Associate Registrar, Strategic Initiatives and Administration
Anticipated Start Date: June 22, 2026
Hiring Range: $104,000– $133,000 (prorated to contract term)
The Office of the Registrar (RO) provides a number of services to both prospective and current students and is the primary source of information on enrolment, convocation ceremonies and important student dates and events throughout the year. We are a smart, collaborative group of approximately 100, spread across eight departments: Student Services and Financial Support, Undergraduate Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions, Records, Systems, Scheduling & Examinations, Communications, and Central RO Administration. This supportive and dynamic team works together to provide assistance to students from their first-point-of-contact with McMaster until they graduate.
Job Summary
The Associate Registrar, Strategic Initiatives and Administration provides strategic and operational leadership and planning across key portfolios, including budgeting, reporting, financial processing, revenue oversight, registrarial communications, convocation, human resources management, and space planning.
Reporting to the University Registrar, the Associate Registrar leads the monitoring, analysis, and interpretation of financial and operational information across multiple initiatives, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to internal and external partners. This role provides strategic oversight of RO resources, identifies opportunities for cost savings and sustainability, and assesses areas of operational and financial risk.
The Associate Registrar also ensures compliance with university financial policies and maintains strong internal controls to support the accuracy and completeness of financial information. This role collaborates with colleagues to evaluate the financial and operational impacts of projects, proposals, organizational changes, and budget forecasts. The role delivers high quality services and recommends business improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and service delivery.
Accountabilities
Strategic Planning
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Develops and implements short and long term strategic administrative and financial plans to support RO units based on their knowledge of the various business/service strategies, student priorities, capital projects, operational resource requirements, student enrolment as well as growth and revenue opportunities
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Provides strategic guidance and advice to the Registrar and RO managers to ensure effective operations and delivery of programs and services and consistent application of policies and procedures.
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Compiles and oversees the compilation and reporting of key metrics, performance indicators and benchmarks that support targeted outcomes and performance commitments.
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Maintains up-to-date knowledge of university-wide strategic plans, priorities, challenges, and issues to assist the Registrar in aligning Unit strategies and initiatives with university goals.
Leadership
Leads the centralized RO functions of finance, human resources, convocation, and the current student communications team.
Reviews and oversees external surveys and documents submitted on behalf of the University in registrarial areas.
Collaborates with departmental leadership to develop and implement operational resource plans aligned with future requirements.
Oversees the design and development of communication initiatives that support the Registrar’s priorities and institutional mission.
Leads space and project management activities, and partners with the University Registrar on space planning decisions.
Approves major purchases and services within delegated authority, ensuring alignment with project needs and approved budgets.
Human Resources
Oversees centralized HR operations by ensuring adequate staffing and skills across RO units, advising the Registrar on administrative operations and policy impacts, and maintaining consistent HR‑related systems and processes aligned with university requirements.
Leads organizational design initiatives by assessing structural requirements across RO units and recommending organizational design approaches that enhance effectiveness, alignment, and service delivery.
Collaborate regularly with the HR partner to support design implementation of the related people and culture planning activities
Financial Strategy, Operations and Compliance
Advises the University Registrar on the University's Budget Allocation Model including impacts to the RO
Ensures the efficient and effective strategic management of RO’s resources and provides advice to the University Registrar on cost savings opportunities, sustainability considerations, and areas of financial risk. Ensures RO compliance with university financial policies and establishes appropriate controls to support the accuracy and completeness of financial information prepared for both internal and external purposes across multiple units.
Leads the development and planning of the annual operating budget and provides consultation. Leads the analysis and preparation of the annual budget forecast.
Evaluates revenue-generating activities across the various units from both short- and long-term perspectives and resolves complex budget and funding issues to optimize resource utilization and achieve strategic objectives.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls, procedures, and monitoring frameworks to ensure financial activities align with budget expectations and institutional requirements. Accurate and timely financial reporting is provided to a range of internal and external partners including reporting tied to Ministry grants and strategic alignment funding.
Convocation
Communications & Marketing
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Oversees the management and development of the RO’s proactive communication and marketing strategy
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Collaborates with the department leadership in the development and implementation of operational resource plans that are consistent with future operational requirements.
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Oversees the design and development of communication initiatives in support of the Registrar’s priorities, as well as the institution’s mission and priorities
Health and Safety and Risk Management
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This position is responsible for the support/oversight of ensuring compliance with Health and Safety legislation and University Policies including financial risk management
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In collaboration with the Registrar, this role manages/supports the development and implementation process relating to Business Continuity, Emergency planning and Crisis Management
Qualifications:
A university degree in a related field (Business, Economics, HR). Master’s Degree in related field is an asset.
5-7 years of senior managerial and financial experience working within a complex and diverse environment.
Demonstrated financial forecasting, analysis and management of a complex and varied portfolio
Development and monitoring of large complex budgets
Results oriented, demonstrated ability to effectively plan and organize priorities in a busy setting with multiple and competing demands. Is adaptable and flexible.
Demonstrated success in relationship management, project management, contract negotiation and strategic planning.
Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to make decisions independently and collaboratively
Strong strategic and financial management and planning skills
Knowledge in Canadian Labour law an asset
Experience in administration services (eg. Finance, human resources, operations, technology infrastructure, project management)
Thinks strategically, articulates a clear vision, and ensures alignment with the University goals and objectives
Strong verbal and communication skills with the ability to communicate to a wide variety of partners
Operates with tact, discretion and high level of emotional intelligence, sound and rational judgement
Utilizes a collaborative, consultative and inclusive approach with colleagues and other community members.
Innovative and forward thinking, researches best practices, able to support/lead others in adapting to changing and challenging times
