Managing Director, Specialized Programs

Date Posted: 02/10/2021
Req ID:2771
Faculty/Division: School of Management
Department: Joseph L. Rotman School of Management
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and academic excellence at the heart of Canada’s commercial and financial capital. Rotman is a catalyst for transformative learning, insights and public engagement, bringing together diverse views and initiatives around a defining purpose: to create value for business and society. We make a fundamental promise, Here’s where it changes to our students, our partners and the broader community. Everyone at Rotman, faculty and staff, plays a role in bringing that promise to life.

The Rotman School and our portfolio of Specialized Programs compete in the global market to attract the brightest and best students. Consequently, the position of Managing Director, Specialized Programs is a key position in the development and implementation of our Specialized Programs and in support of our overall vision of having Rotman rank in the top tier of business schools globally.

Reporting directly to the Vice Dean, Undergraduate and Specialized Programs and working in close collaboration with the Academic Directors of the Specialized Programs, the incumbent works with academic and administrative staff to develop the strategic direction and implementation of programs in the areas of Recruitment & Admissions, Program Services, and Careers

The role of the Managing Director, Specialized Programs is required to focus on three critical areas: (1) leadership and management of a large team (currently 7 direct reports and a total team of 30), (2) development of strategy for Specialized Programs and support services; (3) establishing and enhancing the status of programs within the domestic and international marketplace to enhance the branding and positioning of the Specialized Programs.

(1) Leadership & Team Development

The principal focus of the Managing Director, Specialized Programs is to ensure quality program design and delivery as measured by both the level of the programmatic excellence achieved and the level of satisfaction amongst the School’s stakeholders - applicants, students, alumni, employers and the business community at large. The Managing Director, Specialized Programs is responsible for human resources management of administrative staff in the Specialized Programs, building and leading a high performing team of professionals, ensuring the efficient and high quality of all recruitment and program related services. This responsibility is executed within a budget which is developed and managed by the Managing Director, Specialized Programs upon the approval of the Vice-Dean and CAO. The Managing Director, Specialized Programs works closely with the Managing Director, Professional MBA Programs and they share several key direct reports.

In order to maintain and increase current market competitiveness and increase domestic and international recognition, the Managing Director, Specialized Programs must foster an environment of service excellence. The Managing Director, Specialized Programs assumes responsibility for managing a process of continual improvement which engages faculty, staff, students, alumni, applicants and employers in the process of change.

(2) Strategic Program Development

The Managing Director, Specialized Programs, in collaboration with the Academic Directors and faculty, is responsible for developing the strategies and implementing leading edge processes and programs to support our recruiting and admissions objectives and to enhance the experience of students and external stakeholders within the academic, administrative and budget parameters established by the Rotman School of Management.

The Managing Director, Specialized Programs is in a key position to evaluate market competitiveness and progress and to recommend and advocate change within the Specialized Programs portfolio.

(3) External Relations

The Managing Director, Specialized Programs is the primary advocate for the Specialized Programs and works with others in guiding the Specialized Programs portfolio towards its strategic goals which will ultimately support and advance the overall vision and brand of the School. Within this mandate, the Managing Director, Specialized Programs develops strategies which enable Specialized Programs to recruit top students; deliver a premier educational experience and transition graduates into successful careers. It is important that the Managing Director, Specialized Programs understands trends in business education and market competitiveness and works to establish and advance the reputation and standing of its Specialized Programs within the domestic and international marketplace. The Managing Director, Specialized Programs works to build and foster relationships within the business community with the overall objective of establishing and advancing the reputation and standing of the Specialized Programs as well as promoting the interface between management education and the corporate environment.

As part of this mandate, it is expected that the Managing Director, Specialized Programs works in close collaboration with the Managing Directors of both the Professional MBA Programs and Full Time MBA Program to ensure that all Rotman programs work together to the advancement of the overall Rotman brand.

Specialized Program Strategic Development and Administration:

The Managing Director, Specialized Programs provides the leadership and direction to ensure that the goals of the Specialized Programs portfolio are realized. Emphasis is on strategic thinking and management while providing overall direction to Program staff in their implementation activities.

• Works with Program Directors to manage a process of continuous improvement in program design and delivery. Assesses satisfaction and competitiveness on an on-going basis, engaging faculty, staff, students, alumni, applicants and employers in the process as required.

• With the Specialized Program Directors, develops an annual, as well as long-range, business plan and budget. Oversees the delivery of programs within the budget parameters established through the budget development process. Of particular focus will be career assistance which over the years has become a critical element in the attraction of the best students and an important part in building a successful and supportive alumni base connecting Rotman with the communities that we serve. Working with the Managing Directors of the Full-Time MBA and Professional MBA Programs, as well as the Director of Career Services, they will establish strategies that address the career needs of our master’s students while recognizing the limitations on budget and resourcing will be an important challenge.

• Effectively manages all administrative program staff (USW & exempt) within human resources and administrative guidelines of the School and University, including hiring, training, performance management and termination. Consults with the Director, Human Resource Services on all HR related activities.

• Advises the Academic Directors and/or others on program progress, problems and opportunities and seeks counsel, collaboration or involvement on issues as appropriate.

• Oversees the program evaluation process and provides reports as appropriate.

• Ensures compliance with the policies of the School and the University and ensures the fair and consistent application of policies and procedures as they impact the Specialized Programs. In so doing protects the integrity of the programs. Where policies or procedures are perceived to detract from, rather than enhance the quality of program delivery, brings these issues and recommended solutions to the attention of the Academic Directors and/or other appropriate individuals.

• The Managing Director, Specialized Programs works in consultation and cooperation with the Academic Directors, Area Coordinators and other faculty members to assess overall effectiveness of curriculum design and delivery with a view to continuously improving the Specialized Programs experience and the market competitiveness and reputation of the Specialized Programs. Ensures that program services and delivery support the overall academic priorities and faculty teaching within the Specialized Programs area.

• Represents the Specialized Programs on various School committees.

External Relations

• A key aspect of the efforts of the Managing Director, Specialized Programs is the design and implementation of a comprehensive strategy and sustained effort to increase the markets’ perception of the Specialized Programs at the Rotman School. This will be achieved through heightened awareness of achievements and services in the Specialized Program areas. Success will be measured by the improved public perception and ranking as evidenced by such criteria as higher applications and yield rates of excellent candidates, strong ratings by students regarding their experience in their program, and, in the case of non-working professional programs, greater success in placement of students at the end of their program.

• Analyzes the current market position and image of the School’s Specialized Program offerings and devises options for the enhancement of that position. As part of a School-wide effort to attain preeminence among providers of management education internationally, the Managing Director, Specialized Programs is responsible for ensuring that the marketing, promotion and communication of all activities and developments within the Specialized Program areas are directed to a wide variety of constituencies and are carried out in the most positive, constructive and effective manner to produce the Programs’ market position objectives.

• Oversees the development of a customer service focus for the Specialized Programs at all points of customer contact, and the delivery of a quality product.

• The Managing Director, Specialized Programs seeks continually to reinforce and enhance support and appreciation for the Specialized Programs at the Rotman School by developing strategies to proactively expand and foster a network of senior level business executives within the local and domestic community in support of our marketing and program goals and objectives.

• Utilizes existing Faculty and administrative staff networks within the senior business community and seeks out opportunities to present themselves and Faculty to the business community in order to promote the Specialized Programs recruitment, careers and mentoring programs area.

Human Resources Management

The Managing Director, Specialized Programs together with the Managing Director, Professional MBA Programs, has full managerial authority over all administrative program staff and manages within human resources and administrative guidelines of the School and University, including hiring, training, performance management and termination.

• Manages staff to ensure work tasks are completed on schedule and standards and policies are followed. Approves work of staff to ensure quality of work.
• Defines roles and responsibilities of staff, based on understanding of individual skills and project requirements. Assigns tasks to staff based on understanding of needs and availability of resources.
• Develops plans and work processes for department projects based on understanding of project requirements and timelines.
• Guides department staff by providing the necessary direction and training to complete department/project work, based on knowledge of department procedures and specialized expertise.
• Recommends training courses, seminars and conferences for staff to update and enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Resolves technical problems and staff-related issues that arise during department/project work on a timely basis, to ensure work can be completed with minimal delay.
• Hires staff based on assessment of candidates and understanding of department needs.
• Discusses performance with employees to provide feedback and address performance related issues as part of the employee development process. Disciplines employees where necessary and appropriate.
• Evaluates employee performance based on assessment of individual’s work and achievement of performance goals.
• Makes recommendation on salary adjustments for employees based on performance and organization salary structure.
• Terminates employment for cause or as a result of organization restructuring.
• Consults with HR when dealing with serious issues that affect employment relationships.
• Mediates conflict between staff members supervised.
• Resolves informal complaints from unionized staff, in consultation with Human Resources and Labour Relations.
• Discusses informal complaints and step (#) grievances from unionized staff with employees, Human Resources and Labour Relations.
• Determines appropriate disposition of the grievance, in consultation with Human Resources and Labour Relations, based on knowledge of collective agreements and labour relations procedures.

Financial & Resource Planning and Management

The Managing Director, Specialized Programs will oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Specialized Programs. S/he will manage a full operating budget.

Leads the annual planning and budgeting process for the Specialized Programs. Works with the senior managers to ensure programmatic success. This includes: 1) interpreting University policies to ensure compliance, 2) ensuring that all University regulations and requirements are disseminated to appropriate personnel, and 3) monitoring compliance.

Manages the overall programs budget. Reviews bi-monthly budget reports from budget managers and manages budget variance reporting (enrolments, financial aid,) to keep current with the programs’ evolving budget position and ensure that the programs meets their financial performance targets. Makes resource reallocation decisions relative to evolving financial performance. Implements budget cuts based on financial priorities.

In consultation with Program Directors and the Vice Dean, Undergraduate and Specialized Programs, sets enrolment targets for programs in accordance with strategic plans or growth, taking into account risks, such as attrition, are addressed. Oversees enrolment management across programs to ensure that program targets are met and works with Program Directors to resolve issues that arise.

Develops and manages the Specialized Programs budget and in conjunction with the Vice Dean, Undergraduate and Specialized Programs and the CAO.

Determines the organizational structure and resources required based on a knowledge of program specifications and delivery requirements to run a first-class Specialized Programs operation.

• With the Program Academic Directors, develops an annual as well as long-range business plan and budget. Oversees the delivery of programs within the budget parameters established through the budget development process.

• The Managing Director, Specialized Programs assumes a senior leadership role in negotiating and managing the complex infrastructure issues associated with facilities, finance, information technology, and human resources. In this capacity, the Managing Director, Specialized Programs manages the operational support staff, liaises with relevant senior staff and serves as the senior program advocate and representative with the broader Rotman and university community with respect to these issues. This will include attention to space planning and to financial planning and oversight.

I. EDUCATION:

MBA or other relevant post graduate degree and/or a combination of academic and senior program management experience such that the individual will have recognition and credibility with students, faculty, alumni, and the general business community.

II. EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 10 years experience in program development and administration preferably within a graduate business school/university environment. A creative but pragmatic strategic thinker with strong managerial, follow-through, and implementation skills along with proven marketing and networking talents. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to perform in an advocacy role and raise the profile of the Specialized graduate programs. Proven ability to perform effectively in the team-based collegial culture of Rotman and the University; advanced consultative, facilitation and decision-making skills.

A strong leader who can direct and manage a large team.

III. SKILLS:

Due to the senior-level nature of this position, the Managing Director, Specialized Programs will be a confident self-starter with a wide variety of experience which can be applied to the demanding set of decisions which present themselves. Understanding of the complexity of the academic environment is an asset. Must be a strong leader who has an appreciation and understanding of the changing needs of business education, the changing competitive landscape and is able to position the Specialized Programs and Rotman as a preferred educational choice and a preferred corporate recruiting source. Has a proven track record of being able to develop and sell competitive differentials within a highly competitive, international market.

Closing Date: 02/25/2021,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 6 -- Hiring Zone: $113,499 - $132,415 -- Broadband Salary Range: $113,499 - $189,164
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

.buttontext00b26598368a4abe a{ border: 1px solid transparent; } .buttontext00b26598368a4abe a:focus{ border: 1px dashed #25355a !important; outline: none !important; }

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Job Segment: Manager, Curriculum, Program Manager, Branding, Management, Education, Research, Marketing