Manager, Academic Programs (MBA) (18 Month Appointment)

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business seeks a Manager of Academic Programs (MBA) for an 18‑month limited term appointment at the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington. The role leads the MBA program operations, advising on curricula, scheduling and student services to deliver an exceptional graduate experience.

You will oversee financial resources, collaborate with faculty and central offices, and drive strategic planning for program growth, ensuring alignment with university policies and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, education or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
• 5–7 years of managerial experience, preferably in a university environment.
• 18-month appointment duration; Burlington location as noted in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Oversees financial management for the MBA programs and budget reporting.
• Provides leadership and strategic planning for program operations.
• Collaborates with MBA Program Director, Student Services and university partners.
• Manages course scheduling, academic advising and IQAP processes.
• Represents the department on university committees and governance bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Financial management

HR management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/education or related field

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Manager, Academic Programs (MBA) (18 Month Appointment)

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Location

Ron Joyce Centre

Open Date

2026/09/21

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

2026/09/27

Employee Group

TMG

Favorite Job

Department

DSB Grad Programs

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Band K

Salary Range

$80819.00 - $121229.00 (annual)

Job Code

104834

Hiring Range

$80819.00 - $105974.00

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Contract Duration

18.2 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

35

Schedule

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in business, education or a related field – graduate degree preferred;

5-7 years of managerial experience, preferably within an University environment

Duration 18 Months

Location Ron Joyce Centre, Burlington

Anticipated Start Date: October 15, 2026

Employment Type Limited Term Appointment

Job Description

UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The Graduate Student Services team at the DeGroote School of Business supports all graduate students including MBA and Specialized Graduate Programs across the Hamilton and Burlington campuses. This team includes Recruitment and Admissions, Academic Program Operations, Career and Professional Development, Academic Experiential Learning, and Teaching and Learning Services. The team is committed to an excellent student experience throughout the student journey and an inclusive community supporting all individuals. Reporting to the Associate Director, Academic Programs (Graduate & Specialized), the Manager, MBA Programs, assumes overall responsibility for the efficient and effective delivery of academic services and in-course activities for all MBA programs (Full-time, Full-time with Co-op, Accelerated and Blended Learning Part-Time) at the DeGroote School of Business. The Manager, MBA Programs, will provide leadership and operational excellence for the planning and execution of all MBA program operations that impact the student experience including academic advising, accommodations, wellness services, co-curricular activities, and exchange program activities. They routinely collaborate with the MBA Program Director, Student Services and DeGroote colleagues, faculty, community partners, and various McMaster departments including School of Graduate Studies, Student Success Centre, Student Case Management, Student Accessibility Services, and Equity and Inclusion Office to enhance alignment, operational effectiveness, and student support.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager, Academic Programs (MBA) is responsible for the operational management of the academic programs (MBA) within the faculty.
The Manager, Academic Programs (MBA), has an integral role in shaping the direction of the program offerings, provides administrative and program leadership, visioning and strategic planning, and informs the Associate Director, Academic Programs on financial, human resources, curriculum, academic planning, advising and scheduling, and strategic matters. The Manager, Academic Programs (MBA), provides a link between incoming and outgoing faculty and staff on operational procedures and policy as they relate to their academic program, and advises on new initiatives or changes to policies and procedures at both the program and university levels. In carrying out the position responsibilities, the Manager, Academic Programs (MBA), collaborates with academic leadership of the respective areas and senior administrative staff within the Faculty and with central offices such as the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the School of Graduate Studies, the Office of the Registrar.

Manager, Academic Programs (MBA), has the authority to make decisions and exercise leadership in the management of support services for their program under the direction of the Associate Director, Academic Programs. This position is responsible for overseeing the academic course planning and scheduling process within the respective program.
The Manager, Academic Programs (MBA) plays an integral role in managing and overseeing the Internal Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) for their respective academic programs. On a day-to-day basis, the Manager implements the policy decisions taken by the Department, Faculty, or University with respect to their respective programs, and represents the department/programs on University-wide committees, and provides leadership and direction to the staff who provide service to students in the undergraduate and graduate programs.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Financial Management: The Manager, Academic Programs manages the financial resources of their respective program with the oversight of the Associate Director, Academic Programs.

• Provides input into business plans for the department.
• Monitors financial policies and procedures and ensures compliance with University policies.
• Develops and prepares reports, monitors, and manages their program budgets (operating and scholarship) according to institutional policies and procedures.
• Represents the Department at University Committee and working groups.
• Consults with Area Chair/Associate Dean to evaluate and commits Department funds for matching grant and other programs
• Provides managerial oversight and is accountable for scholarship and TA funds, student and postdoctoral fellow scholarship awards. Contributes to the development of new program budgets.

Strategic Planning: The Manager, Academic Programs plays a key role in advising the Chair/Director on strategic planning within the department.

• Contributes to strategic thinking for development and implementation of new initiatives of strategic importance to the department, Faculty and University (such as interdisciplinary programming, Micro credentials).
• Advises the Area Chair/Associate Dean and Faculty on inter-Faculty dynamics affecting the Program.
• Develops and implements short and long-term plans to ensure the effective and efficient use of operational resources (financial, physical, human).

Operational Management: Manager, Academic Programs is responsible for ensuring that the program is managed in an effective and efficient manner.

• Works with faculty Marketing & Communications on plans for the program.
• Ensures Collective Agreements are respected and management rights are preserved.
• Develops and administers procedures to help align the staff to the strategic goals of the department.
• Manages programs and relationships that cross Faculty and institutional boundaries as a result of partnership agreements with colleges and MOU’s with external companies.
• Organizes and conducts Departmental and Program reviews.

Human Resources Management – The Manager, Academic Programs, has significant responsibility for managing human resources activity within the department, overseeing every aspect:

• Manages all direct reports including conflict management, performance management, hiring disciplinary action, training, and development.
• Provides managerial oversight and is accountable for all administrative support staff (team building, performance standards, hiring, disciplinary action, redundancy etc.). Including the ongoing evaluation of and response to changing staffing needs.
• Maintains current knowledge of the Unifor Collective Agreement, MUFA Agreement, CUPE Agreements, Employment Standards Act and University policy and procedures.

Education Administrative Support: The Manager, Academic Programs is responsible for managing the resources and infrastructure supporting education activities within the Program and is involved in academic planning, advising and development. Educational activities include:

• Manages and participates in (representing the non-academic members of the department) the Departmental Accreditation process (for external bodies such as IQAP and CEAB (for graduate and undergraduate programs) and internal process, i.e., department reviews.
• Approves program scholarship allocation and identifies/ranks candidates for University-wide scholarships and donor funded bursaries.
• Interprets and clarifies University documents relating to student education (e.g. Student Appeals Procedures, Senate Resolutions on Academic Dishonesty. Senate Resolutions on Course Outlines, Procedures for Petition of Relief for Missed Term Work and for Deferred Examinations) to students, faculty and staff.
• Ensures that concerns of students are addressed expeditiously.
• Manages and oversees the timetabling and scheduling of all courses for the delivery of ac academic programs and collaborates with the RO to create a conflict-free schedule.
• Collaborates and advises department/program affiliated clubs, teams and societies, including but not limited to funding requests, policies, events and other initiatives. Approves student events as applicable.
• Manages the curriculum process, including completing course forms and editing course calendar entries, for submission to the Academic Advising Office for review and ultimate submission to the appropriate Faculty and University governing bodies.

Academic Support: The Manager, Academic Programs is responsible for the delivery of academic student services for their respective program including:

• Assumes responsibilities delegated by the Associate Director, Academic, including decision-making on individual student matters with the various Faculty Committees, recommend, develop and execute student services in a manner consistent with faculty strategy.
• Makes recommendations to the Associate Dean and Academic Program Director as well as the Associate Director, Academic Programs where appropriate on Petitions for Special Consideration, according to faculty and university policies.
• Provides a continuing link between incoming and outgoing Deans and the Associate Deans on office procedure and policy related to student education, and advises on new initiatives or changes to policies and procedures at the Faculty level.
• Recommends changes to the Associate Director, Academic Programs and consults with the Associate Dean and Area Chairs on relevant programs.
• Determine, develop and implement continuous improvement programs that ensure superior service levels for all students in the area of academic advising.
• Overall accountability for ensuring that all student academic matters are discharged in a manner consistent with all policies
• Ensures that each student satisfies program requirements prior to graduation so that accreditation requirements are met.
• Ensures the accurate and sensitive advising of students on program selection, course selection and graduation requirements. Resolves problems related to these matters on referral from faculty or staff.
• Ensures that concerns of students are addressed expeditiously and that petitions for special consideration and applications for reinstatement are reviewed carefully. Within the parameters of University policy and in the context of fairness to other students, grants relief where possible and suggests alternative when the relief requested cannot be granted. Communicates negative decisions to students.
• Procedures for Petitions for Relief of Missed Term Work and for Deferred Examinations) to students, faculty and staff.
• Responds to or drafts responses on behalf of Associate Dean, related to student grievances, consulting as necessary with other University offices (i.e., Senate Secretariat or the University Ombuds).
• Acts as a consultant to various committees related to program within the Faculty. Oversees ongoing activities on behalf of these committees.

Special Projects Committee Membership: The Manager, Academic Programs is expected to participate in special projects and/or sit on committees in potentially many areas both within the Faculty and the broader University.

• Observes and identifies opportunities for collaboration, keeping the Academic Program Director, Associate Director, Academic Programs and Dean’s Office informed.
• Participates in Faculty and University committees as department or Faculty representative
• Active participation in University system development and enhancements (e.g. Mosaic systems testing, admissions, on-line grades, course registration, on-line degree audits and reports)
• Provides information to University Undergraduate Council & Senate for departmental reviews
• Ensures that the McMaster community and external community receive prompt, accurate information regarding matters relating to undergraduate education in the program.
• Main source for data gathering for initiatives such as Cubane and BI tool development.

International Exchange:

• Oversees the day-to-day operations (school partnerships, selection of students to study abroad, support services for visiting students and reporting post-term for transcript notations) for appropriate international exchange programs.

Reporting and Data Management:

• Provide data and reporting in a timely manner for AACSB, IQAP, IRA.
• Establishes and meets appropriate service standards/reporting timelines that ensures the McMaster community and external community receive prompt, accurate information regarding matters relating to student education in the Faculty.
• Oversees written communication on program matters to ensure appropriateness, quality and accuracy.
• Forecast and facilitate the scheduling of courses each term, in collaboration with Area Chairs.

Pay Transparency Statement

The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.

Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.