Special Projects Officer

Date Posted: 05/12/2025
Req ID: 42911
Faculty/Division: Division of the Vice-President & Provost
Department: Office of Vice-Provost, Students
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students and working under general direction of other senior leaders in the portfolio, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for identifying issues, advising on strategy and communications options, recommending solutions, implementing project plans, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the OVPS.

Working closely with the Executive Directors and with the Vice-Provost, Students, as well as other senior university administrators, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for project management and implementation across a broad range of issues within the VPS's portfolio. The SPO also assists the ED, OVPS on initiatives designed to ensure that the work of the office is carried out efficiently and effectively.

Project management and implementation includes: (a) design project workflows, schedules, and deadlines, (b) coordinate project documentation and consultations with stakeholders, (c) developing draft communications such as remarks, presentations, and correspondence, (d) providing strategic advice and administrative support on policy matters and other issues, (e) coordinate governance pathways and support group meetings with follow-up on decisions made by members of the portfolio’s various working committees, (f) undertaking detailed research on a wide variety of issues and topics, (g) ensuring ongoing maintenance of the highest level of activity and service for the OVPS portfolio.

The Special Projects Officer will coordinate communications, assist with and advance projects, and undertake initiatives and daily activities that require knowledge of confidential information about Provostial priorities and new directions. The role of the SPO will continue to evolve, and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

The Special Projects Officer functions as a member of the projects team within the Division of the Vice-President and Provost by maintaining connections with other SPOs through the Simcoe Hall Special Projects Knowledge Exchange (SPOKE) and participating in strategic planning for the Division as assigned. The incumbent works in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The incumbent interacts closely with a wide range of senior members of the University, including vice-presidents, vice-provosts, governors, senior administrators, faculty and staff, as well as students and other community members.

Qualifications Required:

Education: 

• University degree required, postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

Experience: 

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions;
• Extensive experience with University, knowledge of university policies and procedures, and an understanding of the University’s organizational structure, including its governance;
• Knowledge about media protocol, diplomacy and an excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community;
• Experience leading complex and multi-stakeholder projects.

Skills: 

• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations), and scheduling software;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Sharepoint an asset;
• Familiarity with Acrobat and other Adobe software an asset.

Other: 

• Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• High degree of political acuity and judgment;
• Familiarity with University governance, higher education sector, and public sector administration;
• Ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building;
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact;
• Superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination;
• Flexibility, problem-solving orientation, and strong leadership capabilities.

Note: May have to work extended hours as a result of strict deadlines which could include weekends and evenings as required. 

Closing Date: 05/27/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time; May have to work extended hours as a result of strict deadlines which could include weekends and evenings as required. 
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $91,937 - $107,259 -- Broadband Salary Range: $91,937 - $153,227
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial