Schedule M-F, 8:30-4:30, but can be flexible, hybrid
Education Level Graduate degree in a related field (e.g., International Project management, International Relations, International Student Mobility, Marketing, Communications etc.) and/or equivalent experience

Job Description

Job Title: Director, Office of International Affairs
Reports To: Vice Provost, International Affairs

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) coordinates, facilitates and communicates international engagement initiatives and activities at McMaster University. The coordinating role of the OIA is guided by the McMaster Model for Global Engagement which outlines the following priorities: Integration of international, intercultural, and global dimensions in the student experience; Support of international research and scholarship; Creation of a global identity; Strategic approach to international collaboration; Enhancement of internal coordination and communication. In 2022 the Vice Provost for International Affairs (VPI) initiated a plan to reposition the OIA to support the university’s mission more effectively. The strategic vision for Global Engagement through Inclusive Internationalization is anchored on four pillars - Student Experience and Mobility, Teaching & Learning, Research, and Global Impact. Some implementing initiatives are underway, while others are being developed.
As the International Liaison Officer for McMaster University, the Director of OIA is expected to provide effective and efficient management of international activities on behalf of the University. The Director will take a lead role in managing over 100 University Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding by liaising with international partner institutions. The Director will network on behalf of McMaster University and liaise with McMaster stakeholders to support international engagement activities. They will also be responsible for the overall administrative management of the OIA. The job requires seeing the big picture, planning strategically, and working independently. The Director is expected to keep abreast of University and Office activities and to act proactively and collaboratively with other stakeholders across the university. The job requires the ability to deal with projects of considerable complexity, size, and scope. It requires a large breadth of knowledge regarding OIA’s activities to effectively provide high-level project management support to the Vice Provost, International.
Reporting to the Vice Provost, International (VPI), the Director, Office of International Affairs (OIA), will provide leadership in order to advance the McMaster Model for Global Engagement. The Director will lead the development, planning and identification of growth and strategic opportunities identified by the VPI. This role will initiate, develop and sustain new partnerships with universities abroad and other institutions to enhance McMaster’s global engagement.

Job Summary:

The Director is responsible for managing and coordinating projects in support of strategic initiatives as identified and supported by the VPI. This role oversees project development, planning, implementation, communication, and outcome information management. This will be accomplished by creating and managing strategic project plans, analyzing, and synthesizing research, applying best practices, and ensuring that results are achieved effectively and efficiently. In addition, this role is responsible for ensuring timelines are met and activities are delivered in accordance with approved budgets. The Director is required to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders across Faculties, departments, programs, and administrative units. The Director will also work closely with senior university officers and other members of the university administration on a broad range of tasks.

Leadership
• Directly responsible for leading all facets of the operation of the office efficiently, including the direct supervision of staff. Provide leadership and guidance in organizational development through planning and staff training. Provides hands-on leadership to ensure compliance with both internal policies and external requirements, where applicable.

• Work with the VPI and the university community to develop, interpret, communicate, and implement the OIA strategic plan and the long-range strategic plans for McMaster Global. Manage OIA-led projects that impact the University’s global engagement and internationalization initiatives. Engage with internal and external stakeholders to gain acceptance of the strategic plan and to deliver projects while tracking and reporting on the progress of implementation of the plan. Develop project plans and monitor progress toward desired outcomes. Provide administrative support and coordination for the McMaster Global Steering Committee.

• Lead the development, planning and identification of growth and strategic opportunities identified by the VPI. Provide strategic counsel, visioning, needs assessment, market intelligence and expertise to the VPI and other senior university administration with respect to opportunities for enhancing McMaster’s internationalization initiatives. Provide insight and advice to ensure University needs and priorities are effectively addressed, and strategic objectives are met.

• Facilitate and maintain existing international initiatives and partnerships. Initiate and implement value-added improvements to the strategic plans for McMaster Global and assist the VPI in developing internationalization initiatives. Engage with international institutions in consultation with other universities to develop, maintain, and foster productive relationships. Manage McMaster’s partnerships with national and international consortiums (e.g., U15, U21).

• Initiate, develop and sustain new partnerships with universities abroad and other institutions to enhance McMaster’s global engagement. Identify and respond to new internationalization opportunities. Liaise with partner institutions in developing international Agreements and MOUs. Collaborate with foreign embassies,missions, and representatives of overseas institutions on international partnerships.

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders on key strategic opportunities, projects, and activities, ensuring alignment with the University Strategic Plan, appropriate use of resources and effective return on investment. Guide and advise faculty, research institutes and centres, and university leaders on international initiatives.

• Foster and maintain strong internal relationships with key university departments and units to advance the internationalization goals of the University. These include the Research Office, Students’ Affairs, the Registrar’s Office, University Advancement, Alumni Relations, Communications, and Marketing.

• Serve as a lead resource on international etiquette and protocol. Provide value-added advice across the University on best practices for hosting international delegates or interacting in different international cultural contexts. Ensures that official international delegates visiting McMaster University are appropriately hosted. Provide protocol and cultural awareness training support to faculty, staff and students engaged in international initiatives.

• Ensure the development and reporting of appropriate metrics for measuring the success of OIA initiatives. Lead the acquisition of feedback from stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of services provided by OIA.

• Lead the development and operationalization of an International Relations Management software/platform for McMaster university. Maintain a current list of Agreements, Memorandums of Understanding and projects for information, operational decision-making, and strategic planning.

• Oversees OIA coordination and communication initiatives. Acts as the lead liaison for facilitating, coordinating, and communicating international initiatives within and beyond McMaster. Prepares and delivers updates to the VPI and senior University officers.

• Identify and solicit grant opportunities for international initiatives. Initiate, develop and support faculty-led international research and educational grant proposals.

• Represents the VPI and McMaster University at national and international conferences and consortium meetings. As appropriate, provides professional, knowledgeable representation at international venues at conferences; workshops; roundtables; meetings of committees, task forces, and boards; and consortium events. Champion international workshops and symposiums aimed at developing long-term strategic partnerships.

• Performs related operational duties as assigned by the Vice Provost International

Financial Management

• Responsible for OIA’s financial management, including Budget planning and implementation, in line with McMaster University policy and guidelines.

• Develop, recommend, and implement the OIA's annual operating budgets ensuring compliance with university budget policies and financial procedures.

• Oversee budgets of OIA educational programming initiatives.

Strategic Planning

• Lead strategic planning and initiate the development of policy and procedures in accordance with OIA and University and the mandate.

• Work with the VPI to formulate strategic plans aligned with the McMaster Model of Internationalization and the University’s mission.

Human Resource Management

• Manage a diverse personnel group: unionized, non-unionized, administrative support staff and student interns.

Qualifications:
Education:

Graduate degree in a related field (e.g., International Project management, International Relations, International Student Mobility, Marketing, Communications etc.) and/or equivalent experience

Experience:

7-10 years of related professional experience in a complex post-secondary service delivery environment, including 3-5 years at a managerial level.
5 years of experience working with internationally focused teams and international relationship management.
Demonstrated leadership experience and proven ability to engage internal and external stakeholders in building consensus in a complex environment of competing priorities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a deep commitment to efficient service delivery, innovative approach to problem-solving and a track record for leading high-performance delivery teams defined by a culture of excellence and responsiveness.
Previous experience in hiring, directing, evaluating, and developing employees.
Sound understanding of the sensitivities involved in interacting in a cross-cultural context and demonstrated comprehension of international business etiquette.
Proven proficiency as a strategic planner, with demonstrated management skills and success in promoting and maintaining strong working relationships with international partners.
Evidence of highly developed human resources management abilities, including hiring, directing, evaluating, and developing employees.
Proficient in developing and implementing business processes and procedures in a collaborative and decentralized environment.

Knowledge/Skills:

Familiarity with project management approaches, tools, and phases of the project lifecycle.
Solid understanding and broad-based knowledge of the University
Knowledge of governance, systems, and decision-making processes at McMaster University; a comprehensive understanding of McMaster University’s Policies and Procedures is essential.
Solid foundation in organizational change management methodology and principles and the ability to translate them into standard business practice

Demonstrated ability to thrive in and contribute to an integrated and collaborative team environment and to apply a positive team approach to working with colleagues.
Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment
Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills. Fluency in a second language is desirable.
Highly self-motivated and self-directed.
Strategic communications, change management training or other related experience
Ability to work independently and creatively with limited resources and minimal direction.
Ability to grasp the big picture and quickly synthesize information
Able to work effectively at all levels in an organization.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and partnerships.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and focus on task completion and outcome deliverables.
Exceptional research skills and demonstrated knowledge and experience synthesizing research and providing recommendations
Strong computer skills, proficient with MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, building trust and confidence.
Ability to manage change and ambiguity, is adaptive and flexible as conditions change.
Ability to facilitate several projects simultaneously.

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.

Vaccination Policy Statement

The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees, students, volunteers and visitors. The University’s Vaccination Policy-COVID-19 Requirements for Employees and Students (the “Vaccination Policy”), requires all McMaster community members, including employees, accessing a McMaster campus or facility in person to be fully vaccinated or to have received an exemption from the University for a valid human rights ground. While the Policy will be currently paused, this Policy may resume quickly and on short notice, as informed by public health advice and direction. As a result, failure to achieve and maintain fully vaccinated status or an approved human rights-based exemption may result in termination of employment. This is a term and condition of employment. The University will continue to follow the guidance of public health organizations to define fully vaccinated status.%27110211% %%management%%

posted 30+ days ago