McMaster is a university with impact. Ranked among the top 100 universities globally, through its cutting-edge research and world-class teaching and learning, McMaster University is focused on advancing human and societal health and well-being – in the local community and around the world. As the pioneer of problem-based learning, McMaster has a rich history of educational innovation. With over 37,000 students, more than 8,000 continuing faculty and staff, and a vibrant research enterprise, McMaster is consistently ranked among Canada’s top research universities and recognized as a Hamilton‑Niagara Top Employer and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.

Guided by values of trust, respect, accountability, integrity, and teamwork, Financial Affairs at McMaster partners closely with faculties, departments and central services to provide strategic financial leadership and stewardship in support of McMaster University’s academic, research, and operational mission. The unit ensures strong governance, regulatory compliance, and high‑quality financial services while supporting informed decision‑making and long‑term financial sustainability across the University.

It is within this context that McMaster University is seeking a collaborative, forward-looking leader to join its Financial Affairs portfolio as Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives - a unique opportunity to shape how the portfolio delivers change and supports McMaster’s broader institutional ambitions.

Reporting to the AVP & Chief Financial Officer, the Associate Director serves as a central integrator across a dynamic portfolio, aligning strategy, governance, and execution to advance institutional priorities. The Associate Director will lead the planning and delivery of multi‑year strategic initiatives, strengthen project and governance frameworks, and support enterprise‑wide transformation through disciplined project management, change leadership, and executive‑level decision support. Acting as a trusted advisor and partner to senior leaders, they will synthesize data, develop actionable insights, and translate strategic objectives into measurable outcomes while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance culture.

The ideal candidate has experience leading and enabling multi-faceted strategic priorities in a complex organization, a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, and the ability to resolve complex issues in an evolving environment. The role requires advanced strategic thinking, excellent analytical skills, strong project management discipline, governance acumen, and clear, timely communication. The Associate Director will demonstrate an ability to work collegially and constructively with a wide variety of stakeholders across the University and will champion equity, diversity, and inclusion as core organizational priorities.

McMaster has partnered with the leadership advisory firm Odgers for this search. Applications are encouraged immediately online and ideally by June 24, 2026. For more information or accommodations at any step of the process, please contact Krutika Hotwani at mcmasteradsi@odgers.com. This posting is for a newly created position.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share their commitment to equity, diversity 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+.