Manager, Presidential Initiatives & Engagement

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Manager, Presidential Initiatives & Engagement advances priority initiatives of the Office of the President and supports the President’s strategic engagement with internal and external communities.

The Manager leads and coordinates assigned presidential initiatives from planning through implementation, bringing together people and resources from across the university to achieve institutional objectives. The position develops project plans, coordinates stakeholders, monitors commitments and deliverables, identifies emerging issues, and ensures effective follow-through on priorities established by the President and Chief of Staff.

The Manager also supports the President’s engagement with students, faculty, staff, Indigenous communities, government, community organizations, partners and other stakeholders. Working closely with colleagues across the university, the position helps ensure presidential engagements are purposeful, well-coordinated and aligned with institutional priorities.

Operating in a dynamic executive environment, the Manager exercises considerable initiative, judgment, discretion and political acuity and develops effective working relationships across organizational boundaries.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Presidential Initiatives and Project Management

Leads and coordinates strategic initiatives and special projects assigned by the President or Chief of Staff.

Develops project scopes, objectives, work plans, timelines, milestones and deliverables.

Coordinates cross-functional teams and working groups involving academic and administrative units across the university.

Monitors progress against agreed objectives and identifies risks, dependencies and emerging issues requiring attention.

Tracks decisions, commitments and action items and ensures appropriate follow-through.

Conducts research, environmental scans and analysis to support presidential initiatives and institutional decision-making.

Prepares project updates, briefing materials, presentations, recommendations and other materials for the President and Chief of Staff.

Establishes appropriate measures of success and evaluates the effectiveness and outcomes of assigned initiatives.

Supports task forces, advisory groups and other time-limited initiatives established by the President or Chief of Staff.

Presidential Engagement

Supports the planning and implementation of the President’s strategic engagement with university and external communities.

Works with the Chief of Staff and other university offices to identify engagement opportunities that advance institutional priorities and strengthen key relationships.

Develops engagement plans for priority stakeholders, communities and initiatives.

Coordinates presidential visits, round tables, consultations, community engagements and other strategic activities.

Works with relevant university units to ensure the President is appropriately briefed and prepared for significant engagements.

Tracks issues, commitments and opportunities arising from presidential engagements and coordinates appropriate institutional follow-up.

Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the President’s Office.

Coordination and Institutional Relationships

Serves as a point of coordination between the President’s Office and faculties, schools, administrative units and other areas of the university on assigned initiatives.

Builds collaborative relationships across organizational boundaries and facilitates effective participation in presidential initiatives.

Works closely with Communications, Government Relations, Advancement, Indigenous Relations, academic leadership and other areas as appropriate to ensure coordinated institutional…