Opportunities

Salary Information

Pay-for-Points 1192 - $105,751 - $137,476 per annum.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead Bold Transformation.  Inspire Innovation.  

Shape the Future of Education.

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is seeking a forward-thinking, results-focused leader to serve as our new Associate Vice President (AVP), Strategic Initiatives & Innovation. This newly established executive role reports directly to the President & CEO and is a key member of CNA's Executive Team.

The AVP will lead the delivery of high-impact, transformational initiatives that shape CNA's future and reinforce its position as a leader in post-secondary education. With a strong focus on execution and results, this role turns strategic vision into action - delivering measurable impact.

The portfolio focuses on artificial intelligence as a core strategic priority, along with sustainable development, enterprise-wide innovation, and applied research. The AVP will bring structure to complex initiatives, driving efficient and effective implementation while embedding innovation into CNA's operational core.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the full lifecycle of CNA's most strategic and innovative initiatives, providing oversight across all phases including planning, timelines, milestones, deliverables, reporting, and evaluation.
• Manage large-scale project budgets, funding, and contracts to support effective delivery.
• Act as executive sponsor and strategic champion, promoting strong governance, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Mobilize internal and external resources, identify and remove barriers, and hold teams accountable to ensure timely execution of priorities.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks to protect CNA's strategic, reputational, and operational interests.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government, industry, academia, and community stakeholders to unlock new opportunities.
• Play a key role in ensuring compliance with public sector governance, accountability, and reporting frameworks, while navigating complex government systems and aligning diverse stakeholder interests.
• Lead and support a team of senior leaders, including Directors and a Dean, to advance CNA's innovation and transformation agenda.
• Represent CNA in forums, boards, and committees to promote the College's interests and strengthen key partnerships.
• Perform other related duties as required.

This role offers:

• A strategic leadership position with direct influence on CNA's long-term direction and priorities.
• An opportunity to lead strategically significant and innovative work shaping education, workforce development, and sustainability across Newfoundland and Labrador.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking executive environment committed to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement.

Screening Criteria

• An undergraduate degree in Business, Project Management, Leadership, or related field (equivalencies will be considered).
• Project Management Certification (asset).
• Demonstrated experience leading the full lifecycle of strategic initiatives in a post-secondary, public sector, or similarly complex multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience managing financial and human resources, such as large-scale budgets, contracts, and cross-functional or senior-level teams.

Assessment Criteria

• Knowledge of strategic initiative development, integration, and execution.
• Knowledge of public sector governance, including funding models, accountability, and risk management frameworks.
• Project management skills.
• Communication and influencing skills.
• Problem solving and decision-making abilities.
• Partnership development and resource mobilization skills.
• Strategic foresight and a proven ability to drive innovation.
• Leadership and team development skills.
• Political awareness and professional diplomacy.
• Results-oriented approach focused on accountability and measurable outcomes.

Conditions of Offer

• When requested by the Employer, a recent and satisfactory Certificate of Conduct must be provided.
• Verification of credentials and applicable licenses, certifications, and/or professional memberships as required for the position.

Conditions of Acceptance

• This position requires travel within Newfoundland and Labrador, with occasional domestic and international travel outside the province as needed.

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) recognizes the importance of and is committed to offering flexible work arrangements to its employees. The successful applicant may qualify for a telework arrangement within the province, subject to eligibility criteria. Where appropriate, consideration may be given to a primarily remote, hybrid, or ad-hoc arrangement. However, as a place-based organization, candidates are expected to report to the specified work location identified in this job posting, as all positions will involve some degree of on-site work, unless otherwise indicated. 

Applicant Information

• This position provides flexibility in location, with consideration being given to candidates requesting to work from any one of our campuses throughout the province.
• Applications must be submitted online through https://www.cna.nl.ca/careers/opportunities on or before the closing date stated for this job posting.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit an application that demonstrates the required screening criteria. Applications that do not clearly and effectively demonstrate the required criteria will be screened out of the competition.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or those who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Applicants who elect to include a cover letter (optional) must upload cover letter and resumé as a combined document (PDF). Resumés should be in chronological order specifying education and employment in months and years including part-time and full-time employment.
• Information submitted as part of the application process must be clear, factual, and current to date of submission and is subject to verification.
• Applicants will be notified of their status throughout each stage of the recruitment process.
• An offer of employment is conditional upon the satisfactory completion and review of all pre-employment requirements by the College.
• The results from this competition may be used to fill similar vacancies.

Closing Statement

For more information about this job opportunity or should you require an accommodation as part of this recruitment and selection process, please contact Robert Adams, Selection Board Chair, by email at robert.adams@cna.nl.ca.

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) strives to create an organizational culture that welcomes and amplifies diverse perspectives, nurtures belonging and actively seeks to eliminate barriers to equity. We invite all interested individuals to apply, and as part of our shared commitment to the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as a true reflection of CNA’s core values (Excellence, Integrity, Diversity, Respect and Transparency), we encourage applications from equity-seeking groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women, and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

We appreciate your interest in College of the North Atlantic!