Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

01/25/2026

Employee Group

TMG

Favorite Job

Department

VP Operations and Finance

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Band I

Salary Range

$64179.00 - $89462.00 (annual)

Job Code

104908

Hiring Range

$64179.00 - $81605.00

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration

24.3 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8.30 am-4.30 pm

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study and/or equivalent combination of education and experience

Career Level

Requires 2 to 3 years of relevant experience

Job Description

The Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives reports to the Director, Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Vice-President (Operations and Finance).

This role provides high-level project, administrative, and governance coordination support to the Vice-President (Operations and Finance), the Director, Strategic Initiatives, and the Associate Director, Marketing and Communications.

The Coordinator plays a key role in managing the effective and efficient operations of the Office, supporting strategic priorities, and facilitating communication across university units. The position requires sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and a thorough understanding of university operations and governance processes.

Project and Data Coordination

Project Planning and Coordination

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring high-quality standards and adherence to timelines.
• Document and define business processes, develop realistic goals, and ensure smooth implementation into ongoing operations.
• Work with the Project Manager to define project components necessary to achieve overall project objectives.
• Coordinate project meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, facilitation, and follow-up on action items.
• Plan and coordinate events and activities such as conferences, seminars, meetings, and workshops

Data Analysis and Process Improvement

• Collect, analyze, assess, and summarize information relevant to decision-making; develop recommendations for approval and implementation.
• Apply foundational data analysis skills to support decision-making, including generating basic reports and visualizations.
• Utilize M365 tools to support process improvement, workflow automation, and data-driven reporting initiatives.
• Identify and automate repetitive tasks to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workload.
• Gather and compile information required for reports and documents; update and maintain databases and spreadsheets.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Risk Management

• Actively track project progress between milestones, initiating corrective actions to ensure alignment with objectives.
• Monitor project execution, collaborating with constituents to resolve issues and mitigate risks effectively.
• Ensure project work occurs within established budgets and timelines; communicate issues promptly to the Project Manager.
• Receive and respond to time-critical issues.
• Suggest and communicate work priorities and determine necessary resources for assigned projects and programs.

Documentation and Administrative Support

• Support the development of project documents with constituents.
• Write a variety of documents including reports, correspondence, and meeting minutes.
• Assemble, copy, collate, and distribute information packages.
• Set up, update, and maintain project records, electronic filing systems, and databases.
• Support the creation of presentation materials.

Constituent Engagement and Communication

• Collaborate with all project constituents, advisory committees, and the Project Manager to obtain buy-in and sign-off on deliverables, timelines, and implementation methods.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with campus partners and external constituents.
• Facilitate and participate in meetings with program constituents and follow up as necessary.
• Develop and maintain quality resource information for websites and social networks.
• Create and update content on department websites and communication platforms (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint).
• Oversee development, production, and maintenance of project communication tools.

Governance Coordination

• Coordinate governance submissions from the VPOF portfolio for PVP, Board, and committee meetings through the University Secretariat.
• Establish and manage the annual governance submission calendar, ensuring adherence to deadlines and quality standards.
• Maintain a centralized repository for governance documents, implementing version control as needed.
• Support governance training and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance institutional practices.

Knowledge/Skills

The successful candidate will have:

• Effective project coordination skills which demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, setting priorities and organizing work to ensure projects meet deadlines.
• Good verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas to a diversity of people and facilitate respectful discussions
• Proficiency with project management tools and software
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and professionalism when liaising with stakeholders
• Proficiency with computer platforms and software, including but not limited to: Microsoft software, data visualization and project management software.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively building trust and confidence
• Ability to move between tasks / projects effectively and efficiently.

The successful candidate will ideally have familiarity with:

• Project management approaches and tools
• Current trends in higher education, including knowledge of teaching and learning tools and techniques, pedagogical best practices, and emerging challenges such as accessibility and digital learning
• Skills in digital document creation, remediation, and web accessibility are considered an asset.

Leadership Capabilities

At McMaster we believe in the ongoing cultivation of human potential, leveraging the diverse talents of our employees and recognizing that everyone has the opportunity to be a leader in their own role. McMaster’s core leadership capabilities are designed to nurture employee engagement through best people practices. All leaders will demonstrate these leadership capabilities:

Takes a Strategic Approach

• Promotes McMaster culture and values
• Understands global trends and impact
• Anticipates challenges, risks and outcomes
• Gathers key information and resources
• Enables strategic plans through role

Communicates and Collaborates

• Identifies opportunities to collaborate with others
• Generates trust and an inclusive environment
• Listens with insight and respect
• Leverages internal and community networks
• Provides meaningful recognition

Drives Results

• Advances the University strategy
• Delivers with integrity
• Balances priorities to achieve success
• Accepts responsibility and accountability for results
• Takes prudent risks which enable innovation
• Operates with fiscal responsibility

Champions Change and Innovation

• Acts as a positive change agent
• Illustrates resilience and adaptability
• Is bold in championing innovations
• Identifies and fosters opportunities for continuous improvement
• Seeks and utilizes feedback

Develops People

• Engages in personal, team and leader development
• Celebrates and promotes diversity
• Actions learning to enhance value of work
• Inspires others using a coach approach
• Provides balanced and timely feedback

Invests in Relationships

• Enhances the university brand, reputation and financial success
• Builds relationships using a service model approach
• Creates positive student, employee and partner experiences
• Participates actively in community engagement Demonstrates creativity in resolving issues

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.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.