Director, Risk Management and Business Resilience

Director, Risk Management & Business Resilience 
Algoma University 
Location: Brampton, ON or Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Department: Business Transformation Office 
Reference #: MG-7930
  Since its establishment in 1965 as Algoma University College in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma University has increasingly assumed a national leadership role in supporting the university sector’s response to Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. Algoma’s Special Mission is guided by the 7 Grandfather Teachings and Honoring Commitments, and is twofold in nature:

1. to be a teaching-oriented university that provides programs in liberal arts and sciences and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a focus on the needs of Northern Ontario; and to
2. cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous communities and other communities in keeping with the history of Algoma University and its geographic site.

With campuses located in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins, the tri-campus model that has emerged at Algoma University leverages the unique strengths, opportunities and broader community needs of each geographic location. Through this model, Algoma provides students with rich experiential learning experiences and research opportunities across liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.

Algoma University is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful learning community; one that values the opportunities to learn from and with students, staff, and visitors from all parts of the world. Currently, Algoma University is home to over 5,000 students representing over 50 different countries, more than 430 full-time and part-time Faculty and over 150 support staff and administrative personnel.
  Reporting to the Chief of Business Transformation, Strategy and Sustainability, the Director of Risk Management and Business Resilience is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive risk management and business continuity strategies that support the university’s mission and objectives. This position will oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks across all university operations, ensuring that the institution is prepared to respond to and recover from disruptive events. Risk Program Development & Management 

• Lead the development and implementation of systematic risk assessment processes to identify and evaluate risks across all university operations, including academic programs, research activities, facilities, technology, and financial management.
• Utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks, ensuring a thorough understanding of vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with department heads and key partners to identify emerging risks and trends that may affect the university’s strategic objectives.
• Prioritize risks based on their potential impact on the university’s operations, reputation, and financial stability, ensuring that high-priority risks receive appropriate attention and resources.
• Design and implement risk mitigation strategies and action plans tailored to specific risks, ensuring that they align with the university’s overall strategic goals and risk tolerance.
• Ensure a risk lens is applied to all university projects, and project planning. 
• Recommend policies and procedures to reduce risks, enhance compliance, and improve overall resilience.
• Establish key risk indicators (KRIs) to monitor the effectiveness of risk management strategies and to provide ongoing oversight of risk exposure.
• Prepare and present regular reports to university leadership and the Board, including risk assessment findings, emerging risks, and the status of risk management initiatives.
• Ensure that risk management principles are integrated into the university’s strategic planning, budgeting, and decision-making processes.
• Work closely with academic and administrative departments to embed risk management practices into their operational procedures.
• Foster strong relationships with internal partners, including faculty, staff, and administration, to promote a culture of risk awareness and proactive risk management.

Compliance & Reporting 

• Design and oversee the university's business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Coordinate training and simulations to ensure readiness for emergencies and   disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with provincial, national, and local regulations related to risk management and emergency preparedness.
• Prepare reports for university leadership and key partners on risk management activities and incidents.
• Engage external partners, such as regulatory bodies, emergency services, and community partners, to stay informed about potential risks and best practices.
• Implement a feedback loop to continuously assess and improve risk management practices, incorporating lessons learned from incidents, assessments, and key partner input.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging risks, and advancements in risk management methodologies to ensure the university's practices remain current and effective.
• Lead and manage regular reporting of data and metrics to the Board

Collaboration & Training 

• Work closely with university departments, including IT, facilities, legal, and health and safety, to foster a culture of risk awareness and resilience.
• Communicate risk management strategies and policies to all university employees and key partners.
• Develop and deliver training programs on risk management, business continuity, and crisis response for faculty, staff, and students.
• Promote awareness of risk management practices through workshops, seminars, and outreach initiatives.
• Stay current with best practices in risk management and business resilience.
• Evaluate and refine risk management processes and policies based on feedback and changing university needs.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in risk management, business administration, emergency management, or a related field, with a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in risk management, business continuity, or related fields, (preferably in a higher education setting), or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing diverse teams. 
• Ability to inspire and motivate team members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse departments and levels.
• Knowledge of risk management software and tools.
• Professional certification (e.g., Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), Project Management Institute Risk Management Professional (PMI RMP) is an asset.
• Comprehensive understanding of risk assessment principles, risk analysis, financial reporting
• Experience with regulatory compliance and emergency management frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, set priorities, strong attention to detail, identify contentious issues, exercise good judgment, use discretion and ensure appropriate action is taken when required.