Academic Search

Specialized to help post-secondary education institutions find the leaders they need to succeed.

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Men and Women Around a Table

Academic leadership searches are more complex than they used to be. Institutions like yours face many challenges, including global competition for candidates, the need to engage diverse candidate pools in a meaningful and authentic way, and the need to navigate the dynamics of your search committee.

As Canada’s largest academic search practice and a strategic talent advisor since 1975, KBRS is uniquely qualified to guide and advise you through the entire process.

Our approach has resulted in more than 260 placements in 80 post-secondary institutions in the past five years alone.

With KBRS, you will benefit from our:

  • Deep understanding of academic leadership.
  • Sector specialized search partners with firsthand experience in academic leadership at the AVP, director, and senior advisor level.
  • Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion which will be embedded in your search process.
  • Global reach paired with local insight.
  • Proven, multi-channel recruitment strategies that cast a wide, yet deliberate, net.
  • Exceptional candidate care which enables us to engage a diverse candidate pool.
  • Guidance and support throughout the process that allows your search committee to come to an excellent decision.
  • Skilled facilitators to help you navigate critical conversations.
  • Integrated leadership solutions to support assessment, onboarding, and coaching.

We are focused on your long-term success, and that of your new leader, not just a short-term need.

We will continue to research and attract candidates and support your search committee until a successful appointment is made -- this is a part of our no failed search guarantee.

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Coworkers having conversation

Supporting Your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Goals

Through consultation and training, our team supports organizations to address EDI 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.

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People strategizing on a board

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
  • EDI support including best practices set out by the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program

Learn how we can customize our approach to your needs.

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AESC

Committed to Upholding the Highest Standards in Our Field

KBRS is a proud member of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), a global network of rigorously vetted organizations that have committed to upholding the highest quality standards in the industry – for the benefit of clients, candidates, and the profession. 

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Meridia Logo and Picture of Mark Gillis

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.

Featured Appointments

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Sally Ng
Announcement

Sally Ng Named CEO of The Wallace McCain Institute

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Mark Kirkpatrick
Announcement

Loyalist College Board Appoints New President & CEO Mark Kirkpatrick

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Samdy Vanderburgh
Announcement

Dr. Sandy Vanderburgh appointed as the next Vice-President, Academic at St. Mary’s University

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Nona Robinson
Announcement

Dr. Nona Robinson named vice-provost students, York University

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Dr. Sheila Embleton as Interim President and Dr. Brenda Brouwer as Interim Provost
Announcement

Dr. Sheila Embleton named Interim President and Dr. Brenda Brouwer named Interim Provost of Laurentian University

Connect with Our People

Whether you are looking to connect with a specific individual or make a general inquiry, we can help.