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For additional information, please contact: Gerri Woodford, Partner, Academic Practice [email protected] Jason Murray, Engagement Manager, Academic Practice [email protected] Mary-Katherine Bouchard, Engagement Manager [email protected]

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Page 1: Gerri Woodford, Partner, Academic Practice gerri.woodford ... · persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, women, and . 5 others who may contribute

For additional information, please contact:

Gerri Woodford, Partner, Academic Practice [email protected] Jason Murray, Engagement Manager, Academic Practice [email protected]

Mary-Katherine Bouchard, Engagement Manager [email protected]

Page 2: Gerri Woodford, Partner, Academic Practice gerri.woodford ... · persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, women, and . 5 others who may contribute

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A Snapshot of the Opportunity

McGill University seeks a visionary leader to assume the position of Vice-Principal

(Administration and Finance) (VPA&F). Reporting to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor,

the VPA&F is McGill’s chief financial and administrative officer.

Under the leadership of the Vice-Principal, the Office of Administration and Finance

provides sound management to McGill’s financial and human resources, information

technology, university investments and endowments, facilities, and risk management and

insurance practices. Given the size and scope of the portfolio, and the many constituents

linked to Administration and Finance at McGill1, the VPA&F must be a seasoned

administrator accustomed to delivering excellence in a complex organization. The person

who realizes success in this portfolio is effective at delegation, and maintains positive,

productive relationships with colleagues and the greater community.

In today’s post-secondary environment, developments in technology are enabling changes

that affect the way in which universities operate. As technology transforms how learners

relate to the academy, McGill continues to remain responsive to ongoing changes. The

incoming VPA&F must be knowledgeable about technological advances, and must be

capable of calibrating technological systems in response to evolving needs.

McGill University is committed to furthering its culture of sustainability, as evidenced by

its Vision 2020 Sustainability Strategy. To sharpen its sustainability agenda, the principles

of sustainability should underpin relevant decisions that move the University forward.

The VPA&F must recognize sustainable opportunities and be committed to implementing

decisions with a sustainable future in mind.

As a publicly funded institution, McGill University will continue to be affected by the

financial environment of post-secondary institutions. Governments across the country

have been adjusting their approaches to funding universities, choosing to reduce or

constrain the growth of operating grants, establishing targeted program funding, and

changing eligibility criteria for research funding. In this economic climate, the VPA&F

must implement a budget that aligns with the priorities of the overall institution. To that

end, the VPA&F must work with the University community to ensure it continues to

distinguish itself as a globally-minded, highly productive, relevant, 21st century centre of

higher learning. This must be done with the goal of maintaining the University’s

commitment to excellence in teaching and research.

T The Administration and Finance sector comprises 735 employees (July 2016).

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The Vice-Principal will ensure the effective operations of the Office of Administration and

Finance on a day-to-day basis, and the assignment of appropriate resources needed to

support the academic enterprise. The VPA&F will be skilled at nurturing a team that is

client focused, agile, efficient, connected and innovative. The VPA&F must be skilled at

managing a multi-generational workforce who bring different perspectives and expertise

to the workplace environment.

A key area that requires sound leadership from the VPA&F is infrastructure development,

whether related to the maintenance and renewal of current infrastructure or

infrastructure expansion. The University is currently working on a campus master real

estate plan, intended to guide infrastructure projects and plans for physical growth. The

plan will include a renewal program aimed to refurbish McGill’s historic buildings, with a

view to maintaining their patrimonial value, while repurposing and upgrading the space

for a contemporary learning environment. McGill has also proposed a future for the Royal

Victoria Hospital site, as the site would increase the University’s available space, and give

the McGill community room to fulfill its mission over the long-term. The VPA&F would

lead this project’s planned development.

Candidate Qualifications

Although the Search Committee recognizes that no one individual possesses the sought

after qualifications in equal measure, it has developed a set of criteria to articulate the

desired background, experience and personal qualities of the ideal candidate:

Experience, Skills, and Credentials

A degree from a recognized university is required; a graduate degree is preferred,

and professional designation would be an asset.

A track record of successful leadership in a complex organization, preferably within

the university environment; an understanding of university administration and

government funding structures for postsecondary education is considered an asset;

knowledge of, or an appreciation for, the Quebec education system would be

particularly useful.

Strategic leadership abilities, with a demonstrated ability to effectively support the

organization’s core mission and values.

A clear, distinctive, and specific view of the future that is connected to the strategic

goals of the University.

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A well-developed talent for overseeing highly sophisticated and complex budgets

and financial systems.

An understanding of the various areas linked to the portfolio.

The capacity to build effective relationships with a variety of constituents, and at all

levels.

Proficiency in both English and French (both written and oral), particularly given

the external dealings with other Quebec Universities and the Quebec Government.

Leadership, Administration, and Management

A capacity for leading change, and a decision-making style that moves ideas and

people toward strategic goals; an ability to see the big-picture, and the foresight to

anticipate results.

An astute and nimble approach to management, and an ability to present creative

and alternative approaches to the completion of tasks.

Successful experience in leading, managing, and continuously developing teams

related to the administrative functions within the portfolio, with a service

orientation – in particular, information technology, human resources, and/or

financial and facilities management.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to

communicate complex financial information in a clear, concise manner.

Personal Qualities

A career history demonstrating personal values such as integrity, inclusiveness,

mutual respect, trust, respect for cultural and ethnic diversity, and a caring and

respectful approach to all interpersonal relationships.

A passion for playing a key role in preparing students for their future, providing

them with an experience that encourages them to become exceptional members of

civil society.

A natural inclination for putting the needs of an institution first.

The Appointment

McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes

applications from Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities,

persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, women, and

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others who may contribute to diversification. All qualified applicants are encouraged to

apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The five-year renewable appointment will be effective Fall 2016 or as mutually agreed.

The Advisory Committee will begin consideration of candidates in August of 2016. To

ensure consideration, please respond by July 31, 2016. Nominations, applications, and

expressions of interest may be forwarded, in confidence, to Gerri Woodford or Jason

Murray at [email protected].

Please refer to the Appendices below for additional information

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Appendix A - Key Responsibilities/Functions of the Office of the Vice-Principal

(Administration and Finance)

Financial Services

Responsible for the recording and reporting of the financial activities of the University’s units,

and the high-level monitoring of the integrity of financial transactions.

Human Resources

Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures affecting the

working conditions of all staff, the negotiation of collective agreements, as well as pens ion

administration, benefits and pay, and the development and implementation of salary policies for

all staff at the University.

Office of Investments

Responsible for the management of the investments and other university endowments in order

to provide a dependable and optimal source of income for endowment beneficiaries while

preserving the real value of capital. Also responsible for managing the University’s cash and

short-term borrowings, approving the opening of endowment accounts, and monitoring the

financial aspects of estates/trusts held outside of the University in which McGill holds an

interest.

Risk Management and Insurance

Responsible for promoting and advancing the use of risk management practices in order to

protect McGill’s human and physical resources, including its revenues, against potential loss.

Facilities Management and Ancillary Services

Responsible for providing infrastructure services including building and grounds, special events,

retail, parking, printing, mail, utilities and energy management, building operations, project

management, design services, logistics, campus and space planning, safety, and security.

Information Technology Services

Responsible for delivering user-centred information systems and services to the University

community, while ensuring data and systems infrastructures that are technically sound, secure,

state of the art, financially viable, and poised for future developments.

Internal Audit (IA)

Responsible for ensuring that the University has an effective system of internal controls. The

Executive Director reports to the Vice-Principal, Administration and Finance, on the day to day

administration, activities and operation of IA and to the Audit Committee of the Board of

Governors on progress and results of IA activities.

For more information about the Office of the Vice-Principal (Administration and Finance), visit:

http://www.mcgill.ca/vpadmin/office-vice-principal-administration-and-finance

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Appendix B — McGill University

McGill University is, by every measure, one of the

world’s great universities. A member of the Global

University Leaders Forum (GULF) of the World

Economic Forum and the American Association of

Universities (AAU), McGill is consistently cited in

the top 25 universities in the world.

McGill comprises two campuses, ten faculties,

twelve professional schools, and over 300 programs of study. Over 1000 of McGill’s nearly 1700

tenure-track, full-time faculty have been appointed since 2000, bringing vitality to teaching and

research endeavours. McGill has recruited 162 Canada Research Chairs, employs

approximately 10,000 people, and is home to nearly 40,000 students, over 9400 of whom are

graduate students. In the province of Quebec, the University has an economic impact of $5.2

billion annually.

The University boasts an international

network of alumni, including nine Nobel

Laureates, and 139 Rhodes Scholars

(which is more than any other university in

Canada).

Located in Montreal, Quebec, one of the

world’s most exciting and vibrant cities, McGill is distinguished by the excellence of its faculty,

the dedication of its staff, the talent and quality of its students, the contributions of its alumni,

and its exceptional record in both teaching and research. The main campus is set upon 32

hectares, and is among the most beautiful university campuses in the world. The Macdonald

Campus, spread over 1600 acres of land, is located in the picturesque town of Ste-Anne-de-

Bellevue, on the western tip of the Island of Montreal.

For eleven consecutive years, McGill has been ranked first among Canada’s medical-doctoral

universities by Maclean’s, a prominent business publication in Canada. For more detailed

information about McGill, please visit www.mcgill.ca.

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Appendix C — About Montreal, Quebec

McGill University is located in Montreal, the second largest city in Canada next to Toronto, and

the 15th largest in North America. In 2016, QS World University Rankings ranked Montreal as

the 7th-best place in the world to be a university student.

Based on GDP, Montreal has the second-largest economy

among Canadian cities, and is a critically important centre for

culture and entertainment, commerce, finance, industry,

technology, and world affairs. In the finance industry, for

example, the legal corporate head offices for two of Canada’s

five largest banks are in Montreal, and in the area of

entertainment, Montreal plays headquarters to a number of

television and movie production studios.

According to the 2014 rankings of the International Congress and Convention Association

(ICCA), an organization that assists with organizing, transporting, and accommodating

international events, Montreal was named North America’s number one host city for international

association events. Montreal showcases a vast number of buildings which carry true

architectural presence. There are 50 National Historic Sites of Canada in the city of Montreal,

which is more than any other city in Canada. Montreal is composed of 19 large boroughs further

subdivided into small neighbourhoods, each of them offering their own unique character.

Montreal’s urban culture is truly exceptional.

The city is home to many cultural festivals,

including: the Montreal International Jazz

Festival, which holds the 2004 Guinness World

Record as the world’s largest festival and, every

summer, welcomes over 2 million visitors; the

Montreal World Film Festival, which has a

diversity of films from all over the world; and, the

Just for Laughs comedy festival, which is the

largest international comedy festival in the world. Monocle magazine refers to Montreal as

“Canada’s Cultural Capital”.

For more information about Montreal and to discover why it is one of Canada’s gems, visit:

http://www.montreal.com/, or Official City Portal.

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Appendix D — Advisory Committee

Chair

Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Board of Governors Representatives

Mr. Michael Boychuk

Mr. Peter Coughlin

Mr. Stuart Cobbett

Ms. Maryse Bertrand

Senate Representatives

Amélie Quesnel-Vallée

Valérie Orsat

Lawrence Chen

Terry Hébert

Student Representatives

PGSS Representative

Jacob Lavigne

SSMU Representatives

Erik Partridge

Special Advisor

Christopher Manfredi, Provost and Vice-Principal Academic

Chief of Staff, Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Susan Aberman

Secretary

Edyta Rogowska

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CONFIDENTIALITY (ODGERS BERNDSTON)

Odgers Berndtson respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by

candidates in our search assignments. In accordance with the Personal Information Protection

and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”), a copy of our Privacy Policy is available for your

review on our website at: http://www.odgersberndtson.ca/ca/privacy-policy/

Odgers Berndtson is a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants and

operates in a manner consistent with the AESC Code of Ethics.

By providing us with a copy of your resume and any subsequent personal information directly or

from third parties on your behalf such as references, you understand that it has been furnished

with your consent for the purpose of possible disclosure to our client, who has agreed to comply

with our Privacy Policy. We will not disclose your personal information to clients without your

prior knowledge and consent.

Thank you for considering this important opportunity. This document is intended to

provide the reader with information and is not a contractual document. Some of the

material therefore may be subject to change. Please feel free to contact us should you

have any questions.

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Morty Yalovsky

Interim Vice‐Principal,Administration and Finance

Joyce Donohue

Senior Advisor,Governance

Patrick Ritchie

Administrator,Governance

Julie Prsa

Executive Assistant to the Vice‐Principal and 

Administrative Officer

Christine Wang

Administrative Coordinator

Stephanie Isaacs

Senior Director

Geneviève Côté

Senior Project Manager

Joan Soares

Senior Advisor,Organizational Development,

My Workplace

Lea Cameron

Senior Advisor, McGill Innovation Agenda and 

Workforce Management

Paolo Errore

Senior Project Manager

Office of the Vice‐Principal,Administration and Finance

7/12/2016

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Morty Yalovsky

Interim Vice‐Principal,Administration and Finance

 

Cristiane Tinmouth

Associate Vice‐Principal, Financial Services

 Ghilaine Roquet

Associate Vice‐Principal,Information Technology Services

 

Giovanna Santullo

Executive Director,Internal Audit

(Dual Reporting: VP A&F and Chair of Audit Committee)

Janice McGraw

Associate Director, Risk Management and Insurance

 

Lynne B. Gervais

Associate Vice‐Principal,Human Resources

 Robert Couvrette

Associate Vice‐Principal,Facilities Management and Ancillary 

Services 

Sophie Leblanc

Chief Investment Officer 

University Units Reporting to the Vice‐Principal, Administration and Finance

7/12/2016