Special Projects Officer

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 97,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Toronto is seeking a Special Projects Officer to support the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education. This role drives project management, strategy advice, and implementation to align with the portfolio's priorities and deadlines.

You will collaborate with senior university leadership, manage confidential information, and coordinate cross-unit initiatives in a dynamic academic environment at St. George campus, Downtown Toronto.

Qualifications

• University degree required; postgraduate degree asset or equivalent experience.
• Minimum four years in a University setting in progressively senior roles.
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects; strong data literacy and policy advisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice on policy matters and issues.
• Advise on draft policies and proposals and conduct detailed research.
• Coordinate and advance projects within the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education.
• Follow up on decisions and develop communications and remarks.
• Ensure proactive, high-quality service to the portfolio and stakeholders.

Skills

Data literacy

MS Office

Scheduling software

SharePoint

WordPress

Adobe Acrobat

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or PhD asset

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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Description

Working under general direction of the Assistant Dean, School of Graduate Studies, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for identifying issues, advising on strategy options, recommending solutions, implementing project plans, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the Office of the Vice- Provost, Graduate Research and Education. Working closely with the Assistant Dean, School of Graduate Studies, other members of the Decanal Team (Dean, Vice-Deans), as well as other senior university administrators, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for project management and implementation to ensure the work of the Vice-Provost's Office can be carried out efficiently and effectively.

Such project management and implementation includes: (a) providing strategic advice on policy matters and other issues, such as academic administrator searches and review committees, (b) advising on draft policies and proposals, (c) undertaking detailed research on a wide variety of issues and topics, (d) following-up on decisions made by the members of the portfolio and the portfolio's various committees, (e) developing draft communications such as remarks, presentations, and correspondence, and (f) ensuring ongoing maintenance of the highest level of pro-activity and service for the portfolio of the Office of the Vice- Provost, Graduate Research and Education.

The Special Projects Officer will coordinate, assist with and advance projects, initiatives and daily activities within the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education that require knowledge of confidential information about Faculty staffing, priorities, and new academic directions. The role of the Special Projects Officer will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

About Us

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) promotes University-wide inclusive excellence in graduate education, research and professional training to ensure high standards across the various academic divisions, as well as supporting postdoctoral fellows. SGS defines and administers University-wide regulations for graduate education. We share responsibility for graduate education with graduate units and divisions and operates through a system of collegial governance, consultation, and decanal leadership.

SGS also provides expertise and advice; reviews the design and delivery of programs; develops performance standards; supports access, equitable inclusion, fairness, and ethical conduct in graduate education; organizes services and financial assistance to graduate students; encourages a close and positive relationship between research and graduate instruction, and represents the cause of graduate education at the University of Toronto and in the broader academic and general community.

Qualifications Required

I. EDUCATION

University degree required, post graduate degree (Master's or PhD) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

II. EXPERIENCE

Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions. Extensive experience with the University, knowledge of university policies and procedures, and an understanding of the university’s organizational structure, including its governance. Experience leading complex and multi-stakeholder projects. Knowledge about media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy and an excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community.

III. SKILLS

Strong quantitative and qualitative data literacy skills. Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations), and scheduling software. Familiarity with Microsoft Sharepoint an asset. Web design skills such as content management software and Wordpress preferred. Familiarity with Acrobat and other Adobe software an asset.

IV. OTHER

Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; high degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities.

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Closing Date:11/10/2026, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: Salaried

Personnel Subarea:PM

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $97,336 - $113,558 -- Broadband Salary Range: $97,336 - $162,224

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] .

The University of Toronto has implemented a process to substantiate Indigenous Membership/Citizenship/Enrolment for candidates who identify as Indigenous. For more information about this process, please refer to the Indigenous Substantiation Website .