Director, Office of the President

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

2d•CA$132,504 - CA$165,630•Onsite

About The Position

This role plays a key part in the supervision, planning, and management of the Office of the President. The Director ensures the office maintains high-quality standards, oversees operations, and manages human and financial resources. This position also supervises the Ceremonies and Events Office, ensuring the design and execution of formal and institutional events. The Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the office and its operations to meet the president’s objectives and address priority issues. They oversee the planning and implementation of activities related to major, high-priority University projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and coordination among key actors. The role involves maintaining ongoing contact with various internal and external stakeholders, particularly within the University’s local community. A significant aspect of the role is developing and maintaining long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders, including academics, researchers, business and community leaders, industry partners, the diplomatic corps, government representatives, alumni, and donors, while encouraging engagement and philanthropy in support of the University.

Requirements

Master’s in management or a related field, or equivalent experience
Ten years’ experience in management, specifically in operations planning and management, project management, financial and human resources management, and public and ceremonial event management
Experience in managing teams of professionals, organizational change management, and problem and conflict resolution
Knowledge of generally-accepted social and university etiquette and protocol procedures
Functional knowledge of the structure, policies, and philosophy within the broader network of higher education
Knowledge of university operations, governance, structures, bylaws, and processes, as well as institutional policies, practices, and administrative workings
Ability to build consensus among teams and work with different groups, internal and external
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet strict deadlines, and closely follow up on files
Ability to come up with creative ideas and to analyze, evaluate, and negotiate details needed to complete a project or run an event successfully
Strong leadership skills with ability to offer staff, volunteers, and members of the University community a vision, and to motivate and guide them
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for dealing with a diverse clientele, including spoken and written communication
Integrity, reliability, and good judgment, with initiative and teamwork skills
Bilingualism — English/French (spoken and written)

Nice To Haves

Meeting Professional International (MPI) certification

Responsibilities

Plans and manages ongoing office operations and strategic files, ensuring maximum efficiency.
Collaborates with the chief of staff to manage the office’s finances by drafting budget forecasts consistent with established priorities.
Provides leadership, supervision, and mentoring for the team, and determines HR needs and duties.
Implements a rigorous, sustainable management framework for employees to carry out institutional projects and strategies.
Manages recruitment processes, and coordinates training development and planning, as well as performance evaluations for team members.
Acts on disciplinary and administrative processes and decisions as required.
Offers the president expert advice, analysis, and recommendations on matters affecting office operations and the development/implementation of priority projects and initiatives.
Acts as the main project manager for the office’s priority and emerging initiatives, including planning budgets and managing human and financial resources related to projects.
Conducts analyses, prepares recommendations, and manages consultation processes needed to implement projects and initiatives, and assesses outcomes.
Works closely with the president, chiefs of staff, chancellor, vice-presidents, chair of the Board of Governors, and other senior University leaders on strategic files, priority projects, formal ceremonies, and prestigious corporate events.
Maintains ongoing communication and relationships with various actors and stakeholders.
Plans, leads, and manages recruitment and hiring processes for certain University senior managers (mainly vice-presidents and deans), working with relevant stakeholders.
Develops onboarding programs and activities for newly-hired executives.
Coordinates the objective approval and evaluation process concerning vice-presidents for the Board of Governors.
Follows up as needed to ensure attainment of objectives.
Coordinates vice-presidents’ performance evaluations, ensuring objectives are tied to those of the president.
Supervises the Ceremonies and Events team and offers strategic guidance regarding the president’s ceremonial and institutional events.
Makes recommendations regarding the president’s participation in events.
Prepares briefing and speaking notes as needed.
Helps develop and guide communication strategies and public relations activities.
Liaises among staff, executives, and University leaders, ensuring smooth communication between the Office of the President and the University.
Acts as the main contact person for other senior University executives working with the president, to assist with strategy, problem-solving, process development, and achievement of deliverables.