Director Administration

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Position Summary:
Reporting to the Dean of Arts, the Director of Administration (DA) provides leadership and expertise in the development and execution of the Faculty’s strategic priorities across its core operational areas, including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Business Development, Graduate and Undergraduate Student Affairs, Communications, and Operations and Services. The DA possesses a strong understanding of university administration as well as the academic mission of the institution. The role includes direct management and leadership of a team composed of professional, managerial, and support staff. As a key member of the Dean of Arts’ leadership team, the DA collaborates closely with Arts Associate Deans, Chairs, Directors, and Managers across the Faculty. The incumbent also serves as a key representative of the Faculty of Arts within the broader University, cultivating strong working relationships with senior leaders and administrative counterparts in other McGill faculties.

Primary Responsibilities:

• As a member of the Faculty management team, participates in strategic planning within the Faculty and serves as a member of the Chairs & Directors’ Council.

• Provide professional guidance and expert advice to the Faculty’s leadership and community, including the Dean, Associate Deans, Chairs, Academic Directors, managers and faculty members. 

• Directly supervise and provide leadership to a team of senior administrative staff within the Faculty of Arts to support the achievement of Faculty and University goals and objectives.

• Advise the Dean in the formulation of policies and procedures that ensure the efficient and effective administrative operation of the faculty.

• Represent the Dean and the Faculty at a senior level, both within the University and with external organizations.

• Oversee an ongoing evaluation of overall effectiveness of administrative support (finance, administration, HR, and IT) with respect to goals and objectives of the Faculty and make recommendations for improvements as required.

• Develop and implement new initiatives and keeps abreast of new developments and trends in university administration.

• Plan and develop objectives by identifying administrative challenges and opportunities for improvement and evaluating organizational impact.

• Establish action plans and ensure strategic targets are delivered, leading the planning and implementation of short, medium, and long-term administrative projects and activities, as directed by the Dean, that aim to improve service and support to departments/ units.

• Consult and develop strategies to meet those objectives, and oversee their implementation in collaboration with the administrative, academic, and research units.

• Lead and support organizational budgeting process within the Faculty of Arts and oversee audit of Faculty of Arts accounts. Establish financial protocols and recommend strategies and initiatives to the Dean that will enhance the organization’s overall financial performance.

• Evaluate administrative needs and approaches issues with a deep knowledge of administrative and academic priorities, budgetary realities and administrative structures.

• Communicate with and direct staff about the key administrative goals of the faculty and collaborate with units to develop plans to achieve the goals and objectives of the Faculty.  

• Liaise with central units under the VP Finance and Administration regarding information technology and data systems. Make recommendations regarding appropriate IT tools and resources to improve and support Faculty of Arts objectives.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

Senior administrative leader with experience supporting executive leadership and contributing to Faculty-level strategic planning. Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, drive organizational initiatives, and implement effective policies and procedures. Strong expertise in financial and operational management, including budgeting, audits, and resource optimization. Skilled in leveraging IT systems and data to enhance administrative efficiency and decision-making. Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgment and strategic thinking with diplomacy and tact, with the capacity to align administrative functions with academic priorities. A strong communicator and collaborator, who is fluent in both English and French. Experienced in engaging diverse stakeholders and leading change to improve organizational performance. Experience working with database management software (HR, Finance) and presentation software, a strong asset.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
• 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 8 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 09) $113,100.00 - $141,380.00 - $174,110.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-ADM4S - General Administration - Director or equivalent (S)

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Professor

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-04-16

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, [email protected].