Academic Department Manager I

About the Faculty of Social Sciences: The Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University is a multidisciplinary academic unit dedicated to the study of human behaviour, social systems, and global challenges. It brings together a diverse community of students, faculty, researchers, and professional staff committed to advancing education, research, and social impact. The Faculty offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs across more than a dozen departments and interdisciplinary areas, including fields such as economics, political science, psychology, sociology, Indigenous studies, and health and society.

About the School and Role: The newly established School of Integrated Social Sciences (SISS) represents an exciting and strategic initiative within the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. Bringing together the Globalization, Master of Public Policy, and Social Psychology programs, the School is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation in teaching, and meaningful engagement with complex global and societal challenges. This is a unique opportunity to join at a formative stage.

The Academic Department Manager I (ADM) will provide critical operational and administrative leadership, working in close partnership with the Chair and Directors to build, shape, and grow the School’s administrative, governance, and operational foundations. The ADM will play a central role in establishing effective systems, processes, and structures that will support the School’s long‑term success and evolution. In this dynamic and high‑impact role, the ADM oversees a broad portfolio spanning academic administration, research support, finance, human resources, and day‑to‑day operations, ensuring the seamless delivery of core functions while advancing strategic and academic priorities.

The role also includes dedicated leadership of the Globalization master’s program, managing key functions such as recruitment and admissions, course scheduling, student advising, and the coordination of program initiatives and events that enhance the student experience. This position is ideal for a collaborative, forward‑thinking leader who is energized by the opportunity to build from the ground up, shape direction, and contribute to a growing interdisciplinary academic community. Key Responsibilities: Strategic & Operational Leadership Advises Chair on financial, human resources, curriculum, space, and strategic matters.

Contributes to departmental and faculty‑wide strategic planning (new programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, resource planning). Organizes and participates in departmental reviews. Program Administration (MA in Globalization) Develops, implements, and maintains the efficient operation of the program.

Provides administrative direction and support including coordinating all aspects of the program such as curriculum administration, implementation, promotion, recruitment, admissions, student advising, resource management, and financial management. Supports IQAP review processes. Independently manages multiple budgets (operating, research, TA, scholarships).

Has signing authority for departmental financial transactions. Provides reports to support business plans, agreements, and research contract negotiations. Human Resources Management Manages administrative staff and provides oversight for faculty, staff, and student hiring.

Leads performance management, conflict resolution, training, succession planning, and compliance with employment agreements. Oversees faculty recruitment, tenure and promotion processes. Manages sessional/graduate student hiring for the Globalization program.

Research Administration Provides administrative oversight of research activity, including grants, compliance, and research staff hiring. Oversees space allocation, equipment purchases, and health & safety compliance. Participates in crisis‑response planning.

Ensures alignment of departmental operations with university policies. Special Projects & Committees Represents the department on university‑wide committees. Maintains relationships with central offices, external partners, and alumni.

Participates in system development (e.g., Mosaic testing, admissions, online registration). Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field Experience: 4–6 years of managerial experience Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong leadership skills, strategic planning, financial acumen, HR management, policy interpretation, communication, negotiation, collaboration, relationship‑building, service excellence, and continuous improvement. Pay Transparency Statement The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position.

Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions. Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies. Employment Equity Statement McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self‑identification in relation to equity‑seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information. #J-18808-Ljbffr