Manager, Graduate Studies

Permanent, full-time position – Guelph, ON

If you’re a strong communicator and a skilled listener, and you understand scientific research and the grad student experience in science and engineering, this is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership and expertise within the Dean’s Office at the University of Guelph’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS).

As a key member of the College’s management team, you will build capacity, generate revenue, and garner external recognition within the portfolio of graduate studies at CEPS, which has a graduate student body totalling nearly 600 students and growing, across its professional programs and thesis-based programs. CEPS has five academic units (Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics) with more than 150 research-active faculty members, and several major centres and institutes, including CARE-AI and Morwick G360. With diverse sources of research funding in excess of $20M per year, and an advanced research infrastructure, the College is involved in a number of high-profile external partnerships.

As Manager, Graduate Studies, you will work closely with the Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies (ADRGS), the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the College management team, and academic units to develop new graduate programs, improve and support existing graduate studies, and promote CEPS to key internal and external audiences. You will also serve as the main point of contact for graduate studies, and ensure the continuity and consistency of these operations in the absence of the Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies (ADRGS).

Your specific responsibilities as Manager of Graduate Studies will include:

  1. Graduate Studies Operations and Oversight
    1. Provide leadership in the development of graduate policies, procedures, and practices.
    2. Organize internal awards competitions and promote our best students for awards and scholarships.
    3. Provide strategic and administrative support to the ADRGS.
    4. Serve as a key resource and subject matter expert within the College on the interpretation of, and adherence to, policies and guidelines, provide advice and support problem resolution.
  2. Strategic Initiatives and Program Development
    1. Support the College management teams to build new graduate programs and enhance existing graduate programs, including program quality assessment and reporting. 
    2. Provide critical analysis of strategic opportunities and challenges facing the College.
    3. Ensure the College is positioned to respond to emerging opportunities.
    4. Strategize with the ADRGS on how best to manage and utilize their discretionary budget to achieve the greatest benefit for CEPS’ graduate studies enterprise.
    5. Guide the development of new graduate programs and specializations through the University’s governance structure.
    6. Work with the College executive team to define and implement the strategic plan for graduate studies.
  3. Graduate Recruitment Strategy, Internal and External Relations
    1. Develop and implement an annual College-wide graduate recruitment plan for CEPS graduate programs in coordination with the Dean’s Office marketing communications team.
    2. Represent CEPS on all relevant University committees and working groups (Graduate Studies Council, Graduate Awards Committee, University Graduate Managers, etc.).
    3. Liaise with internal offices (e.g., Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies) and external funding agencies and foundations on behalf of faculty, staff, and graduate students.
    4. Organize and manage recruitment events, including coordinating faculty/academic unit participation.

REQUIREMENTS

Meeting the expectations of the Manager, Graduate Studies role calls for a skilled communicator and negotiator who excels in a diverse environment and whose profile includes:

  • Master’s degree (PhD. strongly preferred) in physical science, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline, combined with several years of postgraduate degree experience, ideally including management experience in an academic administration setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Strong communication skills with an understanding of scientific research and the grad student experience in science and engineering.
  • Excellent knowledge of the Canadian funding system and the graduate studies landscape in Canada/Ontario would be a major asset.
  • Proven strategic thinking and planning skills, with excellent creative thinking and analytical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems.
  • Ability to present complex information across multiple levels using Word, PowerPoint, websites, and social media platforms.
  • Skilled listening, communication and negotiation skills, with excellent leadership and teamwork skills, especially in a diverse group setting.
  • Ability to leverage statistical software and Excel to analyze data, develop models and forecasts, and generate reports.
  • Demonstrated ability to build positive professional relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with stakeholders at multiple levels, preferably within a complex public sector environment.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including multitasking, planning, and prioritization.
  • Strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to edit and proofread documents varying from research publications to administrative policies.

The University of Guelph (www.uoguelph.ca) is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive comprehensive institutions, with a record of outstanding scholarship in the arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical and engineering sciences, agriculture and veterinary sciences. This is your chance to join us in our endeavour to improve life.

To view a detailed posting for the position of Manager, Graduate Studies, please go to our website at www.uoguelph.ca/hr/careers. Applications, quoting Hiring #2023-0012, must be sent to: careers@uoguelph.ca.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.