Executive Director, Budget, Planning & Finance, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto

The Faculty of Arts & Science (A&S) is a global leader in higher education and the largest academic division at the University of Toronto – consistently ranked first in Canada and among the top Universities in the world. Home to more than 31,000 undergraduate students, 4,800 graduate students, and over 900 faculty members, A&S offers an unparalleled breadth of academic opportunities across the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Its 28 departments, 49 interdisciplinary centres, and hundreds of programs create a vibrant intellectual ecosystem that attracts over $128 million in annual research funding. Strengthened by deep partnerships with U of T’s seven colleges and other faculties, A&S delivers a distinctive educational experience and fosters a thriving community of inquiry and innovation. Its alumni network of more than 299,000 graduates spans 175 countries and includes Nobel laureates, Prime Ministers, and leaders in academia, industry, and the arts. A research powerhouse, A&S advances solutions to pressing global challenges while fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous engagement.

To support the Faculty’s continued growth, complexity, and strategic ambitions, A&S seeks an outstanding leader to serve as its next Executive Director, Budget, Planning & Finance. Reporting to the Faculty’s Chief Administrative Officer and leading a team of over 30 staff, the Executive Director will play a critical leadership role in refining and advancing the Faculty's new budget model; strengthening financial planning and forecasting capabilities; supporting major institutional modernization initiatives; and advancing a comprehensive approach to data analytics and decision-making. Serving as the Faculty's senior financial leader and trusted advisor to the Dean, Vice-Deans, Department Chairs, College Principals, and senior administrators, the Executive Director will advance the Faculty's academic and strategic priorities through sound financial stewardship and evidence-based planning. They will also foster strong partnerships across the U of T, including with central administrative units, constituent colleges, and federated universities, helping to navigate complex resource, policy, and governance considerations in one of North America's leading research-intensive institutions.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and highly collaborative leader with significant experience (10+ years) overseeing complex budgets and advising senior decision-makers in a large, multifaceted organization, ideally within the postsecondary sector. Experience working in fiscally constrained environments will benefit candidates. They bring strong financial planning, analytical, and data-informed decision-making capabilities, coupled with an understanding of institutional funding, risk management, contracts, and organizational operations. The ability to support and appreciate the heterogeneity of the Faculty’s departments/institutes/schools and how they come together to form one cohesive faculty is essential. An exceptional communicator and relationship builder, they are adept at influencing key partners, leading change, navigating complexity with sound judgment and political acuity, and building consensus across diverse groups. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and the leadership skills required to advance the Faculty's financial and strategic priorities in alignment with its academic mission.

The University of Toronto has partnered with the leadership advisory firm Odgers for this recruitment. Applications are encouraged immediately and ideally by September 30, 2026, to Julia Robarts and Krutika Hotwani. The position will remain open until filled. Inquiries, nominations, and accommodation requests can be directed to uofted@odgers.com. This posting is for an existing position and has a salary level of a PM8.

The University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities, distinguished by an extraordinary depth and breadth of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, which drives economic growth and promotes social wellbeing around the globe. Located in Toronto –Canada’s largest city – the University encompasses 18 Faculties and Schools, more than 100 departments, and 170 research centres and institutes. Its teaching programs are delivered on the historic St. George campus in the heart of Toronto’s downtown, on campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough, and in nine fully affiliated teaching hospitals. With more than 25,000 faculty, staff, and librarians, over 100,000 students of which 30% are international, and an annual operating budget exceeding $3.6 billion, the University is one of the world’s largest publicly funded research-intensive universities.

The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases its capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of its global community. U of T strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. U of T values applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening its academic mission.

In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please write to uofted@odgers.com or call +1 (416) 366-1990 for accommodation at any point in the search process.