the team in the Office of Mission Fulfillment and Quality Assurance to support alignment with Degree Quality Assessment Board policy and processes for program review and approval. Maintains commitments to institutional learning outcomes.

Community and Relationship Building

Builds effective relationships with a broad spectrum of constituents, including senior administration, faculty, Open Learning faculty, students, alumni, community leaders, and First Nations communities. Fosters partnerships with external organizations to enhance TRU’s educational offerings and reputation, in alignment with the provincial Digital Learning Strategy. Represent TRU at regional, national and international levels, promoting the university’s vision and achievements. Collaborates with academic units to ensure the adoption of evidence-informed practices in teaching and learning.

The organization

TRU is located on the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot’in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.

At TRU, student success is the priority. TRU is committed to both academic excellence and accessibility, TRU opens doors and minds, offering a diverse range of programs and pathways to students from all backgrounds. With over 140 on-campus programs and 60 Open Learning programs, TRU provides flexible education opportunities that encourage research, creation and innovation.

The ideal candidate

As the ideal candidate, you are a scholar and academic administrator with a significant depth of knowledge in open learning and open access to higher education, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. You have experience in evidence based/data driven planning, particularly with regards to the implementation of a multiyear budget model. You are an experienced and visionary leader with a strong strategic mindset and exceptional collaborative skills who is comfortable taking calculated risks to lead true innovation. Your dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion is evident in your approach to leadership and project management. Your integrity and ethical leadership are unwavering. You have successfully managed complex projects and effectively led organizational change. Your ability to develop and implement effective policies and procedures has consistently driven positive outcomes. Your exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable you to build trusting relationships, resolve conflicts and engage effectively with a wide range of people.

Qualifications and experience

While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.

• An earned doctorate in a relevant discipline.
• Eligibility for tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or higher.
• Proven performance history in research, teaching and academic administration.
• Several years of progressive experience in the post-secondary education sector, with senior leadership experience.
• Significant experience in academic leadership roles, preferably within an open learning or online education environment.
• Extensive knowledge of open educational practices, distance education and technologyenhanced learning.
• Demonstrated success in leading and implementing strategic academic initiatives.
• Experience in quality assurance, accreditation processes, PLAR and policy development.
• Strong commitment to advancing Indigenous education and supporting the success of underrepresented groups.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Attributes and Skills

• Strategic leadership expertise with the ability to assimilate information quickly, analyze data and make timely decisions.
• A high degree of emotional intelligence, with the ability to build positive relationships across departments and constituents.
• The ability to collectively inspire, influence and motivate diverse groups of people with authenticity, empathy and integrity.
• Courage and wisdom—able to hold space for important conversations while bringing clarity to complex issues.
• A high capacity to balance multiple priorities while being responsive to people.

Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.