Special Projects Officer, Digital Strategies

InsideHigherEd; Toronto; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

InsideHigherEd is seeking a Special Projects Officer for Digital Strategies, responsible for project management and strategic advice related to generative AI in higher education. The role supports the Vice-President & Provost, requiring significant experience in a university setting, particularly in technology integration and multi-stakeholder project leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years’ experience in a university setting.
• Knowledge of generative artificial intelligence technology.
• Experience leading complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify issues, advise on strategy options, and recommend solutions.
• Coordinate and assist with projects within the Digital Strategies portfolio.
• Ensure projects meet deliverables within required timelines.

Skills

Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Education

University degree required

Postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD) an asset

Tools

Microsoft Sharepoint

Job description

Special Projects Officer, Digital Strategies

Date Posted : 05 / 26 / 2025

Faculty / Division : Vice-President & Provost

Department : Office of the Associate Vice-President & Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies

Campus : St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description : Position Summary :

Working under the direction of the Executive Director, Digital Strategies, 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 Associate Vice-President & Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies, including generative artificial intelligence. The Special Projects Officer is responsible for project management and implementation to ensure the work of the Digital Strategies portfolio can be carried out efficiently and effectively.

Such project management and implementation includes : (a) providing strategic advice and administrative support on digital strategies initiatives, policy matters and other related academic experience (research, teaching and learning) issues as they relate to generative artificial intelligence, (b) facilitating project work to ensure deliverables are met within the required timeline, (c) advising on draft policies and proposals, (d) undertaking detailed research on generative artificial intelligence and related technologies, (e) following-up on decisions related to academic and administrative division staffing and strategic priorities impacting academic and shared service units, including openings and closures, and new directions made by the members of the portfolio and the portfolio's various committees, (f) developing draft communications such as reports, remarks, presentations, and correspondence, (g) ensuring maintenance of existing web resources (WordPress websites and associated materials) and support development of new web resources as required, and (h) ensuring ongoing maintenance of the highest level of pro-activity and service for the portfolio.

The Special Projects Officer will coordinate, assist with and advance projects, initiatives and daily activities within the Digital Strategies portfolio that require knowledge of confidential information about staffing, priorities, new academic and administrative directions at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and other strategic institutional initiatives related to academic experience (research, teaching and learning). 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.

Qualifications Required :

Education :

• University degree required, post graduate degree (master’s or PhD) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

Experience :

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a university setting.
• Knowledge of generative artificial intelligence technology and uses within higher education, particularly teaching, learning and organizational operations.
• Experience leading complex and multi-stakeholder projects.
• Demonstrated success in the design and implementation of new initiatives and processes.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with senior administrators, responding to and handling matters of a complex, confidential and sensitive nature. Demonstrated experience in understanding complex issues related to institutional policies and practices.
• Extensive experience participating and supporting committees.
• Understanding of and experience engaging with and supporting high-impact and experiential learning educational practices preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures, governance structure, educational priorities, policy formation, and an understanding of the University’s organizational structure.
• 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.

Skills :

• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Sharepoint.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Other :

• Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative statistical analysis procedures;
• 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.

Note : Work extended hours as a result of strict deadlines which could include weekends and evenings as required.

Closing Date : 06 / 09 / 2025, 11 : 59PM ET

Employee Group : Salaried

Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing

Schedule : Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone : PM 3 Hiring Zone : $91,937 - $107,259 Broadband Salary Range : $91,937 - $153,227

Job Category : Administrative / Managerial

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All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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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