Mgr,strat Initiatives

Job Title: Manager, Strategic Intiatives and Special Projects

Reports To: Director, International Affairs

Department Description:
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) implements the McMaster Global Engagement strategy via
several projects and ongoing operational initiatives. Projects and initiatives supporting the
strategy include the McMaster Global Hub, the annual McMaster Global showcase as well as the
ongoing facilitation of exchange agreements, establishment of institutional linkages and the
coordination of externally funded international projects and programs. The OIA reports to the
Provost and Vice
- President (Academic) and receives strategic advice from and collaborates on
special projects with the McMaster Global Steering Committee.

Job Summary:
In a brief paragraph, summarize the overall job responsibility and why the job exists.

Reporting to the Director, International Affairs, the Manager, Strategic Initiatives and
Special Projects will be responsible for leading priority special projects and other initiatives
advancing the McMaster Global Engagement strategy. As liaison between the OIA and McMaster
Faculties and departments, the Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects is required to
communicate broadly and effectively and to work collaboratively with a range of partners and
stakeholders across departments and programs. The incumbent works closely with the Director
International Affairs, the McMaster Global Steering Committee, and with other members of the
University Administration on a broad range of priority initiatives as determined by the
Vice-Provost, International Affairs.

Accountabilities:
1. Management of staff within the OIA. The Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects will manage staff in the OIA. This will include meeting with staff regularly to review the OIA team plan, the prioritization of project assignments, as well as identifying and facilitating training/growth opportunities to develop and support staff in reaching their career goals.

2. Assist with the Preparation of OIA budget documents for submission to Provost’s Office. The Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects will assist and support the Director of the Office of International Affairs in the preparation of the OIA’s annual budget submission.

3. Manages multiple, special projects that impact the University’s global engagement and internationalization initiatives. Consults with, advises, and leads other project participants. Develops project plans in collaboration with relevant teams and monitors progress toward desired outcomes. Plans appropriately and shifts direction if current procedures do not allow for sufficient progress. Monitors all aspects of the project and analyses progress.

4. Conducts research, collects data from internal and external sources, compiles, processes and synthesizes data and interprets results in order to meet the needs of the McMaster Global Engagement strategy. Investigates specific issues and develops appropriate recommendations and responses. Provides support for decisions through the preparation of presentations suitable for senior executives, background papers, briefing notes and business plans on various topics as needed.

5. Supports the development, planning and identification of growth and strategic opportunities identified by the Vice Provost, International Affairs, by collecting relevant data, researching best practices and trends, and obtaining relevant feedback from internal and external stakeholders. Provides insight and advice to ensure University needs and priorities are effectively addressed and strategic objectives are met. Forms concrete action plans and monitors projects to ensure they continue to move the McMaster Global Engagement strategy forward.

6. Potentially oversees grant and communication initiatives related to projects. Acts as a resource person, liaison, and grant support coordinator and communication. Prepares and delivers updates to the Director, International Affairs. Coordinates the flow of information and directs data appropriately. Reviews and analyzes reports, briefs, and other sources of information and composes related correspondence and documents. Ensures information is accessible to others. Acts as contact person and collects, formats and disseminates information to others ensuring information is clear, correct, and in a form suitable to its intended audience. Determines what information should be
distributed, to whom, and in what format.

7. Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

- Education:

- Bachelor’s degree

**Experience**:

- 5 + years related experience
- Experience managing complex projects in institutional environments that are strategic in nature
- Knowledge of McMaster and its structures, policies and organization

Qualifications:
Knowledge/Skills:

- Solid understanding and broad-based knowledge of the University
- Knowledge of governance, systems and decision making