Academic Search and Talent Expertise

Today’s educational landscape is being reshaped by technological change, shifting societal expectations, and economic pressures. As leadership becomes more complex, institutions need trusted partners who understand the unique demands of academic environments.

As Canada’s largest academic search practice and a strategic talent advisor since 1975, KBRS is well positioned to support your institution’s evolving leadership needs. Our team brings deep understanding and direct experience in academic leadership and has partnered with world-leading institutions to navigate complexity and facilitate critical leadership decisions.

We work with universities, colleges, research organizations, and independent schools to recruit, support, and develop leaders who shape the future of education.

KBRS provides integrated leadership solutions, from executive search and recruitment to talent development and coaching, succession planning, HR advisory, DEI strategy and consulting, and career transition (outplacement).

Why Choose KBRS for Academic Search Support?

Academic leadership searches are complex and KBRS is uniquely positioned to guide you through every stage of the process. From guiding a presidential search to supporting the selection of a Dean, we understand the unique requirements of academic leadership.

With KBRS, you will benefit from our:

Deep understanding of academic leadership: Over 300 placements in the past five years in over 80 institutions.
Sector-specialized search partners: Our team has firsthand experience in academic leadership at the AVP, director, and senior advisor level.
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion: Embedding these principles in your search process.
Global reach: Paired with local insight.
Effective, thorough recruitment: Multi-channel process casting a wide, yet discerning net.
Exceptional candidate care: Enabling us to engage a diverse candidate pool.
Search support and skilled facilitation: Guidance throughout the process and help navigating critical conversations enable excellent decision-making among search committees.
Strategic leadership advice: Our guidance draws on expertise in assessments, onboarding, succession planning, compensation consulting, leadership coaching, and unconscious bias training.
Long-term focus: Attention on your enduring success, not just short-term needs. Our “no failed search” guarantee means we will continue to support your search until a successful appointment is made.

Recognized globally as a Top 50 Higher Education Recruiter by Hunt Scanlon, KBRS is dedicated to supporting outstanding academic leadership.

Supporting Your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Goals

Through consultation and training, our team supports organizations to address DEI in a meaningful and authentic way with a focus on talent attraction and selection as well as organizational readiness, onboarding, and HR support.

Engaging a diverse talent pool of qualified candidates is essential for the success of your recruitment strategy. Equally important is your ability to combat barriers that disadvantage underrepresented groups and impact retention.

Explore Consulting Services

Our DEI Commitment

Research Chair Recruitment

KBRS offers a streamlined approach uniquely suited for Research Chair recruitment.

To help you connect with world-class scholars and researchers, we amplify your recruitment efforts by complementing your process with a focus on three key areas:

Stakeholder consultation
Identification, recruitment, and candidate engagement
DEI support including best practices set out by the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program

Learn how we can customize our approach to your needs.

Contact Our Team

Interested in an Expedited Recruitment Processes for Key Staff Roles?

Meridia offers a streamlined recruitment process based on a contingency model while still addressing the unique needs of today’s academic institutions.

Find out how.

Contact with Mark Gillis to learn more