Director, Academic Health Sciences

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 121,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Canada is seeking a Director for Academic Health Sciences. The role involves managing staff, operationalizing governance decisions, and supporting strategic planning. Candidates should have a master's degree in a related field and 5-8 years of relevant leadership experience. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary range of $121,333 - $203,113, with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of progressive experience in strategic planning and governance.
• Experience within complex organizations and health sciences is an asset.
• Professional designation in project management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operationalize decisions from the Joint Governance Council.
• Manage Health Sciences staff and support team collaboration.
• Draft and prepare budgets and financial reports.
• Identify and address strategic issues and make recommendations.
• Analyze data to inform governance decisions.
• Administer support for council operations.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Project management

Time management

Change management

Consensus-building

Education

Master’s degree in health sciences or related discipline

Job description

Director, Academic Health Sciences

USask Health Sciences is establishing a new standard for interprofessional education, research, and practice at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Our campus promotes collaboration among students, faculty, and researchers across health disciplines, fostering a team-centered approach to educate health professionals. We are recruiting a proven leader for the role of Director, Academic Health Sciences to join our dynamic team.

Primary Purpose: Under the guidance of the Joint Governance Council of the Academic Health Sciences (JGCAHS), the Director provides leadership to the staff of the Health Sciences Complex. The role involves supporting the JGCAHS, contributing to strategic planning, and implementing priorities set by the council.

Nature of Work: The Academic Health Sciences operates within the Provost and Vice-President Academic portfolio. Planning and decision-making are directed by the JGCAHS, with the Director serving as a key support and primary executor of council decisions. The position reports organizationally to the Provost and Vice-President Academic.

This role demands high discretionary decision-making and professional judgment in a fast-paced, complex environment, managing multiple projects with competing deadlines. The incumbent will handle confidential and sensitive information routinely.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Operationalize JGCAHS decisions
• Manage and support Academic Health Sciences staff, including directors and support staff
• Draft policies, procedures, and guidelines for JGCAHS approval
• Prepare budgets and financial reports for approval and resource allocation
• Identify and address issues, making recommendations to JGCAHS
• Support planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness through collaboration
• Analyze and present data to inform JGCAHS decisions
• Complete projects within deadlines
• Develop evaluation processes aligned with priorities and budgets
• Apply change management principles in project implementation
• Collaborate regularly with Provost’s office and other stakeholders
• Oversee administrative support for JGCAHS
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education: A minimum of a master’s degree in health sciences, social sciences, business, or related discipline. Professional designation in project management is an asset. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience: 5-8 years of progressive responsibility in a complex organization, with experience in strategic planning, governance, and health sciences considered assets.

Skills: Relationship building, communication, transparency, engagement, discretion, time management, leadership, diplomacy, organizational, analytical, and consensus-building skills. Ability to interpret large data sets, strong written and verbal communication, change management expertise, independent and team work capability, research and problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and familiarity with higher education resource planning and quality assurance.

Department: USask Health Sciences
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Shift: Full Time
FTE: 1.0
Salary: $121,333 - $203,113 per annum, commensurate with education and experience
Salary Band: 5
Posted Date: 8/1/2025
Closing Date: 8/14/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University values employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, supporting opportunities for Indigenous peoples. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities or medical needs. Verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship may be required for Indigenous applicants, in accordance with university policies. We acknowledge the Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Homeland, reaffirming our commitment to Indigenous relations and Indigenization at USask.