Vice President, Finance & Campus Services

MANITOBA INSTITUTE OF TRADES & TECHNOLOGY
Vice President, Finance & Campus Services

THE ORGANIZATION:   MANITOBA INSTITUTE OF TRADES & TECHNOLOGY           
Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) provides training at the secondary, post-secondary and post-graduate levels, and provides programs in English language training and adult learning.

MITT hosts a full-time high school program through MITT High School as well offers a mix of secondary partnerships with school divisions including Pembina Trails School Division, Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM) and others. A unique offering with Pembina Trails is the PTEC program which allows students to focus on cyber defence or software developer training starting in grade 11.

At the post-secondary level, MITT offers certificate, diploma, and post-graduate programs for career-oriented students in six clusters of specialization: design and manufacturing technologies, applied business, information and communication technology, skilled trades, health care, and human services.

MITT is a leading provider of continuing education opportunities and offers several pathway programs for adult and language learners, including the English Language Institute, ESL for qualifying newcomers to Canada, and one of Manitoba’s largest Adult Learning Centre networks.

With less than one third of its funding from government grants, MITT prides itself on being nimble and entrepreneurial which fuels our tag line – Industry Driven and Student Focused. Through deep collaboration with industry, we develop programs that provide a skilled workforce for employers and successfully bridge students from classroom to career.

MITT has grown substantially since launching in its current iteration in 2014 as a hybrid institution, which builds on our 30-year legacy under the names of Winnipeg Technical College and South Winnipeg Technical College. MITT has 13 locations in Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, and St Norbert. Today, we have over 30 programs, 400 staff, and 4000 students with a budget of more than $40 million annually.

In 2022, MITT launched its second five-year strategic plan since receiving its new mandate, focusing on five theme areas: Teaching and Learning, Student Experience, Relationships, Team, and Sustainability. MITT is committed to making education accessible, removing barriers, and welcoming students from all communities in the province and across the globe to create a diverse and inclusive campus community.

There are critical aspects of the organization that are still maturing and require direct oversight from the Vice President, Finance & Campus Services. These items include, but are not limited to, development and implementation of systems and infrastructure, policy development, process improvement.

To learn more, please visit MITT’s website.

THE OPPORTUNITY:   VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & CAMPUS SERVICES    
The Vice-President, Finance and Campus Services (VPFCS) in partnership with the Executive Council is accountable for the overall leadership, strategic direction, vision and operational management of key corporate functions and specifically is responsible for the Finance and Campus Services division, including Finance, business services, Facilities and Campus Services (including Cafeteria, virtual bookstore, Workplace Health and Safety, emergency management and Security Services), Information Technology and Systems Development. As a member of the Executive Council and the MITT Leadership Team, the VPFCS provides strategic advice and makes recommendations to the President and the Governing Board concerning the Institute’s activities and plans.

The VPFCS is the Chief Financial Officer of the Institute and the Treasurer to the Governing Board and therefore has significant accountability for the financial sustainability of the Institute. The VPFCS oversees capital planning and management utilizing partnerships and funding opportunities that directly align with projected growth for diverse student enrollment coming from local, regional, national and around the globe. The VPFCS is responsible for overseeing the preparation and analysis of MITT’s annual budget, currently $50 million.

The VPFCS will assist with leading strategic and operational planning aspects for MITT’s overall growth strategies while overseeing the implementation and delivery of business, financial and IT systems transformation. The VPFCS will ensure that business, IM/IT, risk management and finance strategies interact to support the organization’s goals and commitments to its Governing Board, the stakeholders, and the students. The VPFCS will provide risk management analysis and recommendations keeping in mind the entrepreneurial / revenue generating requirements of the institution. This includes providing risk management support to Executive Council and its constituent departments. The VPFCS will provide insight and leadership to the identification and support of new initiatives, business development ideas, revenue generation, assessment of financial merits including risks and the potential long-term impacts. The VPFCS will ensure appropriate controls are in place, including the monitoring of all financial processes across departments.

The Vice President, Finance & Campus Services will work closely with the members of the Executive Team, which includes the Vice President, Academic, the Vice President, Business and Organizational Development and the Vice President, External and Corporate Affairs / Secretary to the Board.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:             
Financial Leadership, Risk Management, Monitoring, Financial Management & Reporting

• Provides financial leadership for the Institute as a member of Executive Council, and Treasurer to the Governing Board,
• Promotes a climate of fiscal responsibility and accountability within the MITT community. Accountable for financial results for the Institution and specifically the Finance and Campus Services division,
• Responsible for risk, insurance, and legal issues at MITT. Promotes and develops an appropriate risk management understanding, framework, and practices. Development of the Risk Management function,
• Leads the annual budget process and ensures its integration with the Institute's strategic planning process. Provides direction and guidance to all MITT department managers on budget preparation. Works with Directors and Managers to ensure departmental budgets and business plans are congruent with overall mission and strategic goals of the Institute. Presents the completed budget to the Governing Board for approval. Ensures budget submissions to the Province are made on a timely basis,
• Provides similar budget and reporting leadership for cost recovered programs, special funding and new program launches. This requires responsiveness to the funding organization – federal and/or provincial government or other,
• Responsible for reporting to the Governing Board, the President and management on financial performance against budget along with recommendations for solutions to financial problems,
• Responsible for treasury function at MITT including cash management and investing activity,
• Formulates and issues new financial policies and procedures, as required, to protect MITT assets and to facilitate financial stability,
• Leads financial management of the MITT charity including preparation and submission of Annual Charity Return to Canada Revenue Agency,
• Acts as liaison for the Institute to the Province on financial matters,
• Analyzes financial data and prepares financial reports, statements, and projections.

Information Technology / Systems Development Management

• Responsible for the oversight of and support to MITT’s IT and Systems Development team,
• Participates in the development of the technology strategy and implementation,
• Supports strategies that ensure high quality financial and performance data is produced and available through MITT’s enterprise systems and hardware,
• Promotes an equitable, ethical, confidential, and secure IT environment.

Facilities Management

• Supported by a team of professionals, the VPFCS provides leadership and vision in the planning, development, and maintenance of all MITT facilities,
• Co-ordinates and directs the preparation of plans and programs for the construction, maintenance, development and improvement of MITT properties, facilities, and services, and recommends any changes or improvements which will improve the quality of such services,
• Responsible for ensuring that Facilities enable future growth and other strategic initiatives,
• Responsible for Space Planning to ensure space requirements align with Strategic, Academic & Operational plans,
• Responsible for emergency situations as required, as Incident Coordinator Emergency Response, and when designated by the President.

Leadership

• Working with the Executive Council, the VPFCS plays a lead role in the development of an ethical, respectful, and inclusive work environment, facilitates interaction between departments, and fosters productivity, professionalism, and morale,
• Responsible for building project teams as required for achieving and integrating the strategic goals across the Institute,
• Responsible for the overall efficient operation of the Institute in alignment with MITT's mission, vision, values, strategic and operational plans, and policies and procedures,
• Ensures compliance with the Strategic and Operational Plans, policies and procedures, and other initiatives approved and established by the Executive Council.

Other Responsibilities

• Attends all Governing Board meetings as the Treasurer and provides necessary information and advice to the Governing Board for the purposes of approving by-laws,
• Develops strategic alliances between the Institute and other organizations, including post-secondary institutions,
• Encourages and leads development of new sources of revenue for the Institute and explores opportunities to reduce expenditures where appropriate,
• Supports the insurance and purchasing working groups. Ensures that MITT purchasing policies and practices are consistent with public sector organizations and allow for efficient operations,
• Participates in policy development and process improvement,
• Building external relationships and creating a positive stakeholder environment.

Additional Information
Decisions made by the President in response to MITT’s Strategic and Operational Plans determine the goals and objectives of the VPFCS. Parameters for actions and decisions are limited to those factors, the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology Act and other legislative requirements, the budget, and MITT Policies and Procedures. In addition, this position has significant influence on the development of the Strategic and Operational plans, the budget, and MITT Policies and Procedures.

An in-depth understanding of all aspects of the "business" of the Institute is required. The rapid pace of change and growth at MITT also necessitates the ability to make quick, well-thought-out decisions on issues brought forward by departments in the Finance and Campus Services division, in the event of urgent or emergency situations as well as other areas as required. Frequently, challenges and issues are brought to the Executive Council for consultation and/or information.

Employee Supervision

Number of Employees Supervised:        
# of Direct Reports: 3     
# of Indirect Reports: 56+

List the titles of all direct reports:           
1-Director, Capital, and Facilities Management   
1 Executive Director, Information Technology      
1-Director, Finance Operations  

List the titles of all indirect reports:        
Capital and Facilities Management: Project Manager, Capital Strategy; Project Coordinator Senior Manager, Facilities; Coordinator, Security; Campus Security and Resource Officer; Coordinator, Safety and Health; Plumber; Coordinator, Custodial Services; Custodians; HVAC/R Mechanic; Maintenance Technician; Electrician; Carpenter Coordinator, Food Services; Cafeteria Cook/Cashier; Cafeteria Cashier Facilities.

Finance: Senior Manager, Finance Operation, Manager, Financial Planning and Projects, Financial Assistant; Accountant; Accountant I; Accountant II, Senior Payroll Administrator; Payroll Administrator IT Infrastructure: Director, IT Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure Services Lead; Helpdesk Support Technician; IT/LMS Technician.

Qualifications & Experience      
Degrees, Diplomas & Trade Certificates:

• Relevant post-secondary education: CPA or equivalent with exceptional skills and relevant experience in finance, business, and IT,
• A university degree, preferably at the Masters level,
• Ongoing documented annual professional development.

Years and Range of Work Experience Required to Perform the Job:         
Required:

• Minimum ten years’ experience in an executive managerial role; experience supervising senior managers required,
• Strong knowledge of Pubic Sector Accounting Standards (PFAS), familiarity with Canada Revenue Agency rules and regulations (applicable to educational and charitable organizations), capital and cash flow planning, and investment terminology and practice,
• Strong knowledge of Financial Systems (Microsoft Dynamics NAV software would be an asset) and Microsoft Office products,
• Ability to integrate each of the diverse portfolios into a cohesive strategy that supports the overall Strategic Plan of the Institute.

Preferred:

• Experience and training in project management, change management and process improvement,
• Experience and training in Risk Management and Risk Management Frameworks,
• Experience and training in procurement, insurance, workplace health and safety and emergency management.

Job Competencies          
Required:

• Exemplary communicator that excels at forging relationships and collaborative partnerships,
• The ability to handle significant variation in day-to-day tasks as well as a degree of uncertainty at times,
• Must demonstrate fiscal constraint and prioritize public accountability,
• Responsiveness to the needs of MITT’s internal and external stakeholders is a requirement, as is the ability to maintain very high standards with regard to MITTs activities and operations as a public sector institution,
• Strong emotional intelligence and “soft” skills in addition to highest calibre technical skills.

Preferred:

• Must be a life-long learner, curious and capable of undertaking research and self-directed improvement.

Working Relationships:
Internal Contacts:

• President & CEO
• Governing Board of Directors
• Executive Council
• Audit & Finance Committee
• Leadership Communication Forum (LCF)
• Faculty and Support Staff

External Contacts:

• Assistant Deputy Minister, Education
• Other government staff (Apprenticeship Branch, Federal government representatives)
• Senior leadership of other post-secondary institutions
• Senior leadership of school divisions
• Colleges and Institutes Canada VPs and staff
• External legal counsel
• External auditors
• Bankers
• Various suppliers including architects, contractors, etc.
• Donors and other partners

COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

To apply, please visit our website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:   
Robin Noftall or Greg Longster   
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH    
#880—609 Granville Street         
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5 
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: vancouver@leadersinternational.com