Executive Director, Strategic Revenue Initiatives

The Executive Director, Strategic Revenue Initiatives provides strategic leadership for the identification, development, and advancement of new revenue-generating opportunities that support OCAD University’s long-term financial sustainability, institutional priorities, brand and community values.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Finance & Administration (VPFA), the Executive Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive revenue diversification strategy focused on expanding existing revenue streams, identifying emerging business opportunities, and establishing new commercial ventures, partnerships and enterprise initiatives. The role works collaboratively across the University, including, but not limited to: the School of Continuing Studies, Copy & Print Services, Merchandise & Design Product Sales and Event Sales. The role operates at a strategic level, assessing market opportunities, developing business cases driving business performance, and identifying new opportunities for revenue growth.

The Executive Director serves as a central catalyst for revenue growth and business development across the institution. While the role does not assume day-to-day operational responsibility for existing units or override the authority of leaders currently accountable for the various portfolios, the Executive Director is expected to work alongside established unit leaders to enhance revenue generation, operational sustainability, market reach and institutional growth. Success in this role requires the ability to influence, align, and mobilize cross-functional teams within this shared accountability framework to advance integrated revenue growth strategies.

This is one (1) year appointment with the possibility of renewal dependent on the metrics of success and growth. Within six (6) months of the term, the incumbent will be expected to develop and present a strategic plan for the University that allows for revenue growth within the associated departments listed above.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth

• Develop and implement a comprehensive auxiliary revenue diversification strategy aligned with OCAD U’s strategic, academic, financial and operational priorities.
• Lead the development of formal business plans, feasibility studies, financial models and implementation plans for new revenue initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate new revenue-generating opportunities, partnerships, and commercial ventures, including market expansion and innovation initiatives.
• Ensure auxiliary operations contribute meaningfully to institutional financial sustainability targets.

Enterprise Growth Initiatives

• In collaboration with members of the Executive Team, lead cross-functional initiatives designed to generate new sources of institutional revenue
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), financial targets, and benchmarking measures aligned with sector best practices.
• Collaborate with leaders to identify new opportunities for professional learning, auxiliary services, facility use, and partnership development.
• Facilitate the exploration and development of new enterprises and revenue-generating services.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and cost optimization across auxiliary functions.
• Support existing unit leaders in assessing opportunities for revenue expansion, while respecting their operational accountability and decision-making authority within their portfolios.
• Develop frameworks to help prioritize revenue opportunities based on strategic alignment, financial viability, market demand, operational capacity, risk and institutional impact.

Financial Management & Business Planning

• Develop financial projections, business models, revenue forecasts, and return on investment analyses for proposed revenue initiatives.
• Ensure rigorous financial analysis, performance tracking, and reporting frameworks are in place to support decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of approved revenue diversification initiatives against established targets, timelines and key performance indicators.
• Advise pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and commercial agreements to maximize revenue and mitigate risk in collaboration with unit heads to ensure new business initiatives align with the University’s long-term strategy
• Support integrated planning across revenue-generating activities to reduce duplication, identify synergies and align initiatives with institutional priorities.
• Ensure financial analysis and reporting frameworks support transparent, evidence-informed decision-making

Governance, Reporting & Accountability

• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and risk management practices across auxiliary enterprises.
• Develops implementation plans for approved revenue initiatives and monitors execution progress, reporting regularly to the Vice-President, Finance & Administration on status, outcomes, risks, and corrective actions required
• Provide no less frequent than semi-annual updates to the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee (AFRC) on operations, revenue metrics, and KPI achievement.
• Prepare and present strategic reports and recommendations to senior leadership and governing bodies.
• Ensure transparency and alignment with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and public-sector accountability expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Deans, administrative leaders, and service units.
• Develop and manage external partnerships with vendors, service providers, and commercial collaborators.
• Represent the University in negotiations with external partners and business development initiatives.

People Leadership

• Lead project teams, working groups, and cross-functional initiatives in support of revenue diversification objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Provide strategic guidance, business development expertise, and mentorship to colleagues engaged in revenue-generating initiatives.
• Support change management activities associated with the development and implementation of new revenue opportunities.

Qualifications:

• A graduate degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with special consideration for the professional and community-based experience of equity-deserving groups
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in revenue-generating operations, auxiliary services, commercial enterprises, or related fields.
• Experience within a post-secondary institution or similarly complex, public-sector environment is strongly preferred, with specific experience and knowledge of Continuing Studies in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in developing business strategies, growing revenue, and managing multi-unit operations.
• Demonstrated commercial revenue-development experience in a University, Continuing Studies, executive education, professional learning or comparable public-purpose institutions.
• Experience reporting to senior executives and governance bodies (e.g., Board committees).
• Strong business acumen, financial management, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth while balancing mission and public accountability.
• Expertise in business case development, financial modeling, and scenario planning.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong communication skills, including executive-level presentation and reporting.
• Ability to lead change, innovation, and complex organizational initiatives.
• Ability to both think and act strategically, balancing vision with the ability to implement that vision.
• A collaborative and consultative working style with an ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally in a manner that gains & maintains trust, respect and cooperation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and judgement, with a demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive or confidential matters with discretion.
• Personal qualities that include integrity, openness, fairness, resourcefulness, and confidence, coupled with an accessible style, optimism, enthusiasm and high emotional intelligence
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, decolonization and Indigenization.

Mode of Work: Hybrid

Compensation: $138,200.00 to $162,554.00 annually.

*The successful incumbent has the option of pay in lieu or enrollment in benefits.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract with an expected duration of 1 year.