Associate Director Administration

McGill University; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 92,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

McGill University is seeking an Associate Director, Administration within the Office of the Senior Director Student Services to lead strategic resource planning, budgeting, HR and finance services across seven Student Service units.

Reporting to the Senior Director, this role drives performance, governance, risk management and continuous improvement, partnering with stakeholders across IT, payroll, procurement and university operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and 5+ years related experience.
• Strong planning, analytical and financial management skills.
• Experience with project deployment and system integrations.
• Bilingual communication in English and French.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership in operations and resource oversight.
• Supports multi-year resource planning and budget development.
• Leads HR and finance specialists across seven Student Service units.
• Oversees procurement activities and cost-effectiveness.
• Drives lean processes and governance of resources.

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial management

Data synthesis

Project management

Client service excellence

Change management

Leadership

Communication & presentation

Banner FIS

Workday

Budgeting tools

Reporting software

Payroll knowledge

Bilingual: English & French

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Banner FIS

Workday

Budgeting tools

Reporting software

Job description

Office of the Senior Director Student Services (OS2)

McGill Student Services is composed of seven specialties providing a wide range of services to students, including health, mental health, financial, career, disability accommodation, religious and spiritual life, transition to and from university, as well as services specific to international students. The Office of the Senior Director provides strategic leadership, operational and infrastructure excellence, and integrated communications in support of Student Services. Bringing together expertise in administration, finance, human resources, project management, communications and student engagement, OS2 enables the delivery of high-quality services and programming that enhance the student experience, and support student success and well-being.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Student Services, the Associate Director, Administration is responsible for strategic resource planning and reporting across the Student Services portfolio, oversight to ensure alignment of budget development, forecasting, workforce planning, and coordinated provision of human resources and finance services. Acts as a key advisor to the Senior Director and service leaders on financial and workforce planning and performance, operational efficiency, and risk management. Additionally, this individual will act as an agent of change, driving improvements and innovation across operational functions to enhance effectiveness and support the evolving needs of Student Services.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership in operations and resource oversight including human resources and financial management, ensuring compliance with policies and promoting a culture of collaboration and service excellence
• Supports the Senior Director and leadership team with business insight to help shape strategy and create long-term value.
• Oversees business alignment with multi-year resource planning, as well as annual budget and workforce development, including scenario planning, forecasting, risk analysis and performance reporting. Ensure adherence to stewardship obligations.
• Lead the Finance and Human Resources specialists for coordinated support of each of seven Student Service units, with full understanding of unique business needs and specificities, and collaboration with different stakeholders across the university.
• Oversee major contractual and procurement activities in partnership with Procurement Services, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee Medical Billing services across multiple insurance plans (private and public) in support of the Student Wellness Hub physicians, psychiatrists and laboratory services.
• Develop and maintain inventory of system assets and oversee IT project prioritization plan as determined by Student Services leadership. Collaborate with IT Services to manage system access protocols, as well as inventory and optimize technology resources within budget constraints.
• Develop real-time analytics for data-driven decision making. Implement and maintain a reporting strategy for monitoring and identification of financial risks and opportunities throughout the fiscal year.
• Plan, develop and oversee processes, procedures, protocols and unit policies in accordance with Office of Student Services goals and objectives; design and implement protocols for internal Knowledge Base, production schedule and user manuals for all Office positions.
• Develop and maintain strategy for record management and act as resource to services in regards to record retention, privacy and access to information laws and policies.
• Drive operational efficiency and cost-saving initiatives through lean, clear and transparent processes, and consideration of internal controls to assist with strong governance and stewardship of resources. Conduct cost-benefit analyses and ensure financial compliance in all initiatives.
• Provide senior professional expertise and strategic advice to the Senior Director of Student Services, resolving any difficulties as needed. Primary stakeholders include Office of Associate Provost Student Life & Learning, University Advancement, IT, Financial Services and Student Accounts
• Serve as a contributing member of the Student Services Leadership Team.
• Lead change management initiatives to improve financial, HR, and operational processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Attract, develop, and retain high-performing staff within the Finance, Medical Billing and HR specialities.

Other Qualifying Skills and Abilities

• Strong planning, analytical and financial management skills.
• Ability to synthesize data and develop cohesive financial strategies and multi-year plans.
• Experience with project implementation and management, including system deployments.
• Proven client service excellence
• Demonstrated ability to act as a change agent, driving process improvements and organizational transformation.
• Strong leadership in change management and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Banner FIS, Workday, budgeting tools, and reporting software.
• Knowledge of university operations, procurement, and payroll processes.
• Bilingual: English (spoken and written), French (spoken and read).

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4-Fluent on a scale of 0-4.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 07) $92,150.00 - $115,190.00 - $138,230.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-ADM3A - General Administration - Senior Professional/Manager

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Senior Director Student Services

Deadline to Apply:

2026-10-02

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].