Chief Administrative Officer

The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design (DFALD) brings together architecture, forestry, landscape architecture, urban design, and visual studies across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. As Canada’s first architecture school—celebrating over 135 years of excellence—it is recognized for its strong interdisciplinary approach and its impact on shaping the built environment through innovative research, creative practice, and cultural contributions. Following a decade of transformative growth in its academic programs, the Faculty continues to strengthen its undergraduate programs and enhance its research capacity. Today, it is home to a vibrant community of students, faculty, and professional staff working and learning together in an inspiring environment. Housed within beautifully restored historic and modern buildings—including One Spadina Crescent and the Borden and Earth Sciences complexes—the Faculty offers a dynamic, collaborative setting that fosters innovation, creativity, and professional growth. Reporting to the Dean, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides strategic leadership across revenue generation, business administration, operations, and the effective stewardship of Faculty resources within an applied learning environment. Working in close collaboration with the leadership team, the CAO advances the Faculty’s strategic priorities while strengthening operational performance and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence. In consultation with the Dean, the CAO leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of administrative and operational strategies that align with and enable the Faculty’s academic and research mission. This includes oversight of Finance, Human Resources, Information and Instructional Technology (I&IT), Data and AI governance, Applied Technologies (workshops, studios, laboratories, and digital fabrication), Facilities and Space Management, Capital and Renovation Projects, as well as Health and Safety and Risk Management—ensuring integrated, high-performing systems that effectively support faculty, staff, students, and applied research activities. The CAO has full managerial authority over the administrative staff in the office of the CAO. The incumbent provides strategic advice and policy interpretation to the Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, Faculty, Directors, and Managers, ensuring that administrative policies and procedures comply with University policies, government legislation, and other relevant regulatory requirements. The CAO represents the Faculty in consultations with other University units on institution-wide administrative practices, processes, and policies, providing guidance and advocating for Faculty priorities. The role also fosters and maintains effective relationships across the University and with external partners to support the Faculty's objectives. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Master’s degree in business administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the fields of finance, administration, operations and human resources. CPA designation is considered an asset. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 8 years of senior leadership experience with proven success overseeing a broad operations portfolio encompassing finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities and space management including health and safety within a university or other comparably complex environment. Extensive expertise in financial planning and management, including multiyear budget development, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting, with a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and stewardship of public funds. Strong record of providing strategic advice to senior leaders with demonstrated experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, and initiatives aligned with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross functional initiatives within a shared governance and collegial decision-making environment, balancing strategic objectives, timelines, and resource constraints. Experience working effectively in a unionized university setting, with knowledge of collective agreements, labour relations, grievance processes, and human resources. Experience supporting applied academic research—particularly in wet lab environments—as well as working with applied technologies is highly desirable. Some familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) and related data governance is an asset. SKILLS: The successful candidate will demonstrate decisive, strategic administrative leadership in support of the Faculty’s academic mission, priorities, and long-term objectives, coupled with the credibility and presence to engage effectively with faculty members, staff, senior leadership, governing bodies, and external partners. The role requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex administrative, financial, and operational matters clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. The ideal candidate brings a high level of interpersonal awareness, professional attentiveness, and respect for differing perspectives, enabling thoughtful engagement in high-pressure, nuanced, and often complex environments. Proven ability to build trust, foster alignment, and drive outcomes within a collegial academic setting is essential, as is experience leading organizational change, modernization, and continuous improvement initiatives while sustaining confidence and commitment across teams. The successful candidate will consistently exercise sound judgment and discretion in sensitive and high-impact situations, balancing risk, policy, equity considerations, and institutional reputation. Strength in negotiation and conflict resolution, resilience in the face of competing demands, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership are critical. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, along with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing administrative teams and promote strong cross-functional collaboration, is required. Strong project management skills, with the ability to take initiative, innovate, and drive projects forward independently. Demonstrated leadership in applying governance processes to enable informed decision-making and organizational alignment. Knowledge of University of Toronto policies and governance structure is considered an asset. An appreciation for the challenges and opportunities of working within a large, decentralized institution.