Career Opportunities
Senior Finance and Administration Analyst
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Senior Finance and Administration Analyst
Position Description:
The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) is an agency of the Ontario government that brings evidence-based research to the continued improvement of the province’s postsecondary education system. HEQCO is looking for a senior finance and administration analyst to provide financial, corporate and human resource administration services and support for the agency. The senior finance and administration analyst is responsible for assisting the director of finance and administration to provide financial and administrative services which ensure effective, efficient and accurate operations.
Responsibilities:
- Provide financial and accounting administration of HEQCO’s budget, including budget preparation, forecasting and the analysis of actual expenditures against the overall budget
- Review all accounting transactions, including bank reconciliations, to identify and resolve errors and reconcile discrepancies
- Work with the corporate services administrator and HEQCO management to obtain expenditure inputs, update and track expenditures, provide status reports to the director of finance and administration, vice president of research and policy and the president/CEO
- Prepare a range of analyses and related reports detailing various financial and administrative data (e.g., overview of existing contracts, service providers) to support requests to the director by the leadership team, ministry, management board/treasury board and the board of directors
- Prepare quarterly and year-end financial statements for final review by the director prior to submission to auditors, the board of directors and the minister
- Provide board-approved quarterly financial statements to the ministry as backup rationale for requests for installments of HEQCO’s transfer payment
- Provides guidance and mentorship to the corporate services administrator in handling day-to-day issues and to review all accounting entries for accuracy
- Prepare a variety of human resource documentation involving new hires, changes in employee status and changes resulting from new salary rules
- Act as HEQCO’s primary contact with the external payroll service provider and the Ontario Pension Board to resolve issues impacting individual employee salary and benefits
- Act as the main contact on contractual arrangements with IT service providers responsible for IT maintenance and support, telecommunications and systems upgrades, including new IT hardware and software, as required
- Negotiate group insurance premiums and the content of coverage with HEQCO’s insurance brokers (e.g., general liability, property, officers and directors, business interruptions)
- Act as the interface between the ministry and HEQCO for capital assets, leases and management of day-to-day facilities-related matters
- Work with internal and external auditors to review reports and materials coordinated by the corporate services administrator and to respond to escalated inquiries by auditors.
- Actively participate in and support all systems, programs, services and activities of the finance and administration team
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- College diploma in bookkeeping, accounting, administration or a relevant field, including completion of some accounting courses.
- Minimum 5 years of financial and office administration experience involving bookkeeping, budget preparation, pension calculations, payroll administration and facilities coordination for a small organization.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of and skills in budget and financial analysis to balance budgets, reconcile accounts and prepare financial statements.
- Knowledge of payroll administration methods to administer the payroll for HEQCO through a third-party provider.
- Oral communication, relationship management and interpersonal skills to provide finance and administration services to internal management and staff and to liaise with service providers as a main point of contact for the resolution of service problems and contractual agreements.
- Mentoring skills to provide guidance to the corporate services administrator on day-to-day accounting and administrative problem resolution.
- Written communication skills to prepare data analysis summaries in support of financial reports and statements.
- Skilled in the use of financial and payroll software and office applications.
HEQCO is strongly committed to developing an equitable and inclusive community. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and our workplaces, and we encourage applications from racialized people, people of colour, women, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA2S+ community and others who may contribute to the diversification of our perspectives and ideas.
HEQCO operates remotely, and therefore work is conducted 100% from home using several online communication and collaboration tools.
This position will remain open until filled; however, review of applications will begin in late May. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their cover letter and resume to hr@heqco.ca by May 23, 2025. We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. HEQCO complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its regulations. If you are contacted for an interview and you are a person with a disability who requires technical aids or alternative arrangements, please inform us of your needs and how we can be of assistance.
Hiring range: $80,716 to $94,960 per annum + defined benefit pension plan
To request HEQCO material in alternative formats, please contact info@heqco.ca.
Research Intern
Location: Remote, with possibility for some in-person meetings in Toronto
Duration: 12 months
Type: Full-time contract position
Number of positions: Up to 3 Research Interns
The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) is an agency of the Government of Ontario that brings evidence-based research to the continued improvement of the province’s postsecondary education system. As part of its mandate, HEQCO provides policy recommendations to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) to enhance the accessibility, quality and accountability of Ontario’s colleges and universities. Current research topics include access to postsecondary education for historically marginalized groups, the enhancement of student learning opportunities and outcomes, and institutional and sector sustainability.
HEQCO is strongly committed to developing an equitable and inclusive community. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and our workplaces, and we encourage applications from Black, Brown, Asian, Hispanic and people of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, gender non-binary/gender non-conforming individuals and additional marginalized groups across identity intersections who may contribute to the diversification of our perspectives and ideas.
HEQCO is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its regulations as applicable. To request HEQCO material in alternative formats, please contact info@heqco.ca. We invite successful candidates to inform us if they require accommodation in the workplace.
Job description:
HEQCO is seeking recent PSE graduates to join its small and dynamic research team. We will help you develop knowledge and skills that will be useful for your career success and provide you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the current landscape of public policy research in Ontario’s postsecondary sector. You will bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a new and diverse perspective to our organization.
Reporting to one of HEQCO’s research directors, the research intern may be responsible for any or all of the following:
- Conducting literature reviews, developing surveys and performing scans on topics in postsecondary education
- Writing and preparing proposals, briefings, reports, graphs, tables and presentations for HEQCO staff
- Conducting quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis
- Conducting interviews
- Developing infographics
- Organizing and/or participating in meetings/webinars with external partners
- Writing conference proposals
- Participating in project team meetings
As a research intern, you will collaborate with HEQCO colleagues on research projects where you will be exposed to a variety of research methods in public policy. Your work will be guided by a HEQCO senior researcher who will assist in developing your skills and knowledge; additional opportunities for informal mentorship and networking with staff will be available during your internship. There will also be opportunities for professional development.
HEQCO is currently a virtual workplace and team members work remotely. Our work is facilitated using a variety of online communication and collaboration tools, including Zoom and Slack.
HEQCO hours of operation are from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday and the role is compensated at $23.50 per hour. Research interns will be required to work and attend meetings within these time parameters.
Required qualifications:
- Recently graduated from (within the past academic year) an undergraduate, diploma/advanced diploma or post-graduate certificate program
- Quantitative and/or qualitative research experience
- A demonstrated interest in the postsecondary sector, policy, and government, particularly in Ontario
- Organized, self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team in a remote work environment
- Flexible and able to adapt to research team needs as they arise
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills such as collaboration, conflict management, creativity, and critical thinking
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
Preferences and assets:
- Experience using analytic software such as Stata, R or Nvivo
- Experience using data visualization or design tools such as Tableau or Microsoft PowerBI
- Experience using Slack, SharePoint, Zoom and Microsoft programs
- Relevant work, volunteer or extracurricular experience related to postsecondary education, research and/or policy
Interested applicants are invited to submit both a cover letter and résumé electronically by (May 23, 2025 at 12 pm EDT) to the following email address: hr@heqco.ca. Your submission must be in the following format: Attach your cover letter and résumé as one (1) PDF or Word document using the following file naming format: LastNameFirstName 2025_HEQCOIntern
Your cover letter and résumé combined should not exceed three (3) pages.
As part of your cover letter, please include the following:
- Identify a current issue that you think is important in Ontario’s postsecondary sector
- Provide a brief description (125–150 words) of why the issue is important from your perspective
All interviews will take place using Zoom. Please note that only those selected to participate in the hiring activities will be contacted. If selected for an interview, you will be required to provide two (2) references for potential follow up.
Due to the volume of applications that we receive, please note that we will not confirm receipt of application packages. All applicants will be contacted by email once the position has been filled. We thank you for your interest.
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)
Toronto, Ontario (Remote – Hybrid)
The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is a transformative opportunity to lead HEQCO’s work to support the future of higher education in Ontario and beyond.
The Organization
The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario is an independent agency of the Ontario government dedicated to conducting research and providing recommendations to improve the postsecondary education system in Ontario. With a commitment to fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making, HEQCO collaborates with institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to address key issues in higher education. HEQCO’s work spans a diverse range of areas, including quality assurance, student success, access to education, and innovative learning models Since 2020, HEQCO operates within provincial directives as a virtual agency with day-to-day work at HEQCO being conducted remotely.
The Role
The President and CEO provides visionary leadership for HEQCO’s operations, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of higher education research and policy development. Reporting to the Board of Directors via the Board Chair, the CEO will drive HEQCO’s mission to enhance the quality, access, and accountability of Ontario’s postsecondary education system through evidence-based research, expert policy recommendations, and strategic partnerships. They oversee HEQCO’s strategic direction, research programs, and operational excellence while building partnerships at the local, national, and international levels to amplify HEQCO’s impact.
Key Responsibilities and Areas of Oversight:
- Strategic Leadership and Governance – Develop and implement HEQCO’s strategic vision, business plans, and research priorities to address emerging issues in postsecondary education. Provides strategic advice and reports to the Board of Directors and government officials, ensuring alignment with provincial priorities and compliance with applicable directives.
- Policy and Research Oversight – Actively guide evidence-based research initiatives and deliver expert policy recommendations to enhance access, quality, and accountability in Ontario’s colleges and universities.
- Partnerships and Sector Engagement – Cultivates partnerships and collaborations with leading higher education institutions, government bodies, and research organizations to advance HEQCO’s goals. Represents HEQCO at forums, engaging with leaders to promote innovation and share insights.
- Operational Excellence – Leads HEQCO’s staff and resources to achieve organizational objectives, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and inclusivity.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with deep expertise in higher education and policy development. They are a seasoned academic or research professional with a proven ability to lead complex organizations and drive impactful initiatives. With a strong understanding of Ontario’s postsecondary education landscape, the ideal candidate is committed to advancing access, quality, and equity in higher education.
Qualifications and Experience
While the Search Committee recognizes that candidates may not meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.
- A PhD or equivalent with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications is required.
- At least 15 years of strategic leadership experience in research-intensive postsecondary institutions or related environments.
- Demonstrated success in leading innovative policy research and evidence-based practices in higher education.
- Expertise in cultivating partnerships with external organizations and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Ontario’s postsecondary education system and its policy landscape, as well as national and international trends.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide diverse teams.
Skills and Attributes
- A deeply authentic leadership style, capable of building trusting relationships through empathy in virtual environments.
- A consultative approach with exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collectively inspire and motivate large groups of people.
- A collaborative leader who actively invests in their organization and community.
- Superior planning skills with a keen ability to establish strategic priorities and implementation plans.
- The ability to build and lead high-performing teams and engage with internal and external partners to achieve goals.
- Integrity, creativity, and sound judgment, with the ability to navigate nuanced and sensitive issues with finesse.
- Decisiveness with the ability to effectively explain decisions and bring clarity to complex issues.
- A high energy level and the capacity to balance multiple priorities while being responsive.
Why Join HEQCO?
HEQCO offers a unique platform to shape the future of postsecondary education in Ontario. As President and CEO, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative research and policy initiatives that have a lasting impact on students, institutions, and society.
Application Process
HEQCO is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Please email accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to a recruitment professional named below to ensure that accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Abbey MacLeod at amacleod@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online at: https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17365343862650000008lpc
Request for Proposals
There are no RFPs at this time.
24/25-RFP-001 Consortium on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The results of 24/25-RFP-001 Consortium on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).
HEQCO has awarded contracts and funding to the following organizations based on the submissions made under the Consortium on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) RFP:
- Business + Higher Education Roundtable: “Understanding how companies are using AI and what skills they need from new graduates” $69,999.00
- Council of Ontario Universities: “Improving Access to Digital Collections Using GenAI in Libraries” $64,459.00.
- Georgian College: “Navigating the AI Frontier: The Faculty Development Journey with AI in Post-Secondary Education” $79,100.00
- Lambton College: “Examining the Impact of AI Tutoring on Student Success in Anatomy and Physiology Courses” $107,159.00
- Six Nations Polytechnic: “Leveraging AI for Indigenous Language Learning” $55,000.00
- University of Toronto: “University-level Responses to the Impact of Generative AI” $40,997.00