Executive Director, Business Services

Executive Director, Business Services - University of Toronto. Under the general direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, Division of the Vice-President and Provost (DVPP), the Executive Director, Business Services provides strategic oversight of business services that support a diverse range of Vice-Provostial academic and student service portfolios across the division. The ED will ensure that business functions are delivered in efficient and effective ways, and responsive to the evolving needs of each portfolio that delivers high-impact services to the university community.

The ED is responsible for business management of the DVPP and will oversee business processes across the division to ensure the DVPP upholds public standards of stewardship, remains compliant in all aspects of financial and operational policy, and leads and inspires a student- and faculty-focused approach.

• Provide strategic oversight of business services supporting DVPP portfolios, ensuring efficient, effective, and user-centered delivery.
• Oversee budget planning cycles, procurement management, capital projects, business operations, space planning, and financial reporting for the division.
• Manage budget cycles across different funding sources and governance requirements; ensure resource allocations are optimized and financial/operational processes are efficient.
• Drive operational excellence, coordinate services, and refine service models in partnership with DVPP portfolios, aiming for value creation and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a divisional resource and primary contact for academic divisions and other shared service divisions for secure management of funding agreements, while maintaining confidentiality and representing the Provost division with professionalism.

The DVPP is a shared service division led by the Vice-President and Provost (VP&P) and organized into business units led by various Vice-Provosts. The Office of the Vice-President and Provost provides support to the Provost and strategic support to each portfolio and all divisions across the university.

University degree preferably in business administration or related field plus professional designation; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Finance or accounting designation (e.g. CA, CMA, CGA, CFA) is an asset. Certification in Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or LEAN Six Sigma is considered an asset.

Minimum ten (10) years of related business services, budgeting, and operational experience in a higher education environment, a large public sector setting or a large complex environment. Significant experience with administrative management systems (FIS, HRIS, and RIS) and with University budgeting / financial policies and procedures. Experience managing staff in a unionized environment.

Advanced PC skills, particularly Excel. Experience with data visualization tools e.g. Power BI. Advanced knowledge of the University’s Administrative Management Systems (FIS, HRIS and RIS) or similar. Proven ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a large and diverse community of stakeholders. Effective and creative problem solver, with good judgement. Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex projects and manage conflicting priorities while working toward tight deadlines.

Highly detail oriented and accurate with exceptional analytical skills. Commitment to providing a high level of service to a large group of stakeholders. Ability to take the initiative and respond to change. Ability to influence others and lead change in business and administrative practices. Able to respect matters of a sensitive nature and maintain confidentiality. Able to assess information and make decisions and recommendations regarding matters confidential to labour relations.

Ability to lead and assemble working groups and committees to discuss and assess projects that require input from many stakeholders and provide leadership to guide and oversee their efforts. Proven analytical and conceptual thinking skills. Must be able to translate…