Special Projects Officer

Date Posted: 11/12/2024
Req ID:40636
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Information
Department: Faculty of Information
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About Us:

The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto is a research-led Faculty, educating the next generation of leaders in information scholarship and the information professions, both established and emerging. Our researchers and graduates are recognized for their innovation, experimentation, human-centred perspectives and commitment to community.

The Faculty, which will celebrate its centenary in 2028, has built on its heritage strengths in libraries, archives and museums to incorporate scientific and technological expertise from engineering, computer science, and other disciplines. At the same time, it has committed itself to integrating social, political, and cultural perspectives from media arts, humanities, and social science to the study of information, technology, people and the relationships among them.

A top tier school, the Faculty of Information is consistently ranked in the top five Library and Information Management graduate programs by the QS World University rankings. The QS rankings include both Master’s and PhD level programs.

More background about the Faculty can be found on its website (ischool.utoronto.ca).

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Dean, the Special Projects Officer will play a key role in developing, leading, and implementing the Faculty of Information’s strategic initiatives. Working closely with the Dean, Associate Deans and other academic administrators, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for the operational execution of the Academic Plan of the Faculty and addressing emerging priorities within the Dean’s Office portfolio. Key responsibilities include:

1. Providing responsible and creative project management of the working groups tasked with implementing the Faculty’s key strategic priorities;
2. Undertaking detailed research and analysis on a wide variety of issues and topics related to the strategic plan;
3. Facilitating project work to ensure deliverables are met within the required timelines;
4. Developing communications for the Dean;
5. Following-up on decisions made by the various working groups;
6. Ensuring the implementation and monitoring of metrics designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Faculty’s academic plan.

The Special Projects Officer will be highly involved with advancing projects and undertaking initiatives and activities within the Office of the Dean that require knowledge of confidential information about the Faculty and participating in decisions affecting staffing, priorities and strategic directions. This role will lead complex faculty-wide projects including, but not limited to changes in processes, consideration of new units, changes to existing units, workflows, policies, new funding proposals, partnership opportunities, and other growth and change initiatives. This will also include cross-departmental, cross-faculty, external partnership projects and opportunities locally, domestically and internationally. The position demands excellent communication, presentation and writing skills in order to convey these complex topics to a broad range of audiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
University degree required, postgraduate degree preferred, or equivalent education and experience.

Experience:
Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a university setting in progressively senior positions. Extensive experience managing complex and multi-stakeholder projects, including leading, organizing and tracking the outcomes of projects, preferably in a university setting. Experience conducting research, producing reports and presenting on findings. Significant communications experience with demonstrated success in implementing an integrated communications strategy.

Skills:
Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office. Strong research, analytical, and problem solving skills; excellent presentation and interpersonal skills; polished writing and excellent communication skills; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination with a high level of attention to detail.

Other:
Must be able to conduct thorough research, concisely summarize information and provide a rationale for action. Knowledge of University policies and procedures, and an understanding of the University’s organizational structure. Ability to work under pressure with shifting priorities; high degree of political acuity and judgment; flexibility and problem solver orientation; ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to select/design appropriate diagnostic tools (surveys, interviews, groups); ability to deal with senior administrators in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building. Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Closing Date: 11/21/2024, 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
Note: This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Job Category: Administrative / Managerial