Kinross Chair in Environmental Governance
Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1
Department: CSAHS-Office of the Dean
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Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)
The College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph invites applications for the 5th Kinross Chair in Environmental Governance.
The Kinross Chair in Environmental Governance was established in 2010 and seeks to promote environmental and governance practices that support sustainability while helping translate research into meaningful partnerships, programs and initiatives that encourage sound environmental policy and practice at all levels.
The Kinross Chair will bring extensive experience and professional expertise to campus for a residence of approximately four to six months, starting in fall 2025 or winter 2026. During this time, the successful candidate will share existing knowledge and develop and lead opportunities for further knowledge creation with faculty and students. Unlike traditional chairs, this is a unique Knowledge Exchange Chair, developed with the intent of bringing experienced, highly-respected individuals who are employed outside of the academy to campus, and enriching intellectual conversations both on and off campus.
Rationale
The term governance refers to processes, actions and institutions through which societies and organizations operate. In the past, the responsibility for environmental governance in Canada and elsewhere was assumed to reside largely with elected governments. Today, we recognize other players and organizations that are embracing roles, responsibilities and leadership, including Indigenous Peoples and Nations, communities, non-governmental organizations and businesses. There is demand in the public and private sectors, as well as in civil society, for people with deep experience in developing and implementing policies, campaigns, strategies, and other governance tools that incentivize and encourage human-environmental sustainability and prosperity. While curriculum around the phenomenon is quickly emerging, students and faculty have much to learn from professionals working at the cutting edge of environmental governance.
The Kinross Chair will design and execute a plan built around information sharing and knowledge exchange, thought leadership, events and activities oriented to students and the public, and connecting to and with researchers. The plan should tie to programs and priorities important to the University of Guelph’s interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts major in Environmental Governance, Institute for Community Engaged Scholarship, and topics pursued by faculty and/or graduate students working at the interface of policy, environment and governance. Sound plans will clearly detail how the Kinross Chair will advance experiential learning, applied research, and the university’s reputation with respect to the processes of, and mechanisms involved in, environmental governance, the challenges and innovations in the field, and emerging societal concerns.
Focus of the Chair
For the 5th offering of the Kinross Chair, we are interested in engaging individuals who can support interdisciplinary collaboration across campus. Priority will be given to applicants with expertise in one or more of the following key areas of growth within the University of Guelph community:
- Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability
- Indigenous Environmental Governance
- Community Resilience and Climate Change
- Marine Governance and Fisheries
- Nature-based Climate Solutions
- Environmental, Social and Governance
Required expertise
We welcome interest and applications from recognized business executives, public servants, senior staff working in an NGO or other type of non-profits, or Indigenous leaders. Most importantly, they will be thoughtful innovators and skilled communicators who have successfully bridged knowledge, policy, and practice.
Activities
The Chair holder will be expected to lead and catalyze activities on and off campus including, but not limited to: offering seminars and workshops for students, faculty, and the general University community; presenting high profile public talks; implementing experiential learning opportunities; mentoring students; and leading the development of collaborative applied research and knowledge mobilization projects.
Expected outcomes
Most significantly, it is expected that the on-campus presence of the Chair holder will support understanding of governance processes and mechanisms among students, faculty, and the wider University community. In addition, opportunities for experiential learning, mentoring, and networking will be available for students who work with the Chair holder. It is also expected that longer term relations will be established with faculty –for ongoing knowledge exchange and collaborative knowledge creation with the Chair holder and with their networks. Finally, it is anticipated that the many and varied activities of the Chair holder, especially public engagement, will enhance the University’s reputation with respect to the processes of, and mechanisms involved in, environmental governance, the challenges and innovations in the field, and emerging societal concerns.
Logistics
The Chair holder will be in residence at the University of Guelph for four to six months, either concurrently or spread over a one-year term. Tenure start date is flexible and could start in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026. The Chair holder will be provided with a research assistant, office space, and other resources (e.g., email, library access) in a department in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences that best corresponds with their interests and expertise.
The Chair holder may negotiate salary replacement to a maximum of $100,000. The Chair holder will also have access to a professional allowance to cover costs associated with chair-related activities, including living expenses.
Applications
Interested persons are invited to contact Jess Haines for further information. Those applying should submit a CV and a letter that outlines their specific ideas for activities and anticipated outcomes (as described above) to the attention of:
Jess Haines
Associate Dean Research and Graduate Studies (Interim),
Office of the Dean,
Room 105, Macdonald Institute,
University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Interested persons are invited to contact Jess Haines for further information at jhaines@uoguelph.ca.
Requested date for application submission is May 1, 2025. However, the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been secured.
Evaluation Criteria
- Evidence of recognized expertise in the field of environmental governance focused in one or more of these key areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability
- Indigenous Environmental Governance
- Community Resilience and Climate Change
- Marine Governance and Fisheries
- Nature-based Climate Solutions
- Environmental, Social and Governance
- Evidence of recognition as Indigenous leader, public servant, NGO leader, business executive.
- Evidence of innovation and skillful communication bridging knowledge, policy, and practice.
Well-articulated plan for a wide range of on and off campus activities designed to achieve anticipated outcomes.
Posting Date:03/28/2025
Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2025
Close Date: 08/29/2025
The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.
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The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.
The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the hiring process or for more information and support, please visit the University’s Occupational Health and Wellness or contact OHW at ohw@uoguelph.ca.