AVP, Zone Learning & Strategic Initiatives

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

The team

The Office of Zone Learning & Strategic Initiatives leads programming and activities that help students develop innovation skills and mindsets that help open doors after graduation. Our collection of courses, job placements and training programs are offered alongside our world-leading startup incubator network. We bridge the gap between the university, industry and community, establishing TMU as Canada’s innovation university.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President, Academic, the AVP develops and operationalizes the strategic vision, framework, and integrated structure for TMU’s Zone Learning network (including the DMZ), The Dais, The Image Centre, and the Law Practice Program (LPP). This role drives institutional growth, elevates TMU's national and international reputation, and leads high-impact strategic projects and emerging initiatives related to experiential learning and social innovation across the university.

The AVP will be responsible for:

• Strategic Planning: Establish a centralized zone network framework aligned with TMU’s Academic Plan. Define benchmarking metrics and operational models to ensure long-term sustainability, effectiveness, and collaborative innovation across all existing and emerging zones.
• Zone Network Leadership: Provide operational, administrative, and financial leadership across the Zone Network, The Dais, The Image Centre, and the LPP. Direct change management processes and ensure organizational structures mitigate legal and reputational risks.
• Strategic Networking & Relationship Building: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, industry partners, government ministries, non-profits, and international entities.
• Venture & Partnership Development: Collaborate with DMZ Ventures to support startups with customer acquisition, market validation, and connections to investors and corporate advisors. Pursue revenue-generating initiatives and equity-focused programs (e.g., women in entrepreneurship).
• Budget & Financial Oversight: Oversee annual operating budgets, enforce robust financial controls, safeguard university assets, ensure audit readiness, and manage fiscal risk for all reporting entities.
• Operational Leadership: Direct non-academic and support services, manage critical paths for Provost-assigned strategic initiatives, and coordinate closely with central university administration (HR, Financial Services).
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and evaluate a direct-report team consisting of Zone Leaders, Executive Directors (The Dais, LPP, Strategic Partnerships), Directors (The Image Centre, Programs and Strategy), and departmental staff.
  

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

Qualifications
To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant progressive leadership experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Stakeholder management
  • Technology transfer / commercialization in industry-specific disciplines
  • Project leadership
  • Innovation ecosystems
• Proven experience supervising staff within a unionized environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Ontario, Canadian and International post-secondary systems; detailed knowledge of university programs, policies, systems, and operations.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning and business acumen.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and public relations skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence, advocate and negotiate with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to build consensus in a diverse culture and environment

Additional Information (MAC)

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University’s sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated record of dependability/reliability and a commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.