Senior Advisor McGill Global Operational Model

McGill University

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, McGill Global Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Advisor McGill Global Operational Model is responsible for designing and defining the operational model for the structure under the McGill Global initiative. The Senior Advisor will develop and implement a global operational model that safeguards McGill’s interests, maintains appropriate governance, and ensures long-term integrity, coherence, and alignment with the University’s academic mission and governance standards. The role involves analyzing operational options, assessing risks, and recommending strategies to ensure the structure is both effective and aligned with McGill’s strategic priorities. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with multiple units across the University (e.g., IT, HR, APO, Finance, Legal, etc.), ensuring broad consultation and securing stakeholder buy-in.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
8 Years Related Experience
Demonstrated strategic thinking skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact
Strong management and leadership capabilities
Excellent relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
Effective stakeholder management and collaboration skills across diverse groups
Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to navigate ambiguity and translate strategic vision into practical, actionable outcomes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Fluency in both English and French, spoken and written
Proven experience implementing strategic initiatives within large, complex, and/or academic environments
Experience leading or supporting complex organizational change initiatives involving diverse stakeholders, often under challenging conditions
Highly adaptable and proactive, with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively
Knowledge of English: Level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.
Must be authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec.

Responsibilities

Define processes for the use of McGill’s brand and intellectual property within the new structure, ensuring senior administration alignment and allowing for flexibility to adapt the framework to country-specific legislative contexts.
Develop and present recommendations on how to operationalize the structure in collaboration with executives, senior academics and professional staff.
Propose regulations, policies, and guidelines for the structure that align with the University’s standards.
Act as the primary point of integration and escalation for operational and governance decisions related to the structure, ensuring coherence across academic, administrative, financial, and legal dimensions.
Engage with and present to the Board of Governors and other governance bodies as required, delivering clear strategic insights, updates, and actionable recommendations to inform and support effective decision-making.
Lead specialist working groups (e.g., IT, HR, APO, Finance, Legal, etc.), drawing on internal and external expertise to support the development and implementation of the operational model.
Identify and proactively mitigate risks associated with the operationalization and rollout of the structure.
Mandate, manage, and oversee external consultants and mandates when specialized expertise is required — including but not limited to legal, regulatory, governance, and foreign-jurisdiction knowledge — ensuring deliverables align with McGill’s standards and strategic objectives.
Develop communication and presentation materials addressed to internal and external stakeholders pertaining to the structure and its implementation.
Build and maintain relationships with foreign governments, ministries of education, accreditation bodies, and international academic and corporate partners to determine optimal strategies for establishing country-level entities.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
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