Senior Advisor McGill Global Opportunities

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Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director, McGill Global Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Advisor McGill Global Opportunities develops and leads large-scale international initiatives to expand McGill’s global presence and reputation. Collaborating with foreign governments, ministries of education, senior administration,, executives  and senior academics, the incumbent assesses the feasibility and desirability of new global initiatives, presents strategic recommendations, and determines priorities based on high-level direction, provided by the President and Board of Governors. The incumbent prepares business cases, develops Board-related documentation, coordinates follow-up actions, and identifies and tracks KPIs in accordance with Board instructions, while overseeing the execution of global initiatives. They ensure productive collaboration with senior administration, providing in-depth analysis and recommendations for informed decision-making. Regularly meets with University senior leadership, tracks key milestones, engages stakeholders, develops comprehensive project plans with clear timelines and proactively addresses risks.

Primary Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with University senior leadership, define institutional priorities related to international initiatives ensuring alignment with McGill's priorities.
• Develop short- and long-term strategic plans to expand McGill’s global presence, engagement and influence.
• Identify and propose new opportunities for investigation by drawing on institutional knowledge, awareness of trends in higher education, opportunities worldwide and community of interest.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of potential international initiatives, assessing their feasibility from financial, legal, logistical and operational perspectives.
• Prepare comprehensive business cases to support executive decision-making.
• Develop and present recommendations on global initiatives in partnership with executives, senior academics and professional staff.
• Engage with and present to the Board of Governors and other governance bodies as required, delivering clear strategic insights, updates, and actionable recommendations, while developing high-quality briefing materials and ensuring timely follow-up and execution of actions related to major initiatives. Lead specialist working groups (e.g., IT, HR, APO, Finance, Legal, etc), leveraging internal and external expertise to drive project success.
• Establish and maintain relationships with foreign governments, ministries of education, and international partners and alumni to assess the viability of implementing strategic initiatives.
• Represent McGill in high-level discussions with international stakeholders, advocating for the University’s interests.
• Strengthen McGill’s global reputation by promoting its vision and strategic objectives in international fora.
• Serve as a key liaison between McGill and external stakeholders, ensuring a consistent and professional representation of the institution.
• Develop and oversee execution plans for new initiatives, ensuring seamless integration within McGill’s operational and governance structures

• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and milestones to ensure effective execution of initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with international projects, troubleshooting potential challenges proactively.
• Lead the development of communication and presentation materials for both internal and external stakeholders in relation to the new global engagement opportunities

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].