Posting Summary
Access Full Position Posting
Purpose:
Osgoode Professional Development (OsgoodePD) is the revenue-generating professional education unit of Osgoode Hall Law School, operating within a highly competitive commercial market for professional and executive continuing education. OsgoodePD is unique within law schools: the scope and volume of its offerings and its financial contribution to the law school is unparalleled. OsgoodePD offers degree and non-degree programs to both local and international students. Offerings include full-time and part-time graduate degrees and diplomas, non-degree certificates, short courses and skills workshops, summer school and bridging programs, webinars, and custom training for private and public sector organizations. Staff and programs are located at both the York University campus and Osgoode's downtown learning centre. A significant number of offerings are offered online. The Executive Director & Assistant Dean (ED&AD) provides senior executive leadership and strategic direction for Osgoode Professional Development (OPD), with accountability for its academic portfolio, financial performance, market growth, revenue diversification, long-term sustainability, risk management, and reputation. Reporting to the Dean, the ED&AD establishes strategic priorities, approves multi-year business and academic plans, and sets strategic direction for the development of existing and emerging markets, programs, and revenue opportunities in alignment with Osgoode and University objectives.Leading through a management team, the ED&AD oversees the development and governance of graduate, professional, and non-credit programs, approves business models and partnership approaches, and leads the development of strategies to respond to significant changes in market conditions, professional requirements, regulatory frameworks, and learner demand that may affect enrolment, program viability, and revenue. The role ensures effective resource allocation and accountability for program quality, compliance, financial sustainability, and organizational outcomes.As OPD's senior representative, the ED&AD provides leadership in academic governance, represents OPD on internal and external bodies, and builds relationships within the legal and professional education communities. Drawing on knowledge of emerging trends and the needs of the profession, the ED&AD serves as a key advisor to the Dean on law school strategy and professional legal education.
Education:
A law degree, or, in the absence of a law degree, a master's degree in business or a related field.
Experience:
Eight (8) years of related experience.
Six (6) years of management experience.
Experience in the practice of law, academic administration, management, product development, marketing or business.
Experience in strategic leadership and financial accountability in a business role leading a team to produce tangible results.
Knowledge:
Comprehensive knowledge of professional, continuing, executive, and graduate education, including adult learning principles, credentialling models, curriculum and program development, delivery modalities, and the needs of professional learners.
In-depth knowledge of the professional legal education environment, including emerging trends, competitive offerings, licensing and continuing professional development requirements, and pathways for internationally trained lawyers.
Comprehensive knowledge of program portfolio management, market research and viability assessment, enrolment trends, pricing, and the development of new educational products and delivery approaches.
Comprehensive knowledge of strategic and business planning, organizational development, business-model design, performance management, and growth strategies applicable to a revenue-generating educational enterprise.
In-depth knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, revenue generation, investment analysis, resource allocation, financial controls, and risk management.
In-depth knowledge of University and academic governance, including academic policies, admissions principles, curriculum oversight, quality assurance, accreditation, program approval, and evaluation processes.
Comprehensive knowledge of partnership and joint-venture development, contract and relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative governance involving academic institutions, professional associations, and other external organizations.
Knowledge of applicable legislative, regulatory, and institutional requirements, including privacy, accessibility, human rights, employment, labour relations, records management, and contractual obligations.
Skills:
Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, including ability to foster inclusive, high-performing, results-oriented teams in a complex, unionized environment.
Ability to build collaborative relationships, establish trust and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels, including external bodies, Advisory Groups, potential partners, and academic leadership.
Ability to persuade potential stakeholders to participate in new initiatives, including new programs.
Ability to drive strategic initiatives and achieve outcomes through collaboration, with a strong client-centred service orientation.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and engage diverse audiences.
Effective strategic thinking and change management skills, with the ability to conceptualize, implement and continuously improve processes, policies and operational frameworks.
Ability to plan, implement and oversee complex, sensitive and high-impact initiatives, including new product development, infrastructure, facilities and health and safety-related projects.
Effective problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, identify risks and develop practical, solutions-focused and innovative approaches.
Ability to proactively identify opportunities for revenue generation, product development, improvement and drive continuous enhancement in operations, infrastructure management and health and safety practices.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, integrity, initiative, and maintain confidentiality and politically sensitive matters with discretion, tact and diplomacy.
Effective organizational and leadership skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, maintaining a high level of service to clients and stakeholders.
Ability to project manage new product development, including new programs, and new educational technology.
Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Additional Notes:
Normal office environment
Access Full Position Posting
*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
