Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, Governance and Student Issues

About Toronto Metropolitan University

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

About The Office Of Vice Provost, Students

With a focus on responsiveness and empathy, the Vice-Provost, Students oversees a portfolio of over 441 employees who work across the following core areas: The Office of the Registrar and Undergraduate Admissions & Recruitment; Athletics & Recreation; Student Affairs which includes student learning support, career services, housing, student life and community care (student conduct and advocacy, sexual violence support and education); Student Wellbeing which includes the medical centre, counselling, health promotion, academic accommodations and testing; and International Enrolment.

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Students (OVPS) actively supports the university’s academic plan, and its strategic priority of enabling greater student engagement and success through exceptional experiences.

The Opportunity: Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, Governance and Student Issues

The Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, Governance and Student Issues plays a vital role in supporting the Vice Provost, Students, the Office of the Vice Provost (OVPS), and senior leadership within the portfolio in areas such as student governance, issues management, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. This role involves providing advice and recommendations on student-related issues by identifying areas that require special attention, conducting research and reviews, and collaborating with various TMU units to develop communication plans. Additionally, the manager serves as the primary point of contact for student governance matters, including policy development, compliance standards, and strategic consultations, while also fostering key strategic partnerships and relationships that align with departmental goals and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and implements strategic plans aimed at enhancing student governance, ensuring alignment with university agreements, TMU policies, and by-laws of different student groups.
• Develops, implements and regularly reviews agreements related to student governance, in consultation with student groups and university stakeholders and accountability mechanisms for groups receiving student funds, including preparing reports for review by the Board of Governors and TMU Executives.
• Under the direction of the Vice-Provost, Students and the Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students, develops key strategic partnerships and relationships which align with departmental goals and objectives.
• Fosters a robust and sustainable network encompassing student leaders, university stakeholders, potential industry partners, and potential government representatives aimed at developing and executing impactful student engagement initiatives.
• In collaboration with Student Communications, provides input into the development and application of a consistent and effective communications strategy including sharing of information among internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides senior counsel and develops messages to strategically support the advancement of senior administration’s views and position on issues management set by the Office of thePresident and Vice-Chancellor and their designates.
• Consults with staff, stakeholders, and experts (particularly with legal and financial expertise) to develop and brief on policy recommendations to support decision-making on matters related to student governance based on the strategic direction of the OVPS.
• Manages and supervises staff, assigns and prioritizes tasks, establishes goals, sets expectations and evaluates performance. Hires, trains, develops and performance manages assigned staff. Monitors performance and provides feedback to staff on performance. Disciplines, carries out corrective action and makes recommendations on termination, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Completion of post-secondary degree in Public Relations, Public Administration, Business, Journalism, Social Sciences, English, Marketing and Communications or a related field preferred.
• 5 years of experience in stakeholder engagement and execution in a diverse and complex organization including external stakeholder engagement with private sector, government, academic and community partners.
• 2 years of experience in issues management and/or crisis management.
• Experience serving in an advising role on a senior management team, utilizing advanced problem solving and strategic implementation skills.
• Strong communication skills; digital communications capacity; excellent judgment; superior ability to research and write briefing notes, key messages, Q&As, and remarks quickly and accurately.
• Tact and diplomacy: strong interpersonal skills; able to handle multiple assignments at the same time; able to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of communication principles and practice, priorities and objectives related to digital communications and the complexities of client-focused problem-solving, media relations, issues management and crisis communications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various social media channels/platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit and Instagram.

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

Key skills/competency

• Stakeholder Engagement
• Student Governance
• Issues Management
• Policy Development
• Strategic Partnerships
• Communication Strategy
• Senior Counsel
• Staff Management
• Problem Solving
• Digital Communications