Redeemer University College President OP

OPPORTUNITY PROFILE
President
Redeemer University College
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
www.redeemer.ca

INTRODUCTION
During its 35 years, Redeemer University College has stood out across Canada for its
commitment to a Christian undergraduate liberal arts and sciences education that
develops the whole person. Rooted in a Reformed, Biblical worldview, and including a
diverse community representing over 50 Christian denominations, Redeemer seeks to
answer the fundamental questions about where we fit into God’s story while it prepares
students to engage society’s biggest challenges. A rigorous academic program with
an interdisciplinary core is supported by a vibrant community characterized by caring
discipleship. The result is an enriching and transformational education experience
integrating faith, learning and service.
WE INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE
THROUGH THIS OPPORTUNITY
PROFILE. FOR MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT REDEEMER UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE, PLEASE VISIT THE
FOLLOWING RESOURCES:
Redeemer University College’s
website at www.redeemer.ca
Resound, Redeemer’s online
publishing hub, to read stories
about the university
Redeemer’s YouTube channel, to
watch promotional videos
2016-17 Digital Annual Report

A privately-funded, publicly-chartered institution, Redeemer offers excellent
Christ-centred undergraduate teaching, strong investments in research, rich
student-faculty interaction, and unique opportunities for experiential and holistic
learning. As a member of Universities Canada and the Council of Christian
Colleges and Universities, Redeemer produces graduates who are accepted
into graduate programs across the continent and beyond. As one of the three
recognized post-secondary institutions in Hamilton, Redeemer collaborates
frequently with both McMaster University and Mohawk College. In recent national
surveys, our students have ranked Redeemer as one of the top universities in
Canada for overall student satisfaction, especially for providing a nurturing and
challenging academic environment along with its warm on-campus community.
Redeemer University College is now embarking on a search for the fourth President
of the institution. The next President needs to be a skilled communicator to
internal and external audiences. The University needs a bold, decisive leader who
is prepared to take calculated risks in line with a well-articulated vision that will
ensure a healthy future for Redeemer University College. This person will identify
and develop new partnerships and financial resources while stewarding existing
relationships and resources extraordinarily well. Redeemer has talented faculty and
staff who are eager to be a part of the future. The President needs to build, nurture,
and empower this strong and capable faculty and staff community.
More than 5800 alumni faithfully fulfill their callings and
serve their communities in Canada and around the world.

THE INSTITUTION
THE HISTORY OF REDEEMER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
The desire for a Christian institution of higher education arose out of the conviction of
the Dutch Canadian immigrant community. Their vision reflected a Reformed worldview
championed by the Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper which declares
that every square inch of life falls under the dominion of God and is influenced by our
understanding of the saving work of Jesus Christ. Education therefore is not a neutral
activity, but must instead be shaped by biblical thought and understanding. This worldview
led the immigrants to establish Christian grade schools and high schools not as a means
to insulate their children from the secular world, but as a way to prepare them to influence
and participate in the secular world as agents of change and reconciliation.
The desire to extend Christian education to the university level in the province of Ontario
was finally realized in 1982 when Redeemer College opened its doors for the first time.
In 1985 the college purchased 78 acres of land in Ancaster for the construction of a new
campus. The college occupied the new facilities in August 1986.
REDEEMER OPENED WITH 97 FULL-
TIME AND 63 PART-TIME STUDENTS.
THE NEW CAMPUS WELCOMED
279 FULL-TIME STUDENTS IN ITS
FIRST YEAR.
IN NOVEMBER, 1986, THE COLLEGE
HELD ITS FIRST COMMENCEMENT,
WITH 40 STUDENTS GRADUATING.

On June 25, 1998, the Government of Ontario granted Redeemer College the authority
to offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Prior to that time, the
College conferred a Bachelor of Christian Studies degree which was recognized by the
Association of Universities & Colleges of Canada as comparable to the Bachelor of Arts or
Bachelor of Science degree.
In view of its status as an undergraduate university, the Ontario Legislature approved a
change in institutional name to Redeemer University College on June 22, 2000.
On June 26, 2003 the Government of Ontario granted Redeemer the authority to offer a
Bachelor of Education degree. On December 10, 2003 this new teacher education program
was granted initial accreditation by the Ontario College of Teachers, giving Redeemer the
only provincially recognized Christian teacher education program in Ontario.

THE MISSION
Education in Ontario is predominantly provided through government-controlled
schools and is thoroughly secular in nature. Redeemer’s founding mission is to be
counter-cultural in the area of education by providing a university-level liberal arts
and science education which is Scripturally directed and explores the relation of
faith, learning, and living from a Reformed Christian perspective. The publication
The Cross and Our Calling defines the mission and purpose of university education
to be to equip young men and women to serve as witnesses to Christ’s victory in the
various vocations they will take up in society.
In carrying out this mission, Redeemer is grounded in the truth of the Bible and
the historic Christian faith as expressed in the Protestant tradition. We do not limit
the application of these convictions to theology classes or chapel services, but
are committed to the Reformed conviction that the claims of Jesus Christ and the
Christian worldview apply to all disciplines and all aspects of university life. We
believe that faithful service to God’s kingdom is possible in every area of teaching,
learning, and scholarship. Therefore, our goal is to train students and produce
scholarship in a way that shines the light of Christ into even the darkest corners of
our culture and society.

CURRENT CONTEXT
Throughout North America, post-secondary education is in transition. As a liberal arts
institution, Redeemer has been affected by the changing landscape. From a high of
915 full-time equivalent students, Redeemer currently enrolls 639 full-time equivalent
students. We have responded vigorously to the challenge a decline in enrolment
represents and have made the adjustments necessary to maintain a sustainable
institution.
We are currently in the midst of an ambitious $20 million fundraising campaign
undertaken to support the Redeemer 2020 Strategic Plan. Through the generous gifts
of our supporting community we have already raised almost $16.5 million dollars in
support of the plan. Through the execution of the strategic plan we have improved
our marketing and worked to raise our public profile. We have added new academic
programs in Media & Communications Studies and Ministry, developed a new Core
Curriculum, and added academic centres in the Centre for Christian Scholarship and
the Centre for Experiential Learning and Careers. As well, we have strengthened our
financial position by reducing our long-term debt by over $7 million.
697 STUDENTS
58 MAJORS
34 MINORS
5806 ALUMNI
$15,982 TUITION
$7M
FINANCIAL AID
In 2016-17, these efforts bore
fruit with the first increase in
the size of our incoming class in
several years. With enrolment
now stabilized and our financial
situation improved, we are
ready to find new ways to help
students to discover their world,
transform their minds, deepen
their faith, and find their calling
in God’s kingdom.

THE POSITION
The President of Redeemer University College is the Chief Executive
Officer of the institution. As its head, the President is responsible
and accountable for providing overall leadership and management
of the University. While ensuring compliance with and adherence
to the Charter, by-laws, and Board Policies, the President will work
closely with the Board of Governors and the senior leadership team
to formulate and implement a vision that drives performance and
enables the institution to fulfill its mission.

THE PERSON
The next President of Redeemer University College must have a vibrant, living
relationship with Jesus Christ nurtured through personal habits of faith and committed
participation in a local church community. The President must possess a strong
understanding of and have a deep and enthusiastic personal commitment to a Reformed
Kuyperian Christian worldview consistent with the University’s founding principles.
As the leader of the institution, the President must be able to clearly articulate the
mission and vision of Redeemer in a way that garners support for the mission from
external supporters and constituencies, and that aligns, energizes, and unites faculty,
staff, and students in this shared project for God’s kingdom.
The President must be bold and ambitious in order to make the vision a reality, but must
also be resilient and able to deal with external and internal setbacks and challenges.
The President must possess outstanding leadership and managerial skills and be able to
make difficult decisions in an informed and timely manner.
The President must be a leader of people, able to develop the gifts of others, and to empower
them to use those gifts in service of God and Redeemer. As well, the President must be
a tireless promoter of the institution, able to connect with and promote Redeemer to
supporters, prospective students, alumni, and to church and government leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS
Redeemer University College’s next
President should have an impressive array
of executive leadership and strategic
experience and a background in leading
organizations that face the challenges
commonly found in small colleges and
universities. An earned doctorate is
preferred for this executive position,
but consideration will be given to other
candidates with requisite attributes,
qualifications, and experience.
At least five years of senior-level
leadership / management experience,
preferably in the not-for-profit sector.
Demonstrated ability to effectively
lead from and carry out an
organizational mission and
vision in a way that enhances
organizational performance.
Demonstrated ability to build and
motivate high-performing teams.
A working knowledge of budgets and
financial statements.
Experience facilitating change and
organizational transformation in a
growing and complex multi-layered
organization.
Demonstrated ability to form
productive and effective
stakeholder relations.
A working knowledge of the postsecondary
academic landscape in
Ontario, and the specific issues related
to faith-based universities/colleges
within the system.

PRIORITIES
The priorities for the next President of
Redeemer will be to:
Oversee the completion of the current
strategic plan.
Work to sustain the unique Reformed
character of the institution while
meeting changing regulatory
requirements.
Lead the development of a renewed
vision and strategic plan that is rooted
in the founding Reformed basis and
purpose and that meets the needs of a
rapidly changing world.
Communicate the vision of Redeemer
in a way that gathers support from the
Christian community, provides resources
to continue reducing our debt, and
increases enrolment.
Motivate and empower the campus
community to achieve the vision, and
inspire renewed enthusiasm for our
mission in the wake of recent challenges.

A RICH URBAN CENTRE
Redeemer University College, which is ideally located on a scenic 86-acre campus,
features a unique townhouse-based approach to student residence life. The campus is
nestled in Ancaster, Ontario, now part of the amalgamated City of Hamilton, known for
its unique and beautiful setting, including the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton Harbour,
and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Centrally located within a larger area known as the
Golden Horseshoe that extends from Niagara Falls to the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton
is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Canada’s business and finance, research
and technology, arts, and not-for-profit centres. Once known for its predominantly
industrial base, Hamilton is increasingly recognized for outstanding post-secondary
education facilities and excellent health care, and as a growing centre for health care
research and other innovative enterprises. Redeemer contributes especially to Hamilton’s
vibrant arts scene, active and diverse church
communities, social services and outreach, and
environmental stewardship.
CHECK OUT HAMILTON
Hamilton affords families and singles, young
and old, an abundance of opportunities and
experiences. The City is culturally diverse and
offers a wide range of amenities and attractions
relating to the performing arts, sports,
museums, recreational facilities, parks, and
conservation areas.
The Top 10 Things to See
and Do in Hamilton Ontario
What to do in Hamilton
Discover Hamilton
This Town

PROCESS OF CANDIDACY
A President Search Committee has been appointed by the Board of Governors, and
is comprised of representatives from various segments of the Redeemer community.
Candidates reaching the final stages of the process will be interviewed comprehensively
by the Search Committee. Strict confidentiality will be maintained until the preferred
candidate is selected. The preferred candidate will be appointed by the Board of
Governors.
Though the starting date is negotiable, ideally the new President will assume the office
between January 1, 2018 and July 1, 2018.
After reading this Opportunity Profile, if you sense the gifts and experience God has
given you are a good match for Redeemer University College, we invite you to begin the
inquiry process. JobfitMatters will keep all candidate information and conversations
confidential. You may contact us at any stage of the process to get more information and/
or to ask questions. (Contact information on next page)

Please provide the following documents and responses for review:
• A current resumé or CV.
• Responses to the following questions:
1. Share with us your personal statement of faith. Describe your spiritual journey and
its relevance to both your personal and professional life.
2. Tell us about the challenges you perceive for Christian higher education, and what
you find attractive about those challenges at this time. Which skills and experiences
in your life lead you to believe that you can be an effective leader for Redeemer?
3. After reading The Cross and Our Calling tell us about your alignment with it as a
foundational Identity and Vision statement of Redeemer University College.
Submit this information in ONE Microsoft Word document or .pdf to:
Tommy W. Thomas, Lead Partner
JobfitMatters
resumes@simainternational.com
Phone: (615) 261-4623
In the subject line of the email, please write “RUC - President”