OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create
OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.
It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.
Reporting to the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS), the Manager, Faculty of Arts and Science Office is a leadership position in a highly collaborative and fluid environment. The Office Manager advises the Dean, Associate Dean and Program Chairs and works closely with them to advance the Faculty’s academic and strategic objectives and operational efficiency of both the Faculty and the University. The Manager also leads a team of administrative professionals, driving staff professional development and promoting accessibility, equity, and diversity to meet the evolving faculty and student needs of the University community.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Team Development
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Facilitate strategic objectives and organizational change: In consultation with the Dean, develop and implement annual and multi-year departmental strategic objectives, budget plans, and policies that align with university-wide goals and FAS-specific priorities. Support change management initiatives, such as the implementation of new policies, procedures, and structural changes within FAS. Provide guidance to Program Chairs, Associate Dean, and Dean on Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS) history, processes, and strategic planning
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Build and empower teams: Lead a team of administrative professionals, overseeing hiring, onboarding and comprehensive training to ensure skill alignment with office needs. Cultivate a collaborative, growth-focused environment by establishing clear performance goals, offering ongoing feedback, and implementing structured performance management to recognize achievements and support development
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Cultivate a positive work culture: Manage the FAS office to align with University policies, quality assurance standards, and service excellence. Proactively address workload balance, promote well-being, and foster a culture of inclusivity, ensuring all team members feel valued and supported
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Drive cross-functional collaboration: Represent FAS in University-wide working groups, advocate for service improvement, resources and streamlined processes. Provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making and strengthen relationships across departments
- Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and accessibility: Lead with inclusivity and embed diversity, equity and accessibility across FAS processes and practices. Model inclusive practices and build a team culture where diverse perspectives are encouraged and valued
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Enhance transparency and accountability: Foster a culture of accountability by clearly communicating decision-making processes and involving team members in relevant discussions. Ensure all team members understand how their contributions connect to broader Faculty and University objectives
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Strengthen adaptability: Prepare the team for dynamic challenges by fostering adaptability and readiness to address policy shifts, student and faculty needs, and operational demands. Support team members in crisis management, ensuring they have the skills and resources to respond effectively
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Drive innovation through technology: Evaluate and implement technological solutions and resources that increase office efficiency and streamline processes, including tools that support data analysis, reporting and decision-making
Operational Management & Process Improvement:
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Optimize office operations: Develop and implement efficient, data-driven procedures to enhance office effectiveness. Continuously monitor, evaluate, and refine processes to align with evolving institutional priorities and identify areas for improvement
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Enhance student and faculty engagement: Support initiatives that improve the faculty and student experience.
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Manage curriculum and faculty resources: Oversee the FAS curriculum planning process, liaising with key stakeholders, such as the Office of the Registrar, Associate Dean, and Chairs, to alignment with University goals
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Coordinate faculty workload distributions, working with People & Culture, the Office of the Vice-President, Academic & Provost, Institutional Analysis and other stakeholders
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Streamline contract management and hiring processes: Oversee the hiring and contracts for non-sessional faculty, sessional faculty, teaching assistants and student monitors to ensure accurate records and compliance. Coordinate efficient contract processing with People & Culture and other stakeholders
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Leverage data for decision-making: Compile, analyze and interpret data to support data-informed decisions in strategic and academic planning. Prepare reports and projections that drive FAS initiatives and resource planning
- Ensure compliance and mitigate risks: Monitor compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and budget constraints to ensure fiscal responsibility. Identify potential risks and develop strategies regarding faculty workload distribution, curriculum processes, budget management and faculty and student development
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Facilitate conflict resolution: Collaborate with other stakeholders to address faculty workload, payroll and related issues, using effective conflict resolution techniques to ensure open communication and timely solutions
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Lead event coordination: Oversee FAS participation in Awards, Grad Ex, and other key University events, ensuring successful collaboration with stakeholders
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Support special projects: Support the Dean, Associate Dean, and Program Chairs with special projects to enhance FAS office operations and drive continuous improvement
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Serve as point of contact: Provide information and guidance to students, faculty, staff, and the public, making referrals as needed and maintaining open lines of communication
Qualifications:
Required:
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Post-secondary degree in a relevant field
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Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in higher education administration, including experience in strategic planning, operational management, and budget oversight
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Experience in leading change management efforts, with the ability to guide teams through organizational changes and facilitate a culture of adaptability and resilience
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in managing unexpected challenges, such as policy changes or resource constraints
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Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters, sensitive situations, crises or challenging conversations with discretion and tact and ability to support and prepare teams to respond to crises effectively
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Proven track record of leading, managing, and developing teams and fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
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Strong background in project management and process improvement, with the ability to analyze data, identify efficiencies, and implement solutions that align with institutional priorities.
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Strong collaborative skills, with a record of building partnerships and working effectively with cross-functional teams
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Demonstrated commitment to the principles of decolonization, equity and diversity; and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
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Advanced writing skills and ability to clearly and creatively draft content and articulate processes and communications in a diplomatic, cohesive, effective, and well-structured manner
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Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Applications, like Teams, To Do, Planner and Project
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Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to prioritize tasks
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Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work both independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment
An Asset:
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An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline
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Knowledge of curriculum development and approval processes in a post-secondary environment
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Proficiency in Colleague, Canvas, ECM and DCU software
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Mode of Work: On Campus
Compensation: $82,888.00 to $97,498.00 per annum
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until January 15, 2027.
Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) . The review of applications will begin Friday September 4th, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled.
- Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code
As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.
As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.
OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .
All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.
