Chief Administrative Officer

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 151,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide leadership and strategic direction for revenue generation and administrative services.

The CAO oversees Finance, HR, IT, facilities, space management, health and safety, and risk management, ensuring alignment with university policies and external regulations. Reporting to the Dean, the CAO will lead senior staff, advise on governance and policy, and drive organizational

Qualifications

• Masters’ degree in Business Administration or equivalent in finance/administration/HR.
• CPA designation is an asset.
• Combined JD/MBA is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for revenue generation and business administration.
• Oversee Finance, HR, IT, facilities, space management, health and safety, and risk management.
• Represent the Faculty in university-wide administrative practices and external relations.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and initiatives aligned with priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Lead organizational change, modernization, and continuous improvement while maintaining stakeholder confidence.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial planning

Cross-functional leadership

Policy development

Communication

Equity and inclusion

Education

MBA

JD/MBA (asset)

Job description

Description:

About Us:

The Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law is one of the oldest professional faculties at the University of Toronto. Today, it is one of the world's great law schools. The Faculty’s rich academic program is complemented by its many legal clinics and public interest programs, and supported by an array of in‑house student services. Jackman Law is housed in the elegant, state‑of–the‑art Jackman Law Building alongside two historical buildings, Flavelle House and Falconer Hall, on the St. George Campus in downtown Toronto.

Reporting to the Dean, and working closely with the Faculty’s senior administrative leadership team, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides leadership and strategic direction for the overall revenue generation and business administration activities, and ensures the efficient and effective strategic management of the Faculty’s resources. The CAO has full managerial authority over the administrative staff in the office of the CAO. In consultation with the Dean, the incumbent oversees the delivery of administrative services and the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic short and long term administrative plans that support the mission of the Faculty. These Administrative Services include: Finance, Human Resources, IT, Facility Operations and Services and Space Management, Capital and Renovation Project Management, Health and Safety, as well as Risk Management. The CAO is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing excellent standards in the core administrative systems that support Faculty, Staff and Students in all areas in the Faculty.

The CAO represents the Faculty in consultation with, or advice to, other University departments, divisions or portfolios in regards to University-wide administrative practices, processes or policies. The CAO also develops and maintains internal and external relations within the University and the broader community.

The incumbent provides advice and policy interpretation to the Dean Assistant Deans, Associate Deans, Faculty, Directors and Managers and ensures administrative policies and procedures are in compliance with University policies and Government legislation and other relevant regulatory bodies.

Essential Qualifications:

Education:

Masters’ degree in Business Administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the fields of finance, administration, operations and human resources. CPA designation is considered an asset. Combined JD/MBA degree is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of senior leadership experience with proven success overseeing a broad operations portfolio encompassing finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities and space management including health and safety within a university or other comparably complex environment.
• Extensive expertise in financial planning and management, including multiyear budget development, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting, with a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and stewardship of public funds.
• Strong record of providing strategic advice to senior leaders with demonstrated experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, and initiatives aligned with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross functional initiatives within a shared governance and collegial decision-making environment, balancing strategic objectives, timelines, and resource constraints.
• Experience working effectively in a unionized university setting, with knowledge of collective agreements, labour relations, grievance processes, and human resources.

Skills:

• The successful candidate will demonstrate decisive, strategic administrative leadership in support of the Faculty’s academic mission, priorities, and long-term objectives, coupled with the credibility and presence to engage effectively with faculty members, staff, senior leadership, governing bodies, and external partners.
• The role requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex administrative, financial, and operational matters clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• The ideal candidate brings a high level of interpersonal awareness, professional attentiveness, and respect for differing perspectives, enabling thoughtful engagement in high-pressure, nuanced, and often complex environments.
• Proven ability to build trust, foster alignment, and drive outcomes within a collegial academic setting is essential, as is experience leading organizational change, modernization, and continuous improvement initiatives while sustaining confidence and commitment across teams.
• The successful candidate will consistently exercise sound judgment and discretion in sensitive and high-impact situations, balancing risk, policy, equity considerations, and institutional reputation. Strength in negotiation and conflict resolution, resilience in the face of competing demands, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership are critical.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, along with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing administrative teams and promote strong cross-functional collaboration, is required.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to take initiative, innovate, and drive projects forward independently.
• Demonstrated leadership in applying governance processes to enable informed decision-making and organizational alignment.
• Knowledge of University of Toronto policies and governance structure is considered an asset.
• An appreciation for the challenges and opportunities of working within a large, decentralized institution.

Closing Date:10/29/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:PM 7 -- Hiring Zone: $151,028 - $176,200 -- Broadband Salary Range: $151,028 - $251,713
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building aculture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectivelyaddress and serve the interests of our global community. Westrongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples,Black and racialized persons, women, persons withdisabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities.We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment toequity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverseperspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential tostrengthening our academic mission.
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 [e-mail] .