Special Projects Officer in Toronto

Working under general direction of the Assistant Dean, School of Graduate Studies, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for identifying issues, advising on strategy options, recommending solutions, implementing project plans, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education. Working closely with the Assistant Dean, School of Graduate Studies, other members of the Decanal Team (Dean, Vice-Deans), as well as other senior university administrators, the Special Projects Officer is responsible for project management and implementation to ensure the work of the Vice-Provost's Office can be carried out efficiently and effectively.

Such project management and implementation includes:

• Providing strategic advice on policy matters and other issues, such as academic administrator searches and review committees.
• Advising on draft policies and proposals.
• Undertaking detailed research on a wide variety of issues and topics.
• Following-up on decisions made by the members of the portfolio and the portfolio's various committees.
• Developing draft communications such as remarks, presentations, and correspondence.
• Ensuring ongoing maintenance of the highest level of pro-activity and service for the portfolio of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education.

The Special Projects Officer will coordinate, assist with and advance projects, initiatives and daily activities within the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education that require knowledge of confidential information about Faculty staffing, priorities, and new academic directions. The role of the Special Projects Officer will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) promotes University-wide inclusive excellence in graduate education, research and professional training to ensure high standards across the various academic divisions, as well as supporting postdoctoral fellows. SGS defines and administers University-wide regulations for graduate education. We share responsibility for graduate education with graduate units and divisions and operates through a system of collegial governance, consultation, and decanal leadership.

SGS also provides expertise and advice; reviews the design and delivery of programs; develops performance standards; supports access, equitable inclusion, fairness, and ethical conduct in graduate education; organizes services and financial assistance to graduate students; encourages a close and positive relationship between research and graduate instruction, and represents the cause of graduate education at the University of Toronto and in the broader academic and general community.

Qualifications Required

I. EDUCATION: University degree required, post graduate degree (Master's or PhD) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

II. EXPERIENCE: Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions. Extensive experience with the University, knowledge of university policies and procedures, and an understanding of the university’s organizational structure, including its governance. Experience leading complex and multi-stakeholder projects. Knowledge about media (including traditional, new and social media), protocol, diplomacy and an excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community.

III. SKILLS: Strong quantitative and qualitative data literacy skills. Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations), and scheduling software. Familiarity with Microsoft Sharepoint an asset. Web design skills such as content management software and Wordpress preferred. Familiarity with Acrobat and other Adobe software an asset.

IV. OTHER: Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; high degree of political acuity and judgment; ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building; ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact; ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination; flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities.

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Closing Date: 11/10/2026, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: Salaried

Diversity Statement: The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

Accessibility Statement: The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.