Director, Strategy and Planning

University of Ottawa • Lexington, MA

19h

About The Position

University Advancement plays a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections between the University and its alumni, donors, and partners. Our team is dedicated to advancing the University's mission by securing philanthropic support, engaging with our vibrant alumni community, and building partnerships that drive innovation and excellence. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we help shape the future of the University, ensuring that it continues to thrive as a leading institution of higher education and research. Together, we empower our students, faculty and researchers to make a lasting impact on the world. Position Purpose: Reporting to the Chief of staff, provides strategic and operational leadership in identifying, planning and implementing all aspects of strategic initiatives supporting key stakeholder engagement and campaign execution within the University Advancement Office. These include urgent and emerging projects and activities in support of priority stakeholders and segments of the alumni base and donors to enhance the strategic positioning, ranking and branding of the University of Ottawa for alumni, donors, partners and community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, administration, or communications, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of the principles of fundraising and engagement, and best practices
• 7 years’ experience in not-for-profit sector, public service and/or alumni relations, or advancement
• 5 years of related experience in project management
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Self-motivated, goal oriented, and strategic thinker with ability to work independently
• Experience leading complex and multi-stakeholder projects
• Demonstrated ability to write and produce high quality reports, plans and strategies
• Demonstrated ability to influence others, create alignment, generate commitment to goals and inspire others to action
• Experience in budget management and planning
• Bilingualism - French and English (spoken and written)

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Works closely with the Vice-President of Advancement and the leadership team on strategic planning. Makes recommendations to senior leadership on the best course of action required to meet the sector objectives.
• Operations Management: Defines the sector's direction with regard to operational priorities by setting objectives based on work priorities, project deliverables and deadlines. Develops an operational schedule and determines the resources needed to meet objectives and deadlines. Oversees operational activities undertaken as part of special projects under his or her purview. Acts as project lead and management liaison with other sectors, faculties or services whose contribution is key to the success of a program, project or initiative.
• Project Management: Leads assigned special projects and events, including but not limited to: defining the scope of assigned projects; organizing project timelines; tracking and monitoring all relevant progress and budget; setting up and organizing leadership meetings pertaining to projects to ensure they align with the current strategy. Adjusts project plans as needed. Reports and makes recommendations to senior leadership on future and potential projects.
• Human Resources Management: Supervises operations staff of the program. May oversee the work of additional staff assigned to specific projects to ensure alignment with overall program goals. Responsible for recruitment, professional development, performance management and conflict management for the staff under his or her responsibility.
• Communication and Liaison: Develops, implements and maintains effective working relationships and partnerships with all relevant internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Faculty/Deans, Advancement Leadership Team, Alumni Relations, Alumni Association Executive Committee). Executes effective program/process management by liaising with internal and external stakeholders to assess and identify their needs in terms of specific projects or initiatives.

Benefits

• The University of Ottawa offers a generous pay and benefits package that includes a competitive salary, a defined benefit pension plan, group insurance coverage and an employee and family assistance program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees