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Position/Title
Chair (Part-Time)
Agency
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)
Advertisement Date
15-Apr-2024
Closing Date
03-May-2024
File Number
PAS-240017
Position Type
Part-Time
Remuneration
PER DIEM
Roles and Responsibilities

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities is seeking a Chair to lead the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). HEQCO is a board-governed provincial agency of the Government of Ontario, reporting to the Minister of Colleges and Universities. Established in 2005, HEQCO’s mandate is to assist the Minister in improving all aspects of the postsecondary education (PSE) system, including improving the quality of education provided in the PSE sector, access to PSE, and the accountability of PSE institutions. HEQCO’s role is to undertake PSE research, evaluations and provide specific evidence-based policy advice to the Minister.

In October 2018, HEQCO was given the additional function to research and evaluate how free speech is being addressed at each PSE institution and across the PSE sector, as well as to provide reports and recommendations to the ministry on HEQCO’s findings on free speech.

In December 2019, HEQCO’s evaluation function was further expanded to include Minister specified evaluations of the ministry’s programs and services, or other PSE programs and services provided or funded by the Government of Ontario.

The Board Chair is responsible for:

  • Providing leadership to HEQCO.
  • Seeking strategic policy direction for HEQCO from the Minister.
  • Ensuring the implementation of actions that support the goals, objectives and strategic direction of HEQCO, in alignment with government priorities.
  • Reporting to the Minister, as requested, on HEQCO’s activities within agreed upon timelines.
  • Monitoring HEQCO’s performance and ensuring that the agency operates within its approved budget allocation in fulfilling its mandate.
  • Making sure that appropriate management systems are in place (e.g., financial, information technology, human resource) for the effective administration of the agency.
  • Ensuring timely communications with the Minister regarding any issues or events that may concern, or that can reasonably be expected to concern the Minister, in the exercise of responsibilities relating to HEQCO.
  • Consulting with the Minister in advance regarding any activity which may have an impact on government and ministry policies, directives or procedures, or on HEQCO’s mandate, powers or responsibilities as set out in the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005 (HEQCO Act).
  • Meeting all reporting requirements, as set out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ministry and HEQCO. This includes reviewing and approving HEQCO’s Business Plan, budget, Annual Report and financial reports, and submitting them to the Minister in accordance with the timelines specified in the HEQCO Act, this MOU, and all applicable government directives.
  • Cooperating with any review or audit of HEQCO.
  • Providing both the Minister and the President of Treasury Board with a copy of every audit report, a copy of HEQCO’s response to each report and any recommendations in the report.
  • Advising the Minister annually on any outstanding audit recommendations.
  • Making sure that agency appointees to the Board are aware of and comply with applicable Treasury Board/ Management Board of Cabinet (TB/MBC) and Ministry of Finance directives, and applicable legislation.
  • Ensuring that the Board members are informed of their responsibilities under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 (PSOA), with regard to the rules of ethical conduct (Part IV of the PSOA), including the political activity rules (Part V of the PSOA).
  • Evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the Board and pursuant to performance criteria established by the Board and the Chair.
  • Reviewing and approving claims for per diems and expenses of Board members in accordance with applicable TB/MBC and Ministry of Finance directives, unless otherwise delegated.

To learn more about HEQCO, please go to http://www.heqco.ca/

Qualifications

Qualifications for the Board Chair include:

  • Significant leadership or executive experience.
  • Board of directors experience either in the public or private sectors.
  • Commitment to the role and mandate of HEQCO within Ontario’s PSE sector.
  • Recognized ability to provide stewardship.
  • Ability to articulate and implement a strategic vision, in alignment with HEQCO’s mandate and HEQCO’s annual letter of direction .
  • Effective relationship building and communication skills to build productive and collaborative relationships within the responsible ministry, with the Minister, and a broad range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to work effectively with Board members.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to sound agency governance practices, rules of ethical conduct and working within the government’s agency accountability structure.
  • Understanding of sound financial and operational business processes and practices, including working within a specified budget.
  • Management skills such as strategic planning and risk management. 
  • Some expertise in research, evaluation, policy and data science is an asset.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the PSE sector, current issues and trends and context in which the agency operates.

Current executive and/or governing members of publicly-assisted Ontario postsecondary institutions and bodies established to promote the interests of such institutions, or their employees, or students, are not eligible to be appointed under the HEQCO Act.

Term
3 years
The Board Chair will be appointed for a term not exceeding three years. This is a part-time position.
Time Commitment
Meet as required
The Board of Directors meets at least six times throughout the year. Board meetings are held virtually as videoconferences.
Expenses
Yes
Remuneration for the HEQCO Board Chair is $300 per diem. Reimbursement of eligible expenses consistent with applicable government policies.
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