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Job Title


Chief Operating Officer


Company : Dalhousie University


Location : Halifax, Halifax County


Created : 2026-04-21


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role. Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canadas leading research-intensive university and a driver of the regions intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018. Job Summary The Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine ( APMPM ) is a large, complex clinical and academic department that provides patient care, delivers education and conducts research in the areas of anesthesia, pain management and perioperative medicine. Reporting to the Dalhousie Department Head, the Chief Operating Officer ( COO ) is accountable for the effective and efficient operations of the Department and of the Departments Clinical Academic Funding Plan ( CAFP ). The COO provides executive leadership, stewardship and oversight over the Departments human, financial and other resources and is a senior member of the Departments leadership team. The COO also provides strategic and operational advice to the Head and other leaders in the Department. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and advice to the Department Head, Chiefs, and Executive Committee, ensuring alignment with Faculty of Medicine, health authority, and government priorities. Oversee governance, financial management, accountability, and reporting for the Departments Clinical Academic Funding Plan ( CAFP ). Lead financial stewardship of departmental operating and capital budgets, including physician compensation, billing, forecasting, and regulatory compliance. Direct all administrative and operational functions, including finance, HR, governance, policy, IT, space planning, risk management, and performance accountability. Partner with medical leadership to advance the Departments academic mission in research, education, and clinical training across all learner groups. Lead faculty recruitment and mentor senior administrative staff, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, continuous improvement, and strong stakeholder engagement. Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person at the Victoria General hospital site. Required Qualifications Masters degree in business, health administration, public administration, organizational development or other related discipline, plus approximately seven to ten years of experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience). Considerable administrative leadership experience at a senior level within a complex organization. Significant financial experience and knowledge managing large, complex budgets and financial systems. Experience successfully managing a broad range of large administrative units including significant change projects. Strong relationship management and stakeholder relations expertise and the ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically across and within diverse organizational units. Assets Experience within a university and/or healthcare setting. Financial designation such as a CPA. Core and Leadership Competencies Respect & Inclusion Thinking and Acting Strategically Relationship Building Resource & Process Management Change & Innovation Additional Information Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program. Application Consideration Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture. Diversity Statement Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mikmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who selfidentify as members of one or more of the equitydeserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equitydeserving groups please visit . If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here . Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Rsum / Curriculum Vitae (CV) Optional Documents Cover Letter #J-18808-Ljbffr