Senior Advisor McGill Global Operational Model

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Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director, McGill Global Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Advisor McGill Global Operational Model - is responsible for designing and defining the operational model for the structure under the McGill Global initiative. The Senior Advisor will develop and implement a global operational model that safeguards McGill’s interests, maintains appropriate governance, and ensures long-term integrity, coherence, and alignment with the University’s academic mission and governance standards. Key responsibilities include mapping end‑to‑end processes, developing governance frameworks, drafting service‑level agreements, and defining mechanisms to the use of McGill’s intellectual property and brand within the structure. The role also involves analyzing operational options, assessing risks, and recommending strategies to ensure the structure is both effective and aligned with McGill’s strategic priorities. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with multiple units across the University (e.g., IT, HR, APO, Finance, Legal, etc.), ensuring broad consultation and securing stakeholder buy‑in.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Define processes for the use of McGill’s brand and intellectual property within the new structure, ensuring senior administration alignment and allowing for flexibility to adapt the framework to country‑specific legislative contexts.
• Develop and present recommendations on how to operationalize the structure in collaboration with executives, senior academics and professional staff.
• Propose regulations, policies, and guidelines for the structure that align with the University’s standards.
• Act as the primary point of integration and escalation for operational and governance decisions related to the structure, ensuring coherence across academic, administrative, financial, and legal dimensions.
• Engage with and present to the Board of Governors and other governance bodies as required, delivering clear strategic insights, updates, and actionable recommendations to inform and support effective decision‑making.
• Lead specialist working groups (e.g., IT, HR, APO, Finance, Legal, etc.), drawing on internal and external expertise to support the development and implementation of the operational model.
• Identify and proactively mitigate risks associated with the operationalization and rollout of the structure.
• Mandate, manage, and oversee external consultants and mandates when specialized expertise is required — including but not limited to legal, regulatory, governance, and foreign‑jurisdiction knowledge — ensuring deliverables align with McGill’s standards and strategic objectives.
• Develop communication and presentation materials addressed to internal and external stakeholders pertaining to the structure and its implementation.
• Build and maintain relationships with foreign governments, ministries of education, accreditation bodies, and international academic and corporate partners to determine optimal strategies for establishing country‑level entities.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated strategic thinking skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact
• Strong management and leadership capabilities
• Excellent relationship‑building skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
• Effective stakeholder management and collaboration skills across diverse groups
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and translate strategic vision into practical, actionable outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in both English and French, spoken and written
• Proven experience implementing strategic initiatives within large, complex, and/or academic environments
• Experience leading or supporting complex organizational change initiatives involving diverse stakeholders, often under challenging conditions
• Highly adaptable and proactive, with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively

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 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:

Director, McGill Global Strategic Initiatives

Position End Date (If applicable):

2027-06-30

Deadline to Apply:

2026-05-22

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].