Department Manager

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Toronto seeks a Department Manager to provide strategic, HR, managerial, and financial leadership in the School of the Environment. The successful candidate will enhance administration and policies while managing staff and projects. Minimum qualifications include a university degree in business or finance and 5 years of related experience. The role promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of the cultural fabric of the institution, making an impact on the community and beyond.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in financial management and administration.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to manage proactively and adapt to complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate administrative staff.
• Oversee human-resource functions including hiring and performance management.
• Coordinate implementation of policies and advise on operational issues.

Skills

Advanced computer skills in MS Office

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Education

University degree in business, economics, or financial management

Tools

FIS

HRIS

Job description

About the School of the Environment

The School of the Environment serves as an interdisciplinary centre for environment and sustainability education, creating new knowledge, training future leaders, and contributing to positive environmental and social change from the local to the global scale. As an extra‑departmental unit within the Faculty of Arts & Science, the School offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, several joint undergraduate programs, a graduate program in Environment and Sustainability, and interdisciplinary graduate specializations in Environmental Studies and Environment & Health. Our goal is to foster positive change for a sustainable future through transdisciplinary research, teaching, and collaboration.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Academic Director, the Department Manager brings strategic, HR, managerial, operational and financial leadership to ensure the success of the School. The incumbent develops short and long‑term strategic initiatives, improves overall administration, provides executive research services, advises on budgetary matters, and implements sound financial policies. The Manager works closely with the Academic Director in establishing administrative policies, overseeing policies’ implementation, leading projects, and ensuring best practices are employed in operation and research needs.

Responsibilities

The Department Manager manages and motivates administrative staff, handles human‑resource functions including hiring, performance management, and professional development, and resolves grievances in consultation with Human Resources. The Manager oversees logistics for special projects, outreach initiatives, and events, leading the development of a strategic communication and outreach plan to raise the School’s profile. Additionally, the Manager coordinates the implementation of policies, advises on a wide array of operational issues, and ensures alignment with the University’s policies and guidelines.

Qualifications

Education

University degree in business, economics, and/or financial management or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of related and progressive experience in financial management and administration in a similar environment. Experience building effective administrative systems and processes, interpreting policy and financial procedures, supervising staff, and leading new initiatives and processes. Union‑liaised staff supervision experience is an asset. Demonstrated success in designing and implementing new initiatives and processes.

Skills

Advanced computer skills in MS Office, email, and internet. Experience with FIS, HRIS, or related systems. Excellent administrative, analytical, financial, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Other

Ability to manage proactively, strong leadership, discretion, confidentiality, and service‑oriented customer service skills. Demonstrated judgment, decision‑making, flexibility, adaptability, and ability to handle competing deadlines and complex projects.

Application Information

Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply by January 9, 2026. The posting will remain open and applications will continue to be reviewed until filled.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise strengthen our academic mission. As part of the application you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary, and 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 AODA. As such, we aim to make 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].