Director Of Operations, Centre For Project Management

Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.

Job Title: Director of Operations, Centre for Project Management (CPM)

Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time Non-Union

Department: Professional & Continuing Education (PACE)

Supervision Received: Associate Vice-President, Academic & Continuing Education

Location: Brampton, ON

Salary: $112,861 to $141,076 annually

This role has been designed for a leader who is passionate about supporting pathways for students and is looking for an opportunity to create and lead the development of a Centre of Excellence in Project Management. The incumbent will have the opportunity to bring their strengths in creativity, innovation, and partnership to this critical and compelling program, which is focused on supporting the needs of Canada’s growing workforce and immigration strategy. This leader will be part of the dynamic and growing Algoma University team in Brampton and will work closely with leaders and teams across the entire organization as they help to coordinate services and support high-quality academic programming, and overall student experience, through to graduation. The incumbent will ensure the coordination and successful start-up of the Centre, and will develop partnerships internally and externally that support career development and success, certifications and credentials, and post-graduation employment to ensure a successful transition into Canada’s growing workforce.

In fulfilling this role, the Director shall work under the supervision of the Associate Vice-President Academic and Continuing Education (AVP-ACE) and in consultation with the Director, Professional and Continuing Education, to provide leadership for the Centre for Project Management (CPM). The Director will liaise with the delivery service provider and other key partners and will be accountable for overseeing the provision of daily operations of the Centre. They will provide general overall leadership on realizing the CPM vision in alignment with Professional and Continuing Education. The incumbent will be situated on the delivering campus and will play a coordinating and collaborative role, regularly attending meetings with faculty and staff of the delivery service provider, to ensure successful integrated program offerings. They will have exemplary communication, problem-solving, team-building, and project management skills. The incumbent will be required to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously, establish priorities, work independently, use good judgment, and be comfortable with decision-making focused on the smooth operations of the Centre. The incumbent must be able to work with interruptions to workflow, which may create changes in priorities.

A high degree of sensitivity to confidential matters and taking appropriate measures to ensure integrity is mandatory. This position is expected to act as a visible contributor to a healthy, progressive workplace culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning & Administration (50%)

• Ensure that the intake, investigation, and reporting of complaints are reviewed in accordance with related policies and the University’s commitments to equity, access, and success.
• Asses, when to seek external counsel to manage student, community, and institutional/reputational risk associated with student conduct cases, particularly concerning areas where allegations and outcomes intersect with University legal obligations (e.g. Ontario Human Rights Code, Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act).
• Maintain an accurate and effective record management system.
• Maintain currency with developments and changes in the discipline (e.g. project management) and/or similar Centres across campuses and across Canadian, or other, institutions.
• Student-Related Responsibilities (30%)
• Work collaboratively with the Registrar’s Office, the departments of Student Success & Wellbeing, and Student Recruitment on scheduling and student records (e.g. transcripts) specific to PACE programming.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with relevant units within the university, the delivery service provider, and beyond, as appropriate.
• Respond expeditiously to developments under the portfolio and communicate appropriate information to the AVP-ACE, Director of PACE, Senior Executive, students, faculty members, and staff within appropriate timelines.
• Provide leadership across all campuses and the delivery service provider for the CPM.
• Demonstrate individual and collective responsibility for the planning, monitoring, and implementation of a Strategic Plan, and commit to achieving the objectives in the plan.
• Provide leadership in ensuring that the university maintains a clear focus on student learning, programming excellence, and community engagement.
• Develop objectives, goals, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), in consultation with the AVP-ACE, the Director, Professional & Continuing Education (PACE), and the delivery service provider to ensure efficient, collaborative, and effective CPM and PACE operations.
• Provide guidance to resolve issues that may arise during an investigation undertaken by staff, faculty, or advisors.
• Monitor and maintain CPM with the Registrar’s Office, and the departments of Student Success & Wellbeing, Student Life, and Student Recruitment, regarding Algoma University policies and procedures.
• Work closely with delivery service providers to ensure the effective delivery of programs and coordinated activities.
• Ensure that all related procedures align with principles of inclusion, and standards of procedural fairness and requirements.
• Represent CPM at events, in relation to students, programming, teaching, learning, recruitment, enrolment, graduation, and all other related matters.
• Track review, monitor, and make data-informed recommendations around the wide range of services and current initiatives necessary for promoting excellence in the student experience in programming, student services, and overall student experience.
• Monitor and implement PACE policies and procedures, as required.

Financial & Budgetary Management (15%)

• Manage the CPM budget strategically and transparently to advance the mission to sustain the confidence and support of faculty, staff, and students.
• Work closely with analysts to develop a financial strategy in keeping with the overall financial strategy, allocating budgets within the University transparently.
• Ensure budgetary resources are managed fairly, efficiently, and sustainably, with relevant accountability mechanisms in place facilitating start-up support.

Other Duties (5%)

• Other duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a leadership position with significant managerial accountability for programs with student services, student engagement, and retention.
• Vulnerable Police sector check is required.
• Familiarity with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada rules, regulations, procedures, and programs as they relate to international students.
• Undergraduate degree in Business, Education, or a related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of experience with any combination of skills as an educator or a leader in an educational setting, and progressively responsible administrative management experience, preferably in a post-secondary environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• Experience supporting strategic initiatives and developing and implementing business plans.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, set priorities, strong attention to detail, identify contentious issues, exercise good judgment, use discretion, and ensure appropriate action is taken when required.
• Team building, consultative leadership, and conflict management experience are preferred.
• Excellent use of technology for collaboration, including Google Suite.
• Proven capacity to connect and liaise with senior administrators across multiple sites, and handling matters of a complex and sensitive nature.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, styles, and abilities.
• Commitment to understanding Algoma University’s Special Mission, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and AU’s values with respect to equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and Indigenization.

Please submit a resume and cover letter (combined PDF) to [email protected] no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 30, 2023.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

This position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those qualified to work in Canada.