Strategic Advisor

Position Information Competition Number: REQ 7149 Title: Strategic Advisor & Portfolio Manager Division: Strategic Planning and Institutional Analysis Salary: Payband 11, $104,000 to $122,385 Hours Per Week: 37.5 Location: 230 Richmond Street East Work Modality: Hybrid Status: Contact Admin Vacancy: Replacement Effective Date: Immediately to June 2026 Closing Date: January 23, 2026 Land Acknowledgement George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other. Equity Statement George Brown Polytechnic is committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment. We encourage and actively seek applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized people, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, all genders, and persons with disabilities. GBP Vision To be a polytechnic renowned for its inclusion, excellence, relevance, impact, and leadership. Position Description Reporting to the Associate Vice‑President, Strategic Planning and Institutional Analysis, the Strategic Advisor & Portfolio Manager (SAPM) will independently use and apply wide-ranging management advising/consulting experience and proficiency to lead and facilitate highly complex, strategic engagements involving multiple stakeholders. With expertise in integrated planning and transformational initiative leadership, the SAPM will work with cross‑functional teams across the polytechnic and within the Strategic Planning and Institutional Analysis division to help prioritize and identify critical interdependencies, support effective resource utilization, and benefit realization across the entire portfolio of plans and projects selected for strategic impact. Key Responsibilities Provides expert advice, guidance, and recommendations to assigned Senior Leaders on emerging trends and opportunities, risks and competitive threats, prospective and current key initiatives, emerging industry trends, opportunities, competitive threats, and performance against annual or institutional plans. Consults with leaders to identify priorities that directly align to and support the Polytechnic’s strategic plan, providing advice and guidance on how best to achieve alignment and interconnectivity throughout the Polytechnic. Promotes excellence in Institutional Plan and Strategic Program development and determines in conjunction with the Sr. Manager/AVP the requirements for alignment with the polytechnic’s strategic priorities, goals, and objectives. Leads complex consultations and negotiations with business process owners, information technology specialists, academic divisions, service areas, polytechnic-wide steering committees/advisory groups, senior leaders, and other internal and external stakeholders to assess strategic investment opportunities. Builds rigorous program/project proposals, facilitating collaboration across interdisciplinary teams to analyse data, assess needs, align objectives, build evidence‑based business cases, identify risks and opportunities, and prioritize opportunities for advancing the Polytechnic’s strategy and vision. Leads cross‑functional program/project definition processes, guiding diverse internal and external stakeholders to prepare business cases, concept documentation, and project charters that include clear objectives, scoping, governance, end results, assessment framework, constraints, risks, and interdependencies. Develops and manages program and project budgets, working with diverse stakeholders to integrate and reconcile financial assets and expenses across business units, funding sources, and employee groups for effective and transparent resource management, tracking, and reporting. Other related duties as assigned. Educational and Experience Requirements Master’s degree from a recognized post‑secondary institution in Education, Public Administration, Project Management, Business, Political Science, or related field. Minimum seven (7) years of related progressive work experience in a post‑secondary education (PSE) environment (or unionized environment equivalent), managing projects and teams within a complex unionized environment, and providing strategic advising/guidance. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in an advanced management role, including people management. Experience in strategy and/or operational consulting, and leading strategic and operational planning. Experience managing service/vendor relationships and budgets. Project management certification or equivalent knowledge and experience is essential. Knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large institutions to understand client priorities, issues, motivations, and constraints. Solid knowledge of, and experience in implementing change management strategies. Skills and Attributes Proven ability to manage multiple interdisciplinary projects through to successful completion, within budget and within stipulated timeframes. Demonstrated tact and diplomacy in liaising and working with external stakeholders from both public and private sectors. Ability to handle multiple constituencies, agendas, engagements, and tasks with tight deadlines, and to deal productively with ambiguity and conflict. Highly skilled in navigating organizational complexity. Solid analytical, organizational, and strategic thinking skills. Excellent writing skills and proven ability to communicate effectively with all members of the polytechnic community, including senior management. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize tasks, proactively plan, and anticipate and problem‑solve risks as they arise. Advanced conflict resolution and group facilitation skills to generate positive team environments. Excellent collaboration, teamwork, and interpersonal skills at a professional level. Demonstrated commitment to uphold the Polytechnic’s priorities on diversity and equity. Interview process may consist of a practical skills component. Notes The Polytechnic requires proof of degrees, credentials, or equivalencies from accredited regional or federal post‑secondary institutions and/or their international equivalents. Credentials may require validation at the time of interviews or offer. About Us George Brown Polytechnic prides itself on educating students through real‑world learning, in the heart of Toronto. Our faculty and employees make this vision a reality, and we support them by making George Brown a great place to work. See why we are consistently ranked as one of the GTA’s top employers. Why work here? George Brown Polytechnic offers hybrid work opportunities, a competitive pension plan, generous holiday and vacation time, a tuition assistance program, discounted rates for employees taking Continuing Education courses, and an equitable work environment where everyone matters. George Brown Polytechnic is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Candidates who require accommodation in the hiring process may contact confidentially. #J-18808-Ljbffr