Manager, Staff Relations & Office of the Chief Operating Officer

InsideHigherEd; Brampton; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Manager for Staff Relations and Office of the Chief Operating Officer. This role involves strategic HR management across the Division of University Advancement, requiring strong skills in communication, project management, and technical competencies. The ideal candidate will possess a university degree and substantial experience in administrative support, coupled with a high degree of professionalism and political acuity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in progressively responsible administrative support roles.
• Knowledge of University budget, financial and administrative policies strongly preferred.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective office systems and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic guidance and planning for all operational units within DUA.
• Leads strategic initiatives relating to the HR portfolio of the Chief Operating Officer.
• Participates in planning organizational renewal/reorganization and reallocation of human resources.

Skills

Exceptional computer skills

High level of proficiency with word processing, email, Internet, and presentation software

Strong technical competencies in database and spreadsheet software

Highly professional demeanor

Excellent oral and written communication

Superior organizational and time management skills

Strong analytical ability

Excellent project management skills

High degree of political acuity

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Education

University degree or acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience

Formal business accounting training and HR Certification

Tools

HRIS

FIS

Job description

Manager, Staff Relations & Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Date Posted : 06 / 04 / 2025

Faculty / Division : VP - Division of University Advancement

Department : Advancement Services

Campus : St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description : About Us :

The Division of University Advancement (DUA) aims to sustain and enhance the University’s academic mission, leadership, and worldwide impact, by engaging alumni and private sector constituents meaningfully in the mission of the University, building mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction over time.

DUA at the University of Toronto is engaged in a transformative agenda deeply rooted in the University’s vision for growth and innovation. We focus on growing fundraising efforts; enhancing the effectiveness and satisfaction of alumni engagement and programs; building advancement talent capacity within and across divisions and creating an organization and culture that fosters diversity and inclusiveness.

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager, Staff Relations and Office of the Chief Operating Officer (Manager) provides HR portfolio management for the Office of the Chief Operating Officer for the Division of University Advancement (DUA).

The Manager provides strategic guidance and planning for all operational units within the Division of University Advancement (DUA). The Manager acts as a strategic advisor to advancement leadership on staff organizational design, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, performance management, EDI initiatives, and other programs. The incumbent collaborates with partners in People Strategy and Equity Office (PSEC), Equity Offices and other central offices as appropriate.

Additionally, the Manager provides support for Advancement Offices across the University of Toronto and leads a team that specifically supports executive recruitment for advancement leads in Divisions / Faculties, provides guidance on the Advancement Professional (AP) compensation policy and application in collaboration with PSEC, supports advancement-wide strategic initiatives and provides strategic guidance to advancement leadership across the University.

Key responsibilities include : leads strategic initiatives as they relate to the HR portfolio of the Chief Operating Officer, provides advice and support on issues related to the staffing life-cycle based on knowledge of University policies and collective agreements; participates with the COO and other senior leadership in planning organizational renewal / reorganization and reallocation of human resources. The incumbent also makes recommendations regarding new or existing practices and procedures; ensures compliance with established University and employee policies; and participates in the forecasting and evaluation of the Division’s compensation budgets. The incumbent will also be responsible for creating and managing confidential information; reviewing and assessing requests from individuals, organizations, and other members of the University community; conducting background research and making recommendations to the COO.

Qualifications Required :

Education :

• University degree or acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Formal business accounting training and HR Certification or acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience :

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in progressively responsible administrative support roles, within a highly decentralized University or public-sector environment.
• Proven success in providing effective front-line customer service and support in a busy environment.
• Knowledge of University budget, financial and administrative policies strongly preferred.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective office systems and protocols.

SKILLS :

• Exceptional computer skills with sound working knowledge of PC platforms; high level of proficiency with word processing, email, Internet, and presentation software.
• Must show strong technical competencies in database and spreadsheet software.
• HRIS and FIS experience strongly preferred.

Other :

• Highly professional demeanor with excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Superior organizational and time management skills in planning, executing and completing tasks.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Demonstrated excellent project management skills.
• High degree of political acuity and the ability to deal professionally with senior University officers and staff in a manner that engenders support and cooperation.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, discretion, tact, judgment and diplomacy.
• Ability to balance the competing demands of routine work with requirements of new priorities.
• Ability to pay attention to detail as well as maintain a broad perspective.

Closing Date : 06 / 25 / 2025, 11 : 59PM ET

Employee Group : Salaried

Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing

Schedule : Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone : PM 4 Hiring Zone : $104,818 - $122,290 Broadband Salary Range : $104,818 - $174,698

Job Category : Administrative / Managerial

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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 are essential to strengthening 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 [emailprotected] .

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