Senior Director, Business Transformation & Finance chez Simon Fraser University

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

SFU’s Advancement & Alumni Engagement (AAE) team fosters lifelong relationships with friends and alumni and thoughtfully connects our partners to the ideas and initiatives that matter most to them. We provide meaningful opportunities and experiences to empower donors to transform lives and communities through philanthropic investment and meaningful engagement. 

About the Role

The Senior Director, Business Transformation & Finance, is a key resource within Advancement and Alumni Education (AAE). The role supports SFU's mission by enhancing philanthropic connections, promoting SFU's brand, and advancing goals in fundraising through strategic planning and program development. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the role uses data-driven insights to continuously refine engagement efforts and foster an environment where philanthropy contributes meaningfully to SFU's growth. The role is responsible for providing financial, operational, and administrative leadership to the AAE Donations Administration Team, Gift Documentation Team, Information Systems Team, and the HR/Budget Team. The role advances Advancement's strategic goals and objectives with a focus on business transformation and financial improvement projects and initiatives and oversees all activities to ensure compliance with institutional policies, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations and industry best practice standards.  The Senior Director also supports and provides expertise to a wide range of functions within Advancement, including budget planning, resource allocation, personnel planning, procurement compliance, information services, and operations management.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

Master's degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, or a relevant field, with a professional accounting designation (CPA) with ten years of related experience, including experience in a senior leadership role in a multifaceted fundraising program, involving strategic planning, program management, including fiscal management and personnel management, as well as experience in non- profit societies and boards, working with senior level volunteers; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Strong expertise in university governance, CRA, and IRS regulations, with demonstrated compliance leadership.
• Experience in designing robust financial models to forecast revenues, control costs, and drive strategic insights.
• Experience in enterprise-wide planning, program development, and performance evaluation.
• Champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Budget planning, fiscal management, and revenue optimization skills.
• Experience in change management, conflict resolution, negotiation, and cross-functional facilitation.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [email protected].