Date Posted: 10/09/2026 Req ID: 50511

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector.

The Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) portfolio is dedicated to improving the university's capacity to seed, develop, and sustain large, cross-divisional, interdisciplinary, excellence-driven research initiatives. Working with university-wide and divisional units, the ISI portfolio provides support in areas such as research leadership, external partnerships, budget and finance, human resources, and proposal development.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, the Manager, ISI Office & Programs provides operational and program leadership for the ISI portfolio. This managerial role spans program and competition delivery, portfolio tracking and reporting, strategic communications, committee and governance support, digital and website oversight, workshops and communities of practice, and the development of operational guidance and agreements. The Manager serves as a key advisor to the Executive Director, translates strategic priorities into practical operational plans, and identifies opportunities to improve service, coordination, and consistency across the portfolio.

The Manager oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational activities of the ISI Office, including workflow management, prioritization and troubleshooting, and develops and maintains the operational procedures, SOPs, guidance documents, templates and other tools that support this work. The Manager drafts and negotiates agreements,



and oversees the document and information management systems and practices that keep the portfolio’s records and data organized and accessible

In support of the portfolio’s communications and governance needs, the Manager prepares and oversees reports, proposals, slide decks, memos and other communications, and provides strategic oversight of ISI websites and digital platforms. The Manager also supports ISI committees and governance processes — including meeting materials, coordination and follow-up — and plans and oversees workshops, communities of practice and other engagement activities.

Post graduate degree (Master's or PhD) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At least 5 years of relevant experience in strategic, financial, administrative and operational leadership, project management and business administration in a large research university or equivalent complex organization.

Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing a complex portfolio of programs and projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Experience managing complex relationships with senior administrators, funders, partners and other stakeholders, preferably in a university environment or other large complex organization.

Experience developing operational procedures, SOPs, guidance documents, templates and process improvements.

Experience overseeing digital platforms and information-management systems such as SharePoint or similar tools, as well as websites and digital communications.

Experience preparing complex written and presentation materials for varied audiences, including reports,



external funding proposals, presentations, briefing materials, memos and speaking notes.

Experience supporting committees and governance processes, and planning workshops, meetings, communities of practice or training activities.

Experience drafting, negotiating or administering agreements and contracts, and managing operational financial activities, procurement and vendor relationships.

Experience supervising staff, including performance management and fostering an inclusive team environment; experience managing in a unionized environment.

Advanced project and program management skills.

Solid strategic thinking, judgement and creative problem-solving skills.

Strong organizational governance and committee-management skills, including an understanding of decision-making processes, reporting requirements and the preparation of materials for senior-level review and discussion.

Strong research, writing, editing and presentation skills.

Strong systems and information-management skills, including oversight of collaborative platforms, internal databases and reporting tools, with the ability to support data integrity, appropriate access, version control and alignment with institutional standards.

Proficiency with digital tools and platforms such as Microsoft 365, SharePoint, website content-management systems and data analytics or visualization tools.

Excellent ability to manage budgets, procurement processes, programs and vendor relationships.

Superior ability to foster a collaborative environment within the office and the broader community.

Ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities, manage competing deadlines and work effectively under pressure.

Knowledge of organizational governance, policy development and decision-making processes within complex institutions.

Schedule: Full time

Administrative / Managerial

📌 Program Management Office Manager M/F (Toronto)
🏢 University of Toronto
📍 Toronto