Chief Administrative Officer

University of Toronto • Toronto, ON

1d • CA$145,219 - CA$242,032 • Onsite

About The Position

The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design (DFALD) is a leading institution known for its interdisciplinary approach and impact on the built environment. Following a decade of growth, the Faculty is strengthening its undergraduate programs and research capacity. It offers a dynamic and collaborative environment within restored historic and modern buildings. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), reporting to the Dean, provides strategic leadership in revenue generation, business administration, operations, and resource stewardship. The CAO works closely with the leadership team to advance strategic priorities, enhance operational performance, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence. The role involves leading the development and implementation of administrative and operational strategies aligned with the Faculty's academic and research mission. This includes oversight of Finance, Human Resources, Information and Instructional Technology (I&IT), Data and AI governance, Applied Technologies, Facilities and Space Management, Capital and Renovation Projects, and Health and Safety/Risk Management. The CAO has managerial authority over administrative staff and provides strategic advice and policy interpretation to the Dean and other leaders, ensuring compliance with University policies, government legislation, and regulatory requirements. The CAO also represents the Faculty in consultations with other University units and fosters relationships with external partners.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in business administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the fields of finance, administration, operations and human resources.
• Minimum of 8 years of senior leadership experience with proven success overseeing a broad operations portfolio encompassing finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities and space management including health and safety within a university or other comparably complex environment.
• Extensive expertise in financial planning and management, including multiyear budget development, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting, with a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and stewardship of public funds.
• Strong record of providing strategic advice to senior leaders with demonstrated experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, and initiatives aligned with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross functional initiatives within a shared governance and collegial decision-making environment, balancing strategic objectives, timelines, and resource constraints.
• Experience working effectively in a unionized university setting, with knowledge of collective agreements, labour relations, grievance processes, and human resources.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex administrative, financial, and operational matters clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• High level of interpersonal awareness, professional attentiveness, and respect for differing perspectives, enabling thoughtful engagement in high-pressure, nuanced, and often complex environments.
• Proven ability to build trust, foster alignment, and drive outcomes within a collegial academic setting.
• Experience leading organizational change, modernization, and continuous improvement initiatives while sustaining confidence and commitment across teams.
• Consistently exercise sound judgment and discretion in sensitive and high-impact situations, balancing risk, policy, equity considerations, and institutional reputation.
• Strength in negotiation and conflict resolution, resilience in the face of competing demands, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership are critical.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, along with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing administrative teams and promote strong cross-functional collaboration, is required.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to take initiative, innovate, and drive projects forward independently.
• Demonstrated leadership in applying governance processes to enable informed decision-making and organizational alignment.

Nice To Haves

• CPA designation is considered an asset.
• Experience supporting applied academic research—particularly in wet lab environments—as well as working with applied technologies is highly desirable.
• Some familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) and related data governance is an asset.
• Knowledge of University of Toronto policies and governance structure is considered an asset.
• An appreciation for the challenges and opportunities of working within a large, decentralized institution.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership across revenue generation, business administration, operations, and the effective stewardship of Faculty resources.
• Advances the Faculty’s strategic priorities while strengthening operational performance and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of administrative and operational strategies that align with and enable the Faculty’s academic and research mission.
• Oversees Finance, Human Resources, Information and Instructional Technology (I&IT), Data and AI governance, Applied Technologies (workshops, studios, laboratories, and digital fabrication), Facilities and Space Management, Capital and Renovation Projects, as well as Health and Safety and Risk Management.
• Ensures integrated, high-performing systems that effectively support faculty, staff, students, and applied research activities.
• Has full managerial authority over the administrative staff in the office of the CAO.
• Provides strategic advice and policy interpretation to the Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, Faculty, Directors, and Managers, ensuring that administrative policies and procedures comply with University policies, government legislation, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Represents the Faculty in consultations with other University units on institution-wide administrative practices, processes, and policies, providing guidance and advocating for Faculty priorities.
• Fosters and maintains effective relationships across the University and with external partners to support the Faculty's objectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager