Associate Director, University Secretariat

Simon Fraser University; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an Associate Director for the University Secretariat. This pivotal role requires governance expertise and offers the opportunity to work alongside senior leadership. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of experience in administrative and project management roles. The position emphasizes relationship building with stakeholders and overseeing confidential inquiries. The university offers generous benefits, including vacation, hybrid work, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

4 weeks’ vacation

Hybrid-work program

Employer paid pension plan

On-campus tuition waiver

Professional development funds

Qualifications

• 7 years of related experience in administrative, financial, and project management.
• Expertise in governance, ethics, and policy administration.
• Exceptional communication and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultative guidance to the University Secretary and Board.
• Oversee Board Operations and manage the USec's units.
• Establish working relationships with stakeholders on board initiatives.

Skills

Governance expertise

Communication skills

Analytical abilities

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related discipline

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The University Secretariat portfolio is responsible for the effective functioning of the University's Board of Governors and oversees the following administrative areas in addition to the Board Office: Internal Audit, Office of the Ombudsperson and the Human Rights Office (which includes Bullying and Harassment).

About the Role

The Associate Director, University Secretariat provides expert consultative guidance to the University Secretary (USec), the Board of Governors, and other members of the University’s senior leadership team serving as the primary advisor on policies, procedures, and protocols for the Board, often addressing complex and sensitive issues. This role acts as the deputy to the USec, holding delegated authority in their absence, and oversees the triaging of confidential inquiries. This role also oversees Board Operations, as well as ensures the efficient management and functioning of the units within the USec’s portfolio, including managing the operational function for the Board of Governors’ Office, and the financial and strategic planning functions. Additionally, this position establishes and fosters influential working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including board members, VPs, government officials, Senate, external counsels and consultants on board related initiatives to ensure the effective management of sensitive issues of high impact to the University’s reputation.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, Communications, Public Policy, or a related discipline, with seven years of related experience in administrative, financial and project management; supporting high-profile issues that have reputational consequences to an organization; gathering, synthesizing, and disseminating information of a sensitive nature or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Expertise in governance, ethics and policy administration, including knowledge of university policies, University Act governance processes, financial administration and the ability to apply principles in highly confidential and sensitive contexts.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and organizational abilities, including advanced writing and editing skills, strong research, problem‑solving and information‑synthetic capabilities and the ability to deliver high‑quality work under pressure while managing multiple competing deadlines.
• Skilled leadership and stakeholder engagement with demonstrated leadership and supervisory strengths, sound judgment and diplomacy and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders including senior university leaders.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative Professional Excluded Staff group (APEX):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

The pay range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for the position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].