Manager, Staff Relations & Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Date Posted: 06/04/2025
Req ID: 43231
Faculty/Division: VP - Division of University Advancement
Department: Advancement Services
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About Us: 

The Division of University Advancement (DUA) aims to sustain and enhance the University’s academic mission, leadership, and worldwide impact, by engaging alumni and private sector constituents meaningfully in the mission of the University, building mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction over time.

DUA at the University of Toronto is engaged in a transformative agenda deeply rooted in the University’s vision for growth and innovation. We focus on growing fundraising efforts; enhancing the effectiveness and satisfaction of alumni engagement and programs; building advancement talent capacity within and across divisions and creating an organization and culture that fosters diversity and inclusiveness.

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager, Staff Relations and Office of the Chief Operating Officer (Manager) provides HR portfolio management for the Office of the Chief Operating Officer for the Division of University Advancement (DUA). 

The Manager provides strategic guidance and planning for all operational units within the Division of University Advancement (DUA). The Manager acts as a strategic advisor to advancement leadership on staff organizational design, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, performance management, EDI initiatives, and other programs. The incumbent collaborates with partners in People Strategy and Equity Office (PSEC), Equity Offices and other central offices as appropriate.  

Additionally, the Manager provides support for Advancement Offices across the University of Toronto and leads a team that specifically supports executive recruitment for advancement leads in Divisions/Faculties, provides guidance on the Advancement Professional (AP) compensation policy and application in collaboration with PSEC, supports advancement-wide strategic initiatives and provides strategic guidance to advancement leadership across the University. 

Key responsibilities include: leads strategic initiatives as they relate to the HR portfolio of the Chief Operating Officer, provides advice and support on issues related to the staffing life-cycle based on knowledge of University policies and collective agreements; participates with the COO and other senior leadership in planning organizational renewal/reorganization and reallocation of human resources. The incumbent also makes recommendations regarding new or existing practices and procedures; ensures compliance with established University and employee policies; and participates in the forecasting and evaluation of the Division’s compensation budgets. The incumbent will also be responsible for creating and managing confidential information; reviewing and assessing requests from individuals, organizations, and other members of the University community; conducting background research and making recommendations to the COO.

Qualifications Required:

Education:

• University degree or acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Formal business accounting training and HR Certification or acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: 

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in progressively responsible administrative support roles, within a highly decentralized University or public-sector environment.  
• Human Resources management experience required.
• Proven success in providing effective front-line customer service and support in a busy environment.
• Knowledge of University budget, financial and administrative policies strongly preferred.  
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective office systems and protocols. 

SKILLS:

• Exceptional computer skills with sound working knowledge of PC platforms; high level of proficiency with word processing, email, Internet, and presentation software.  
• Must show strong technical competencies in database and spreadsheet software.  
• HRIS and FIS experience strongly preferred.

Other: 

• Highly professional demeanor with excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.  
• Superior organizational and time management skills in planning, executing and completing tasks.  
• Strong analytical ability.  
• Demonstrated excellent project management skills.  
• High degree of political acuity and the ability to deal professionally with senior University officers and staff in a manner that engenders support and cooperation.  
• Ability to work well under pressure.  
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, discretion, tact, judgment and diplomacy.  
• Ability to balance the competing demands of routine work with requirements of new priorities.  
• Ability to pay attention to detail as well as maintain a broad perspective.  

Closing Date: 06/25/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $104,818 - $122,290 -- Broadband Salary Range: $104,818 - $174,698
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial