Who We Are
Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.
The Philosophy Department is a 19-person faculty with flourishing MA and undergraduate programs. Undergraduate programming includes several joint and interdisciplinary programs, as well as multiple large-scale courses that contribute to the wider SFU undergraduate curriculum. Staff, faculty, and graduate students work together to make Philosophy a strongly collegial and respectful department. The Cognitive Science Program at SFU includes Major, Minor and Honours undergraduate programs. In addition to Cognitive Science Courses, students in our programs take courses in Philosophy, Psychology, Linguistics, Computing Science, and Interactive Arts and Technology.
About the Role
The Manager, Academic and Administrative Services is responsible for providing leadership in planning and operationalizing the delivery of academic and non-academic activities of the department. The role ensures the efficient and effective functioning of the unit by developing strategies and plans to achieve objectives and leads ongoing business process improvements. The Manager works in collaboration with senior administration on departmental matters and conducts complex analyses to support strategic decision making.
The Manager will oversee the Philosophy Department (PHIL) as well as the Cognitive Science Program (COGS). This will involve, among other things, budget management, data collection and organization, TA assignments, course scheduling, finance and reimbursements, and working with other PHIL staff to ensure efficient and appropriate workflow. For COGS specifically, the Manager will work with the COGS Director and Undergraduate Curriculum chair as well as interacting with associate Cognitive Science faculty from a number of disciplines.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of academic and staff collective agreements, institutional policies and will apply this knowledge in decision-making and operational planning. They will foster a respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture, support staff development and engagement while ensuring compliance with collective agreements and established procedures.
The Manager will be student-centered and service-oriented, while also possessing strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to support evidence-informed decision making. They will be adaptable, proactive, and confident working with senior administrators, academic leaders, and diverse stakeholders. A collegial approach, commitment to service excellence, and ability to operationalize strategic goals within an academic environment are essential for success in this role.
Relevant experience in a similar role in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is an asset.
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