The Opportunity The
Associate Director, Finance and Administration will provide fiscal leadership by supporting the AVP, University Relations with strategic financial and budget planning, management, research and reporting, and decision making for the University Relations department, to support the university's overarching marketing, branding, communications, and public relations goals.
- Works closely with the AVP to inform and advise executive decision-making by designing long-term financial strategies, ensuring compliance and oversight of the university's robust financial controls within the department, driving operational innovation, and leading strategic resource allocation.
- Leads the annual University Relations budgeting process, monitors financial performance, analyzes spending trends, and works closely with Financial Services, particularly the budget administration and advisory services, to provide clear financial reporting and advice to University Relations senior leadership.
- Supports the AVP by identifying risks, opportunities and efficiencies, and recommending, developing and implementing sustainable solutions to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the department and the responsible use of resources.
Responsibilities:
- Leads and directs the planning and coordination of the annual operating and multi-year capital budget process for University Relations, including strategic marketing funds, departmental initiatives, and administrative accounts.
- In collaboration with the AVP, develops and implements a strategic financial roadmap for department wide forecasting, resource modeling and identifies business process gaps, as well as cost management opportunities, to develop and implement sustainable solutions that reduce ongoing costs, improve resource utilization, and support the department's long-term financial sustainability.
- Leads the overarching strategy, working closely with Financial Services and central procurement, for high-value procurement processes in accordance with university policies and guidelines, including Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Information (RFIs), specifically tailored to external communications, marketing agencies, and independent contractors.
- Directs the development of advanced analytics systems and financial tools to optimize marketing campaign Return on Investment (ROI), asset utilization, and efficient allocation of funds for social, Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, and other marketing campaign spends.
- Manages and supervises staff, assigns and prioritises tasks, establishes goals, sets expectations and evaluates performance, including, hiring, training, performance managing staff.
QualificationsTo help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:
- Post-secondary degree in Business Management, Finance, Accounting or a related field.
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive, experience in financial management, strategic forecasting, and resource planning within a public sector, post-secondary, or large organization.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing comprehensive budgets, agency procurements, and multi-disciplinary teams of finance and professionals.
- Strong financial, budgeting, and business management skills with a demonstrated commitment to accountability
- Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to distill highly complex financial data, risks, and forecasts into compelling narrative recommendations for senior leadership and non-financial stakeholders.
- In depth, expert knowledge of accounting methods, financial controls, and computerized business applications, experience with/ knowledge of marketing and communications is an asset
- Experience managing complex procurement processes and vendor contracts, particularly for creative, media, or agency services
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, and financial systems to produce accurate reporting and financial spreadsheets.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills and presentation skills, including the ability to write and edit quickly and accurately, speak succinctly and translate complex concepts into clear, audience-specific language
- Strong interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and political acumen to develop positive relationships at all levels of a complex organization
- Excellent ability to build strong relationships or networks to achieve objectives
- Ability to handle complex multiple assignments at the same time and meet tight deadlines.
- Keen sensitivity to cultural issues and variances in how communication is received and perceived by different audiences and cultures
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Microsoft Office, database and project management software, and internet research tool.
Leadership Competencies Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:
- Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
- Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
- Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
- Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
- Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.
Additional Information (MAC) Position Number 20005597
Reports To Assistant Vice-President, University Relations
Department University Relations
Employee Group MAC
Vacancy Type FTCE
This is a current vacancy
Work Location Hybrid (in-person and remote work)
Start Date ASAP
End Date n/a
Hours of Work 36.25
Grade D61
Salary Scale $97,655-$155,994
Hiring Salary Range $115,000 to $126,825 and will be commensurate based on the successful candidate's qualifications
TA Specialist Laurie Shemavonian
Posting Date August 5, 2026
Application Close Date August 18, 2026
- Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
- As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
- Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
- We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications.
