Senior Director, Digital Transformation

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Position Summary 

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer & Associate Vice-President (Information Technology), the Senior Director, Digital Transformation will lead McGill’s university-wide multi-year digital transformation. The incumbent provides strategic and program leadership to modernize core administrative and academic systems, including ERP, HR, Finance, and Student Information system platforms, while advancing a composable digital architecture as well as a resilient, data-driven foundation for innovation and decision-making.

As a key member of the IT leadership team, the Senior Director develops and executes a comprehensive digital roadmap that enhances the employee digital experience, integrates data science, and strengthens institutional agility and interoperability. Working collaboratively with senior academic and administrative leaders, the incumbent ensures technology, processes, and people align to deliver measurable value and long-term institutional impact.

Duties and Responsibilities 

 Strategic and Program Leadership 

• Define, lead, and execute McGill’s digital transformation strategy aligned with McGill objectives and institutional priorities. 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, driving innovation and continuous improvement across academic and administrative domains, such as research, teaching and learning, finance (student accounts and accounts receivable), budgeting, business planning, and cash flow management. 

• Oversee modernization of McGill’s enterprise platforms, including Banner 9, and implement composable, cloud-based solutions to ensure flexibility and scalability. 

• Champion a seamless, user-centered digital experience for faculty, and staff, enhancing engagement and operational efficiency.  And contribute to the renewal of the student digital experience

Technology, Architecture, and Data Enablement 

• Drive adoption of a composable ERP architecture integrating modular, cloud-based systems and shared digital components. 

• Ensure cohesive cross-domain design by partnering with Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, and Data Governance teams to ensure scalability, interoperability, and security of new systems. 

• Lead the evolution of McGill’s data capabilities by integrating data engineering, data analytics and data science into McGill’s operations and services, transitioning from traditional ETL, BI, and static reporting toward integrated, scalable, and insight-driven data platforms.

• Oversee development of an enhanced data and reporting ecosystem, promoting data stewardship, accessibility, and evidence-based decision-making across the University. 

ERP Modernization Program Governance and Change Management 

• Establish robust program governance, performance frameworks, and risk management processes for large-scale digital initiatives. 

• Lead organizational change management strategies to drive adoption, readiness, and cultural alignment across diverse stakeholder groups. 

• Engage and influence senior leadership to align governance models, business processes, and technology outcomes. 

User Experience and Service Design 

• Promote user-centered design principles and ensure that McGill’s digital services are accessible, efficient, and inclusive for staff, academics and researchers.

• Drive continuous improvement across digital touchpoints, applying UX/UI best practices, mobile responsiveness, and personalization to enhance the user experience. 

• Foster a culture of innovation and design thinking in digital service delivery. 

Team and Vendor Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of IT and business professionals, including matrixed staff and external consultants. 

• Manage vendor and partner relationships to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality delivery of technology solutions. 

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Education:          Undergraduate Degree (Information Technology, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field)

Experience:      8 years of progressive leadership experience in digital transformation, enterprise technology management, or large-scale ERP modernization. 

Key Competencies and Skills 

• Demonstrated success leading ERP (preferably Banner) or digital modernization in complex organizations, ideally in higher education or public sector environments. 
• Proven experience in process optimization, data governance, and AI/analytics integration. 

• Strategic and systems thinking with a deep understanding of institutional value chains. 

• Expertise in composable ERP architectures, cloud ecosystems, and data platforms. 

• Strong governance, budget, and vendor management capabilities. 

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups. 

• Change leadership and organizational transformation expertise. 

• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset. 

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

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• 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 #3 (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 11) $141,880.00 - $177,350.00 - $218,400.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-IST4E - IT Business Application - Director or equivalent

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Chief Information Officer & Associate Vice-President (Information Technology)

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

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].