Faculty of Science - Director, Planning and Operations

Faculty or Department: Faculty of Science

Number of Positions: 1

Position Title: Director, Planning and Operations

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing

Hours of work: 35 hrs per week

Salary Range: Level 11 – Annual Hiring Salary, $92,706, with annual step progression in accordance with the Salary Grid

Posting Date:  March 18, 2021

Closing Date:  April 4, 2021

Job Summary:  

The Director, Planning and Operations oversees the effective and efficient planning, management and implementation of the operational and financial functions of the Faculty of Science.

Nature of work: 

This is a full-time continuing position reporting to the Dean of Science.

Responsibilities/accountabilities:  

  • Responsible for all Human Resource management matters related to staff reports (direct and indirect) and point of contact/advisor for faculty.
  • Includes direct supervision of five staff.
  • Responsible for the development of staffing plans and identifying staff resources.
  • Provides advice and mentors staff, managing performance standards and conducting performance reviews for direct reports and reviews and occasionally helps to conduct performance assessments for indirect reports. Investigates and addresses poor performance and makes decisions related to staff discipline, employee selection and termination in consultation with the Dean.
  • Ensures that the faculty administrative processes and approaches are in compliance with overall university policy and collective agreements.
  • Financial management and planning of the Faculty budget (operating and research including in-year and multi-year projections - salary and capital needs). Develops short term and long term financial plans.
  • Directs and manages ongoing financial operations of the Faculty including quarterly forecasting and variance analysis, signs off on expense reports, invoicing and purchase requisitions
  • Supports continuous improvement processes for accredited degree programs.
  • Provides strategic direction and operational advice to the Dean in the development of long range planning and program development including identification of the implications of program changes on resourcing, facilities, staffing, infrastructure support and related administrative processes.
  • Responsible for ensuring infrastructure and space requirements are met to facilitate the operation of the Faculty.
  • Administrative lead within the Faculty for any issues pertaining to safety (personal safety &/or lab safety) and asset security.
  • Oversees the work of the Academic Planning Specialist in the academic scheduling process to ensure problems are dealt with efficiently and effectively and budget targets are met.
  • Point of contact for security and facilities staff for emergency situations requiring Faculty consultation (including after hours).
  • All other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Required Skills:

  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, organizational and verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage, secure support, commitment and results from others, all with proven experience in creating a positive working environment for staff.
  • Ability to adapt quickly and problem-solve emerging issues.
  • A consultative style with excellent listening skills; ability to make effective presentations; highly developed financial skills; proven effectiveness in the development of administrative systems.
  • Proven skills in developing and implementing objectives under competing priorities and defined timelines.
  • Strong computer skills with high level proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Other:

  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a dynamic and challenging environment that fosters team work and collegiality.
  • Thorough knowledge of management principles; demonstrated analytical and strategic planning abilities and political acumen.
  • Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Initiative and flexibility.
  • Ability to sustain a professional demeanor in all aspects of the role, even when working under the pressure of multiple and complex demands.
  • Problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to adapt to new technology.
  • Willing to work independently and as a member of a team.

Education: 

  • Completion of a four year university degree; University degree in Business/Finance/Accounting or the equivalent combination in education and experience

* Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience:

  • 5-7 years, preferably in the higher education or public sector.
  • Experience in overseeing a significant administrative portfolio of finance, human resources, facility operation and services, space management and academic scheduling.
  • Experience with strategic financial planning, analysis and developing and managing large budgets.
  • Solid experience in managing staff, preferably in a unionized environment.
  • Experience within a post-secondary environment is needed and having experience within a Faculty unit is preferred.
  • Demonstrated initiative and analytical skills, effective and creative problem solving skills, flexibility and adaptability to deal with multiple priorities and competing demands in a diverse setting.
  • Experience maintaining strict standards of confidentiality.
  • Experience liaising with senior administrators, responding to and handling matters of a complex and sensitive nature.
  • Experience researching, analyzing, making recommendations, providing risk assessments and options.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume, through the Ontario Tech website. Applications will be accepted April 4, 2021 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous Peoples in Canada will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager or Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s  Accessibility Policy

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.