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Position Summary:
Working closely with the Academic Director, the Associate Director leads the strategic planning and efficient administration of the Sustainability Growth Initiative. They are responsible for establishing and monitoring the priority agenda for the Initiative with input from the Academic Director and the Dean. They advise on the scoping and implementation of program and partnership activities while also being the lead on planning and administrative activities of the Initiative.
The Associate Director provides operational oversight of the Initiative, including financial management, HR responsibilities including staff recruitment, supervision and workload and performance management, and management of unit-based governing bodies and committees. The Associate Director plays a central role in the development of unit and project-based metrics and reporting. They establish and implement unit standards, practices and systems, and they are called upon to interpret and apply University regulations, policies and guidelines. As a member of the administrative leadership team at Desautels, they provide authoritative advisory services, support and participate in senior-level decision making at the Faculty-level in coherence with the values and culture of McGill University. They act as a liaison between the Initiative and other units within Desautels and McGill, including the Office of the Dean of Management, program and service offices, as well as between the Initiative and external organizations.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide high-level support and senior professional expertise to the Academic Director with respect to matters related to the Initiative’s projects and overall plan, governance, human resources, finances, reporting, performance monitoring, and data analysis and reporting.
- Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with external stakeholders and represent the Initiative and/or Desautels at internal and external meetings. Constant efforts to seek new partnerships and networking opportunities.
- Co-design the long-term plans and project plans for the Initiative, while leading daily operations of the Initiative.
- Evaluate and determine internal priorities and annual objectives for the team and other key partners.
- Continuously analyze staffing, financing, operations, policies, systems and procedures to ensure efficient and effective unit performance.
- Collaborate with Faculty-based communications and McGill University Advancement teams to develop marketing and communication plans for the Initiative (including outreach via newsletter and website). Contribute to producing Initiative-related material for Faculty marketing and fundraising efforts as well as annual reporting and ad hoc internal and/or external requests for information.
- Supervise administrative staff, and manage human resources in close collaboration with the Desautels HR team, including onboarding and training, task scoping and project monitoring, personnel and performance evaluation, maintaining a pulse on the team morale and ensuring a positive work environment for the team.
- Establish the Initiative budget and spending priorities with the Academic Director, providing oversight of all aspects of the Initiative’s finances including operating and project-based budgets and implementation of the approved budget; managing expenditures, ensuring funding for staffing of ongoing activities and ad hoc projects; monitoring budgetary progress throughout the academic year; and ensuring compliance with the University’s budget policies and financial procedures. Reporting to the Dean’s unit on budget forecast.
- Review new contractual obligations, with external consultants and service providers, and monitor and maintain agreements.
- Direct and set the agenda for team meetings, maintain a global overview of Initiative files, schedule and plan all projects and programming with the aim of removing barriers and keeping them on track.
- Oversee the organization of committee and working group meetings or Initiative-related content for entities organized by other units, and ensure timely and excellent follow-ups that move agendas forward. Examples of key university-based stakeholders, committees and working groups include the Office of the Dean of Management, the Desautels Faculty Advisory Board, the Initiative Advisory Board, and other key donor-based groups.
- Triage and respond to external requests for Initiative participation/support in a variety of academic initiatives both within the Faculty and externally.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar managerial role with operational responsibilities ideally at a Canadian university or institution of higher education; in particular, with previous experience directing other centres or institutes.
- Possess a strong knowledge of the academic setting in the areas of research, teaching and community engagement relative to behavioral and decision-making issues in business and Sustainability.
- Strong preference for candidates with direct experience at McGill and/or Desautels, who are familiar with the organizational culture and business systems (ex. Workday, Minerva).
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal; strong proficiency in both English and French (written and oral) is preferred. Ability to develop and compose nuanced and precise documents and messaging targeted to multiple internal and external audiences.
- Ability to work independently to realize the Initiative’s vision, building upon direction from the Academic Director and senior leadership and input from other key members of the team. Preference will be given to candidates with experience and knowledge of sustainability, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion issues.
- Strong ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and peers. Must operate with discretion, integrity and tact.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to lead and coach staff as well as collaborate with and advise senior academic and administrative staff.
- Must be performance-oriented, able to meet deadlines and demonstrate high-level leadership and professionalism. Must be an excellent planner while being highly responsive and adaptive to evolving needs and priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required.
#LI-Hybrid
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /
(MPEX Grade 07) $90,170.00 - $112,710.00 - $135,250.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-ADM3A - General Administration - Senior Professional/Manager
33.75 (Full time)
Professor
Position End Date (If applicable):
2026-08-31
2025-08-18
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
