Academic Department Manager III - School of Interdisciplinary Science
Top Benefits
About the role
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Title
Academic Department Manager III - School of Interdisciplinary Science
Job ID
70584
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
07/15/2025
Job Type
Continuing
Close Date
07/28/2025
Employee Group
TMG
Favorite Job
Department
School Interdisciplinary Sci
Salary Grade/Band
Band M
Salary Range
$101466.00 - $152200.00 (annual)
Hours per Week
35
Posting Details
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Education Level
Master's level degree in a relevant field, or a professional designation, such as a CPA.
Career Level
5-10 years of managerial experience.
Job Description
About the School of Interdisciplinary Science
The School of Interdisciplinary Science (SIS), based in the Faculty of Science, is seeking a dynamic administrative leader to support key functions of the department for a limited term.
The School consists of 3 unique undergraduate programs: Integrated Science, Life Sciences and Medical Radiation Sciences. The thread that links these three exceptional programs is the commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, employing experiential and hands-on opportunities. Core to this approach is our focus on the role of science in addressing contemporary challenges in human health and societal well-being. The School supports over 2000 undergraduate students. This role will be essential in maintaining and improving all aspects of administrative and academic service to staff, faculty, students, and community members.
About the Position
Reporting to the Director of the School, the Academic Department Manager III (ADM) is responsible for the strategic and operational management of a very large, complex academic department with multiple functions including undergraduate programming and external partnerships. The ADM has an integral role in driving the department strategic plan and ensuring alignment with the vision of the University, influencing the culture within the department, reinforcing university values and shaping the direction of the department offerings with a forward-looking perspective. ADM provides administrative and operational leadership, and advises the Director and faculty members on financial and human resources, space, curriculum, academic planning, advising and scheduling, and other matters.
Core Accountabilities
Financial Management: The Academic Department Manager III independently manages the financial resources (operating, research, facilities/services) of the department.
- Serves as the Director’s delegate and has financial decision making and signing authority necessary for the continued operation of the Department.
- Develops and prepares reports, monitors and manages multiple budgets and daily activity (operating, research, graduate and postdoc scholarship, TA, PDA, trusts, endowments) according to institutional policies and procedures.
- Participates, together with the Director or delegate in negotiating Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) regarding educational or research arrangements with internal and external partners.
- Represents the Department at University Committee and working groups.
Strategic Planning: The Academic Department Manager III plays a key role in advising the Director on strategic planning, not only in the respective Department but also within the Faculty.
- Drives the implementation of the department strategy and ensures alignment with the strategic vision of the University, influences the culture within the department, reinforces university values and shapes the direction of the department offerings with a forward-looking perspective.
- Provides critical analysis of the Department’s needs related to planning, resourcing and proposal development using detailed data analytics.
Operational Management: The Academic Department Manager III is responsible for ensuring that the Department is managed in an effective and efficient manner. The Academic Department Manager III develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates all infrastructure activities of the Department including staff recruitment, promotion, human resource, finance, research and teaching activities within the Department.
- Ensures Collective Agreements are respected and management rights are preserved.
- Participates in or leads crisis-response planning, such as developing contingency plans in the case of strikes and other events.
- Sits on Department committees as part of the senior management team and participates in the development of new policies and procedures, in the revision of existing policies and monitors the effectiveness with which these departmental policies/procedures are executed.
- Designs and writes the content of departmental statistical and promotional material.
- Manages programs and relationships that cross Faculty and institutional boundaries as a result of partnership agreements with colleges and MOU’s external companies.
- Organizes and conducts Departmental and Program reviews.
Human Resources Management: The Academic Department Manager III has significant responsibility for managing human resources activity within the Department, overseeing every aspect:
- Manages all direct reports including hiring, work assignment, conflict management, performance management, hiring disciplinary action, training and development for direct reports.
- Establishes and ensures adherence to quality and quantity standards and coordinates the resource needs of the staff, balances workloads, assesses and meets training requirements.
- Writes job descriptions for new staff positions to meet changing needs and initiates re-evaluation of existing positions.
- Develops recruitment, retention and succession planning strategies for the Department’s staff and faculty.
- Develops departmental human resource goals, objectives, plans and supports systems to support the accomplishment of the department’s strategic goals.
- Mediates conflicts among staff and between staff and faculty, leads change management initiatives.
- Maintains current knowledge of the UNIFOR Collective Agreement, MUFA Agreement, CUPE Agreement, Employment Standards Act and University policy and procedures.
- Works with Employee/Labour Relations to manage any pre-grievances or conflicts.
Physical Resource Management: The Academic Department Manager III plays a key role in the area of physical resource management within the Department.
Education Administrative Support: The Academic Department Manager III is responsible for managing the resources and infrastructure supporting education activities within the Department and is heavily involved in academic planning, advising and development.
Special Projects Committee Membership: The Academic Department Manager III is expected to lead or participate in special projects and/or sit on committees as the department or faculty representative in potentially many areas both within the Faculty, the broader University and in the community
Key knowledge/skills:
- Broad understanding of research, finance, Faculty and University initiatives.
- Knowledge and experience interpreting policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills and be a proven strategic and pragmatic thinker
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including outstanding verbal and written communication skills and a proven record of demonstrated tact, judgment, and diplomacy
- Must be organized, a long-range planner and an accomplished problem- solver, able to quickly assess situations and individuals and lead solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions and to build consensus.
- Proven track record of successful relationship-building is essential as this role must work effectively and collaboratively across faculties and departments, with various internal and external stakeholders.
- Tact, diplomacy, negotiating and persuasion skills, strategic thinking, superior communications skills, able to build and inspire trust and build bridges and relationships.
- Advanced user experience with Microsoft Office suite.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
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:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Hybrid Work Language
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 talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.
Academic Department Manager III - School of Interdisciplinary Science
Top Benefits
About the role
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Title
Academic Department Manager III - School of Interdisciplinary Science
Job ID
70584
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
07/15/2025
Job Type
Continuing
Close Date
07/28/2025
Employee Group
TMG
Favorite Job
Department
School Interdisciplinary Sci
Salary Grade/Band
Band M
Salary Range
$101466.00 - $152200.00 (annual)
Hours per Week
35
Posting Details
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Education Level
Master's level degree in a relevant field, or a professional designation, such as a CPA.
Career Level
5-10 years of managerial experience.
Job Description
About the School of Interdisciplinary Science
The School of Interdisciplinary Science (SIS), based in the Faculty of Science, is seeking a dynamic administrative leader to support key functions of the department for a limited term.
The School consists of 3 unique undergraduate programs: Integrated Science, Life Sciences and Medical Radiation Sciences. The thread that links these three exceptional programs is the commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, employing experiential and hands-on opportunities. Core to this approach is our focus on the role of science in addressing contemporary challenges in human health and societal well-being. The School supports over 2000 undergraduate students. This role will be essential in maintaining and improving all aspects of administrative and academic service to staff, faculty, students, and community members.
About the Position
Reporting to the Director of the School, the Academic Department Manager III (ADM) is responsible for the strategic and operational management of a very large, complex academic department with multiple functions including undergraduate programming and external partnerships. The ADM has an integral role in driving the department strategic plan and ensuring alignment with the vision of the University, influencing the culture within the department, reinforcing university values and shaping the direction of the department offerings with a forward-looking perspective. ADM provides administrative and operational leadership, and advises the Director and faculty members on financial and human resources, space, curriculum, academic planning, advising and scheduling, and other matters.
Core Accountabilities
Financial Management: The Academic Department Manager III independently manages the financial resources (operating, research, facilities/services) of the department.
- Serves as the Director’s delegate and has financial decision making and signing authority necessary for the continued operation of the Department.
- Develops and prepares reports, monitors and manages multiple budgets and daily activity (operating, research, graduate and postdoc scholarship, TA, PDA, trusts, endowments) according to institutional policies and procedures.
- Participates, together with the Director or delegate in negotiating Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) regarding educational or research arrangements with internal and external partners.
- Represents the Department at University Committee and working groups.
Strategic Planning: The Academic Department Manager III plays a key role in advising the Director on strategic planning, not only in the respective Department but also within the Faculty.
- Drives the implementation of the department strategy and ensures alignment with the strategic vision of the University, influences the culture within the department, reinforces university values and shapes the direction of the department offerings with a forward-looking perspective.
- Provides critical analysis of the Department’s needs related to planning, resourcing and proposal development using detailed data analytics.
Operational Management: The Academic Department Manager III is responsible for ensuring that the Department is managed in an effective and efficient manner. The Academic Department Manager III develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates all infrastructure activities of the Department including staff recruitment, promotion, human resource, finance, research and teaching activities within the Department.
- Ensures Collective Agreements are respected and management rights are preserved.
- Participates in or leads crisis-response planning, such as developing contingency plans in the case of strikes and other events.
- Sits on Department committees as part of the senior management team and participates in the development of new policies and procedures, in the revision of existing policies and monitors the effectiveness with which these departmental policies/procedures are executed.
- Designs and writes the content of departmental statistical and promotional material.
- Manages programs and relationships that cross Faculty and institutional boundaries as a result of partnership agreements with colleges and MOU’s external companies.
- Organizes and conducts Departmental and Program reviews.
Human Resources Management: The Academic Department Manager III has significant responsibility for managing human resources activity within the Department, overseeing every aspect:
- Manages all direct reports including hiring, work assignment, conflict management, performance management, hiring disciplinary action, training and development for direct reports.
- Establishes and ensures adherence to quality and quantity standards and coordinates the resource needs of the staff, balances workloads, assesses and meets training requirements.
- Writes job descriptions for new staff positions to meet changing needs and initiates re-evaluation of existing positions.
- Develops recruitment, retention and succession planning strategies for the Department’s staff and faculty.
- Develops departmental human resource goals, objectives, plans and supports systems to support the accomplishment of the department’s strategic goals.
- Mediates conflicts among staff and between staff and faculty, leads change management initiatives.
- Maintains current knowledge of the UNIFOR Collective Agreement, MUFA Agreement, CUPE Agreement, Employment Standards Act and University policy and procedures.
- Works with Employee/Labour Relations to manage any pre-grievances or conflicts.
Physical Resource Management: The Academic Department Manager III plays a key role in the area of physical resource management within the Department.
Education Administrative Support: The Academic Department Manager III is responsible for managing the resources and infrastructure supporting education activities within the Department and is heavily involved in academic planning, advising and development.
Special Projects Committee Membership: The Academic Department Manager III is expected to lead or participate in special projects and/or sit on committees as the department or faculty representative in potentially many areas both within the Faculty, the broader University and in the community
Key knowledge/skills:
- Broad understanding of research, finance, Faculty and University initiatives.
- Knowledge and experience interpreting policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills and be a proven strategic and pragmatic thinker
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including outstanding verbal and written communication skills and a proven record of demonstrated tact, judgment, and diplomacy
- Must be organized, a long-range planner and an accomplished problem- solver, able to quickly assess situations and individuals and lead solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions and to build consensus.
- Proven track record of successful relationship-building is essential as this role must work effectively and collaboratively across faculties and departments, with various internal and external stakeholders.
- Tact, diplomacy, negotiating and persuasion skills, strategic thinking, superior communications skills, able to build and inspire trust and build bridges and relationships.
- Advanced user experience with Microsoft Office suite.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
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:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Hybrid Work Language
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 talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.