Associate Director, Operations

About the role

Competition Number: J0726\-0218 Position Title: Associate Director, Operations Position Number (Final): 00508003 Vacancy Type: Existing Position Employee Group: Managerial \& Professional Job Category: Administrative Department or Area: PGP Admin Location: Kingston,Toronto, Ontario, Canada (On\-site) Salary: $94,000\.00 \- $123,000\.00/Year Grade: 10 Hours per Week: 35 Job Type: Permanent (Continuing) Shift: 7 Monday \- Friday Number Of Positions: 1 Date Posted: July 14, 2026 Closing Date: July 26, 2026

**COVID 19 On\-Campus Requirements**

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Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID\-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in\-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.

**About Queen's University**

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We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ\+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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**Job Summary**

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Reporting to the Executive Director, PGP, and working closely with the Academic Directors and

Program Directors, the Associate Director, Operations is responsible for the overall academic

operations of the PGP department. This role is responsible for implementing the PGP strategic

vision and ensuring performance and operational standards are met. The Associate Director,

Operations is responsible for leading a team of staff in delivering and enhancing the high level of

customer service that has contributed to the success of these programs, which includes

overseeing the administrative and logistical functions required to run a customer service

focused organization. The incumbent will develop and implement systems, standard operating

procedures, and policies for the efficient and effective running of PGP programs. The Associate

Director, Operations will take a leadership role within the Smith School of Business by creating

strong relationships among several departments within the organization to ensure a smooth

overall execution of our programs as it relates to program delivery. The Associate Director,

Operations will establish best practices by developing, recommending, and implementing

systems and procedures for the efficient and effective running of all professional graduate

programs at Smith School of Business. This position works closely with Program Di r e c tors

to ensure that staff supports the high academic and business standards expected of a world

leading graduate business school.

The Associate Director, Operations’ responsibilities include activity and priority planning and

coordination, policy and procedure analysis and adaptation, staff supervision and human

resources functions, and communications and information management. This position also

involves responsibility for the planning, coordination and implementation of special projects or

functions that are integral to improving the operation of the department. It is expected the

Associate Director, Operations would constantly seek to improve the overall efficiency and

effectiveness of the academic operations.n

**Job Description**

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**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:**

* Responsible for the overall successful operations of the PGP Programs. * Work closely with PGP Program Directors and Academic Directors to ensure the staff meets

the high academic requirements and standards of the programs.

* Manage and oversee all operational aspects of the PGP Programs. Lead a customer\-focused

team of staff that provide support and services to faculty and students. Responsible for

providing high level support to the planning and preparation of day\-to\-day program

delivery.

* Plans, prioritizes and manages the work of administrative staff and provides strategic and

tactical advice, guidance, and coaching to staff. Fosters and supports the creation of a highperforming

team environment.

* Identifies the need for staff resources. Participates on staffing committees and makes

effective recommendations regarding the selection of job candidates for full\-time, part\- time

and casual staff.

* Assesses staff training and development needs and ensures that employees receive

orientation and training to improve and sustain performance. Supports and encourages

individual career/professional development.

* Leads the administration and operation of the Professional Graduate Program's office. This

includes planning, coordinating, and prioritizing activities, faculty interface, cost control,

budgeting, and developing and implementing standard operating procedures.

* Monitors all aspects of program delivery; evaluates and interprets policy and procedures

and presents financially validated business cases to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

* Responsible for leading, directing, motivating, and developing direct and indirect reports. * In consultation with Executive Director, PGP, responsible for overseeing and managing an

operations budget and ensuring expenditures are appropriate.

* As a member of the leadership team, involved in the annual and long\-term planning of PGP

Programs.

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:**

* Master of Business Administration degree, with five or more years’ experience in an

equivalent role.

* Proven experience in a senior management and leadership role. * Demonstrated effectiveness working in a team environment. * Demonstrated experience creating and fostering diverse and inclusive environments * Experience in policy setting or writing. * Familiarity with university environments. A sound knowledge of university regulations

and policies and an understanding of the organization and operation of Smith School of

Business are additional assets.

* Experience teaching on or managing graduate level programs is considered an asset. * Consideration will be given to the equivalent combination of education and experience.

**SPECIAL SKILLS:**

* Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. Incumbent

interacts with many different individuals in a variety of contexts including staff,

students, executive level professionals and senior academics.

* Proven management skills demonstrating experience in a management setting with

skills in organizing, motivating and directing all individuals and teams to achieve

objectives.

* Planning skills to propose new initiatives and participate in strategic planning. * Excellent organizational skills are necessary to co\-ordinate and direct the work of the

program staff. Ability to cope with multiple, simultaneous demands and resolve priority

conflicts.

* Incumbent must be objective, fair, impartial, and flexible without compromising

standards and established policies.

* Analytical and interpretative skills are required. Ability to synthesize information from

a wide variety of sources. Ability to conceptualize creative plans and workable

solutions for dealing with an array of management problems.

* Empathy and understanding to address complex student concerns and issues related to

program delivery and service. Ability to work with diplomacy in resolving interpersonal

conflicts.

* Public speaking and presentation skills. * Financial management skills. * Familiarity with computer systems, applications and database management.

**DECISION MAKING:**

* In conjunction with other senior members of the management team, determines

appropriate budgets; monitors expenses; manages within budget; make

recommendations for annual and long\-term budget planning.

* Decides work allocation and distribution among office staff to ensure the smooth

operation of the PGP office.

* Determine appropriate communication (written or oral) with faculty and staff to

provide information, advice and clarification.

* Develops appropriate office policies and procedures. * Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires. * Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and

promotions.

* Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to

address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff

disciplinary situations.

* Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations

on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.

* Determines appropriate action to handle emergencies in accordance with departmental and

university procedures.

* Financial decisions with budget preparation, annual and long\-term planning.

**Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement**

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The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI\+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.

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