The Academic Department Manager I provides operational and administrative leadership for the Department of Religious Studies. The role ensures the smooth delivery of academic, research, and administrative functions, while supporting the Chair in strategic, financial, HR, and academic planning.
This is an excellent career growth opportunity for an internal candidate, with the potential to transition into a permanent role.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Advises Chair/Director on financial, human resources, curriculum, space, and strategic matters.
- Contributes to departmental and faculty-wide strategic planning (new programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, resource planning).
- Oversees departmental reviews, accreditation, and quality assurance processes (IQAP, CEAB).
Financial Management
- 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, and sessional/graduate student hiring.
Academic & Research Administration
- Manages scheduling and timetabling for undergraduate/graduate programs.
- Oversees student services, curriculum changes, and program reviews.
- Supports accreditation processes and scholarship/award administration.
- Provides administrative oversight of research activity, including grants, compliance, and research staff hiring.
Resource & Risk Management
- Oversees space allocation, equipment purchases, and health & safety compliance.
- Participates in crisis-response planning.
- Ensures alignment of departmental operations with university policies.
External Relations & 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
Skills: Strong leadership, strategic planning, financial acumen, HR management, policy interpretation, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building.
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
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.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
