Department Manager (TERM)

Date Posted: 09/22/2026
Req ID: 50266
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: School of the Environment
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About Us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

The School of the Environment serves as an interdisciplinary centre for environment and sustainability education, creating new knowledge, training future leaders, and contributing to positive environmental and social change from the local to the global scale. As an extra-departmental unit within the Faculty of Arts & Science, our faculty are commonly cross-appointed with other departments and units at the University of Toronto. We offer undergraduate programs in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, several joint undergraduate programs, a graduate program in Environment and Sustainability, and graduate interdisciplinary Collaborative Specializations in Environmental Studies and Environment & Health. Our goal is to foster positive change for a sustainable future through transdisciplinary research, teaching, and collaboration.

Your Opportunity:

Reporting to the Academic Director, the Department Manager brings the strategic, HR managerial, operation and financial leadership, direction and oversight in order to contribute to and ensure the success of the School. This involves developing short and long-term strategic initiatives and processes in order to improve the overall administration of the School. In support of the School’s academic mission and administrative activities, the incumbent provides executive research services to the Academic Director by gathering and analyzing information, statistics and data and making recommendations. The Department Manager provides advice and guidance to the Academic Director on all budgetary matters, assisting in the formulation of sound financial policies, and practices, and implementing them in all aspects of the administration of the School’s financial resources.

Works closely with the Academic Director in planning and establishing administrative policies and procedures to support the operational and research needs of the School. Responsible for the implementation of these policies in the organization and daily management of the School’s administrative offices. The Department Manager will develop and lead projects and strategic initiatives, as well as, provide advice and make recommendations to inform a wide variety of operational issues to ensure best practices are employed by the School.

The Department Manager manages and motivates administrative staff members and manages functions related to human resource management including assigning of work, hiring, performance management, and professional development of staff. Participates in the resolution of grievances from CUPE 3902 Unit 1 and Unit 3 and USW unions and works to resolve informal complaints from staff in consultation with Human Resources. Ensures that administrative practices relating to both administrative and academic staff conform to the University’s policies and guidelines.

The Department Manager oversees and coordinates the development and implementation of logistics associated with the School’s various special projects, outreach initiatives and events. Leads the development of a strategic communication and outreach plan, and coordinate the promotion of the School to raise the profile and awareness of the School.

Essential Qualification:

1. EDUCATION:

• University degree in business, economics, and/or financial management or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

1. EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 years’ related and progressive experience in financial management and administration in a similar environment.
• Experience building and developing effective administrative systems and processes.
• Experience working with and interpreting policies and procedures pertaining to budget, finance, human resources, academic administration.
• Experience leading, supervising and motivating staff members.
• Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Demonstrated success in the design and implementation of new initiatives and processes.

1. SKILLS:

• Advanced computer skills in MS Office, email and internet.
• Demonstrated experience with FIS and HRIS, or similar related systems.
• Excellent administrative, analytical and financial skills with ability to interpret and apply information and provide financial analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

1. OTHER:

• Ability to manage proactively and work independently.
• Strong leadership including ability to foster confidence and motivation in staff and to develop cooperative, collegial working relationships with a broad range of University constituencies.
• Demonstrated judgement and decision-making employing both tact and negotiation skills and ability to apply these skills for achieving informal complaint resolution and the grievance process.
• Proven ability to set priorities and work schedules.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability within a changing environment.
• Service oriented with excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and a variety of complex projects simultaneously; excellent time management and organizational skills; proven effectiveness in the development of administrative systems.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment, discretion and confidentiality in deadline with highly sensitive information.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and in response to changing priorities.

Note: This is a term position that ends January 31, 2028.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by October 7, 2026; posting will remain open and applications will continue to be reviewed until filled.

Closing Date: 10/21/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $97,336 - $113,558 -- Broadband Salary Range: $97,336 - $162,224
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial