Director, Mental Health Crisis Response Education and Applied Training Program

Position Summary

The Centre for Public Safety and Well‑Being (CPSW) within the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences offers a hybrid, scenario‑based curriculum. The Mental Health Crisis Response Education and Applied Training program (MHCR) is mandatory under Ontario Regulation 87/24 for police officers and is part of basic constable training at the Ontario Police College. The Director manages the financial sustainability, strategic growth, and program operations of MHCR, representing the university’s business interests in fiscal management, strategic planning, and expansion, while supervising MHCR staff.

Accountabilities

Strategic Operations

• Main point of contact for relevant university staff, stakeholders, government or regulatory bodies, including the Manager of FHSS Continuing Education, Office of Research Services, Financial Resources, Procurement, Internal and External media contracts, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
• Responsible for negotiations, renewals, and revisions on operating agreements with external vendors.
• Identify project priorities of MHCR and develop short, medium, and long‑term goals and business plans.
• Represent Faculty of Human and Social Sciences on committees such as the MHCR Steering Committee, OACP Steering Committee, Police Services Committee, Ontario Police College Steering Committee, and OPC Working Group.
• Draft agreements and/or memorandums of understanding.
• Develop and implement protocols and best practices regarding the administration of the MHCR, including reporting, decision making, and consultation timelines.
• Liaise with and respect the expertise and responsibilities of the MHCR Scientific Officer and internal and external IP collaborators regarding the academic side of the project, particularly curriculum development and research.

Budget oversight & compliance

• Provides administrative oversight for fee structure.
• Manages finances of MHCR by reconciling projected budgets against actual expenses.
• Develops and oversees short and long‑term financial planning in consultation with MHCR financial support.

Project Management

• Leads and/or assists projects arising from prioritization of activities in existing provincial legislation and potential expansion, including direct responsibility for project management, communications, and expediting project‑related activities as approved by the Dean.
• Conducts required research in support of project objectives.
• Owns overall responsibility for business plans, budgeting, resource planning, risk assessment, meeting facilitation, financial status reporting, and presentations.
• Takes initiative to drive project agendas forward and ensure accountability of projects and processes.
• Ensures effective communication with project partners and stakeholders within the university and the external community.
• Assists with new project development through research and proposal preparation, as requested by the Dean.

Communications Management

• Acts as liaison with internal and external groups on behalf of FHSS and the MHCR program, enabling extensive subject‑matter knowledge and insightful, tactful interactions within and outside the organization.
• Works behind the scenes to address issues, prioritizing involvement of the Dean of FHSS and ensuring consistent application of policy, practice, and principles, speaking on behalf of the university in one‑on‑one interactions, group meetings, or public events.
• Collaborates closely with the Dean of FHSS and the university’s External Relations and legal counsel around strategic communications in response to specific issues.

Office Management

• Works with the SAO to establish procedures for record keeping and monitors processes to ensure security and confidentiality of data, adhering to office policies and procedures.
• Coordinates administrative staff activities to ensure operational efficiency; assigns and monitors administrative responsibilities and tasks among staff; evaluates and manages administrative staff performance.
• Recruits and selects administrative office staff; develops, implements, and coordinates strategies and operational enhancements to ensure exceptional office functionality.
• Engenders trust, teamwork, and high levels of personal motivation among MHCR project members.

Reporting Relationships

Supervises Program Operations Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in business or related field.
• Five years of experience providing project, senior administrative, and management support to a senior role.
• Preferably experience working in post‑secondary education, the mental health crisis field, law, or law enforcement.
• Awareness and understanding of human resource policies and experience with operating agreements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, support, manage, and motivate diverse teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain trust and credibility.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and non‑verbal) and relationship‑building skills.
• Knowledge of integrated strategic project planning and budgeting, and associated tools for effective reporting, timelines, resource allocation, visualization of process and outcome data, and project evaluation.
• Creative problem‑solving skills and ability to plan, prioritize, and deliver tasks on time in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong research, analytical, and technological skills.
• Ability to build business models and future planning.
• Ability to anticipate the needs and priorities of the MHCR project.
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated completion of projects with multi‑interest‑holder involvement in a complex environment.
• Ability to participate effectively in a team‑based, information‑sharing environment.
• Acceptance of additional responsibilities and capacity to work under pressure and in a changeable environment.
• High client service orientation.
• Ability to consistently exercise independent judgment.
• In‑depth knowledge of the university’s processes.

Hours of Work

Full‑time, limited‑term role with an approximate end date of July 31, 2027. Normal hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, including a one (1) hour unpaid meal period. Flexible work arrangements may be approved by the direct manager. In‑person attendance for events is expected.

Compensation

Level: MG‑2B. Hiring range: $85,357 to $106,696. Salary within sub‑ranges is determined based on qualifications, experience, market rates, internal equity, and an estimated learning curve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Wilfrid Laurier University welcomes applications from Indigenous, racialized, disabled, and LGBTQ+ candidates and encourages diversity in faculty and staff. Applicants may contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives or Equity & Accessibility for assistance.

Application Process

All applications must be submitted online. A resume and cover letter are required in electronic form.