Job Description

Join one of the world's leading business schools, renowned for its innovative research, diverse programs, and exceptional faculty. The Rotman School of Management is a hub for ambitious leaders and groundbreaking ideas, situated in the heart of Canada's vibrant economic centre.

The Opportunity:

Rotman seeks a dynamic and visionary Managing Director, Graduate Programs Strategy and Student Experience to provide strategic and operational leadership across its portfolio of nine diverse graduate programs, impacting over 1200 students annually. Reporting jointly to the Vice-Dean of MBA Programs and the Vice-Dean of Undergraduate and Specialized Programs, this pivotal role is key to shaping the future direction and enhancing the world-class experience offered to Rotman's graduate students.

As a senior leader at Rotman, you will drive the strategy, development, and seamless delivery of all graduate programs, ensuring alignment with the School'sstrategic goals. You will lead four critical departments: Program Services, the Office of Student Engagement, the Office of Experiential Learning and Practicum Placement, and the Registrar’s Office/Academic Services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Innovation:
• Collaborate with Vice-Deans and faculty to develop and implement the strategy for graduate programs, focusing on continuous improvement, market competitiveness, and innovation.
• Lead the design, development, and launch of new programs (degrees, diplomas, certificates, partnerships) and enhance existing offerings, including online and experiential learning components.
• Conduct market research and analysis to inform strategic decisions and ensure programs meet evolving industry needs and student expectations.
• Drive initiatives related to curriculum development, work-integrated learning, global opportunities, and strategic partnerships (corporate and academic).
  
  
2. Operational Excellence & Student Experience Enhancement:
• Oversee all operational aspects of program delivery across the nine graduate programs, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness through the four departments you lead.
• Provide strategic direction for academic services, including registration, course enrolment, academic advising, accommodations, and records management.
• Champion an exceptional end-to-end student experience, overseeing student engagement, support services, co-curricular activities, wellness initiatives, international exchanges, and orientation/convocation events.
• Ensure fair and effective administration of financial aid, scholarships, and awards programs.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity and promotes student success and well-being.
  
  
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Team Leadership:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (faculty, staff, students) and external partners (corporate recruiters, alumni, AACSB, EMBA Council, GBC Roundtable, Financial Times Rankings, QS Rankings, as well as partner schools for MBA exchanges (PIM Network) and partner schools for GEMBA - HLS modules and other institutions).
• Act as a key advocate and representative for Rotman's graduate programs.
• Provide effective leadership, mentorship, and performance management for a large team (7 direct reports, ~35 indirect reports), fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Oversee departmental budgets, ensuring financial integrity, effective resource allocation, and alignment with strategic priorities.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Education: MBA or equivalent relevant post-graduate degree is strongly preferred. A combination of significant senior management experience and relevant education will be considered.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in program development, administration, and management, ideally within a complex graduate business school or university environment.
• Strategic Acumen: Proven ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions, and translate strategy into actionable plans with measurable results. Experience driving change and continuous improvement.
• Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership presence with a demonstrated ability to inspire, manage, and develop large, diverse teams in a collaborative, team-based culture.
• Operational Expertise: Strong operational management skills with experience overseeing complex processes, budgets, and administrative functions.
• Student-Centric Focus: Deep understanding of and commitment to enhancing the student experience in a demanding academic environment.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Outstanding communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders (students, faculty, senior administrators, external partners).
• Other: Confident self-starter, pragmatic, results-oriented, strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Understanding of the competitive landscape in graduate business education is crucial.

How to apply: 

Interested & qualified candidates must submit the following information and completed documents, in confidence to the executive search contacts below no later than May 25, 11:59 PM:

Senior Account Executive, Larissa Abrera Rowland at Larissa.rowland@altis.com AND

Senior Recruitment Partner, Tammy Banfield at tammy.banfield@altis.com

1. A brief covering letter and resume. 
2. A completed Qualifications Matrix Application Form, which will be provided following receipt of cover letter and resume. 
3. The names and contact details for three referees, including the candidate’s most recent supervisor. Reference checks will be conducted only on the top three candidates after the interview. Please indicate if you wish to be informed before your referees are contacted. 
4. Salary expectations 
5. Availability to start/notice 

We’re an equal opportunities employer committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in today’s workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Minorities, women, LGBTQ candidates, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.