Director of Administration and Operations - McGill Sustainability Park (MSP)

McGill University

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Administration and Operations – McGill Sustainability Park (MSP) is responsible for translating strategic priorities into effective operational execution. Working in close partnership with the Academic Director, the role ensures that administrative and operational systems, processes, and resources consistently support the University’s academic, research, and organizational objectives. Manage and provide leadership across core operational functions, strengthen internal systems and processes, and support the sustainable growth of the multi‑faculty complex. Directly manage and lead a team of managers and professional staff in the areas of operations, including administrative, finance, communications, change management, logistics and customer service activities.. Serving as a key liaison with executive, academic, and operational stakeholders, the Director plays a central role in advancing the inter‑ and transdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research mission at the heart of the MSP vision.

Requirements

Strategic thinking.
Strong management and leadership skills.
Excellent relationship‑building.
Stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Analytical and diagnostic skills; ability to translate data into decisions and improvements.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and translate vision into practical action.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be fluent in English and in French.
Undergraduate degree in business administration, operations management, education management, or a related field
8 Years Related Experience

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience implementing strategic initiatives in large, complex or academic environments, preferred.
Experience leading or supporting complex organizational change initiatives in challenging conditions.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, strategic guidance, and expert advice on the implementation and ongoing management of the MSP administrative operations.
Represent MSP on key committees and working groups, advocate for operational needs, and exercise decision-making authority on a range of initiatives.
Lead the development, implementation, and execution of high level operational and organizational strategies for the site, ensuring alignment and integration with existing university units, faculties, systems, and processes.
Collaborate closely with the Academic Director to ensure that operational and administrative practices effectively support academic programs, scheduling needs, and quality standards.
Serve as a key liaison between executive leadership, academic leadership, and operational and administrative teams to ensure alignment on major projects.
Engage with research directors, construction teams, and other stakeholders to review and guide the implementation of new initiatives
Ensure the project and building operations remain aligned with sustainability objectives.
Lead the management, preparation, and analysis of fiscal reporting including financial statements and reports to satisfy University, and external stakeholders requirements.
Find funding solutions to meet MSP goals and priorities, ensuring ongoing compliance.
Provide expertise in the formulation, development and implementation of revenue generating strategies and policies.
Evaluate proposals for new revenue-generating initiatives to provide guidance on the appropriate business plan, including identification of potential alternatives.
Directly lead and manage a team of managers and professionals in the areas of operations, including general administration, finance, communications, IT, change management, logistics and customer service activities.
Develop short- and long-term goals and objectives for the team.
Work with Senior Change Management Advisor to motivate and develop the team to focus on fostering collaboration and partnerships with new tenants who will be relocating from faculties and units to MSP, effectively through change.
Encourage the team to be supportive and helpful to ensure the smooth operations and transition to the site ensuring efficiency, consistency, and compliance with internal policies and procedures.
Manage the use of all common areas across the site.
Develop policies and guidelines related to the use of the common areas and type of activity permitted to host campus events for use by faculty, students and employees at the MSP.
Represent MSP in internal and external meetings, initiatives, and chair committees, including various building committees to ensure faculty and unit’s needs are incorporated into planning and implementation to MSP.
Plan, develop and implement supporting policies and administrative procedures to maximize administrative services in support of University’s overall mission of teaching and research; foster relationships with other university units and external organizations. These include activities related to risk management, legal, insurance.
Act as a key government liaison for compliance matters.
Draw up and negotiates terms of agreements with external organizations to establish cooperative agreements or to ensure services.
Ensure smooth transition to the MSP from other units and faculties. Provide assistance with the move, timeline, in consultation with FMAS.
Ensure effective IT systems, operational flow, and infrastructure functionality.
Oversee the design of a web-site to promote and attract the MSP and its sustainability initiatives.

Benefits

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