Thanks Jeff. I'm not sure at what stage the AVPR search is at, but off the top of my head, here are some (admittedly somewhat abstract) criteria and principles I'd like to see a potential AVPR candidate bring to AU:

• facility with liaising with AU Media Office and facility with traditional and new media, especially social media, in promoting and publicizing AU's research culture
• demonstrated success in promoting the communication of research to the general public, and facilitating public engagement with research
• understanding of the importance of a diversified research culture, encompassing - and more importantly celebrating - all of our disciplines and fields, across the spectrum from applied to curiosity-based (a.k.a. "not-yet-applied"), and inclusive of not only commerce- and industry-friendly research, but also (and as importantly) critical and controversial research
• following from the last point, demonstrated protection and promotion of academic freedom and integrity, especially in light of the multiple current threats to academic freedom in Alberta
• understanding of - and concrete strategic ideas for - consolidating the fundamental interdependence of research and teaching