Nina Duras

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Senior operations and business manager with 20+ years of experience leading HR, finance, governance, facilities, and administration within complex academic and non-profit environments. Trusted advisor to senior leadership, recognized for discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to bring clarity and stability to complex operations. Proven record managing multi-million-dollar budgets, supervising unionized and casual staff, and stabilizing operations during periods of growth, transition, and change.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Operations & Organizational Leadership
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Oversight
• Human Resources, Labour Relations & Hiring
• Staff Leadership & Team Development
• Governance, Committees & Board Support
• Strategic Planning & Implementation
• Change Management & Start-Ups
• Policies, Procedures & Compliance
• Facilities, Space & IT Coordination

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Department Manager (Part-Time)

German Department, University of Toronto | January 2020 – Present

• Provide senior operational leadership across HR, finance, academic administration, facilities, and IT for a small academic department.
• Manage planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and reconciliation of all financial accounts.
• Supervise 2–7 unionized staff and up to 20 casual or part-time contracts; advise on hiring, performance management, and HR matters.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Director and Associate Directors on operational, financial, and program planning.
• Coordinate facilities, space, and departmental IT in collaboration with central university units.

Consultant

Department of Communications, University of Toronto | September 2019 – January 2020

• Engaged by executive leadership to support strategic planning and organizational review.
• Assessed operational workflows, meeting structures, and information flow; developed practical, implementable recommendations.
• Conducted consultations with managers and staff; produced written reports and implementation guidance.
• Supported onboarding, professional development, and internal process improvements.

Interim Manager

School of Cities, University of Toronto | August 2018 – March 2019

• Recruited to establish and lead operations for a newly formed academic unit during a senior leadership transition.
• Built foundational systems across HR, finance, administration, IT, and programming.
• Opened and equipped physical office space; developed job descriptions and hired initial staff.
• Supported branding, website launch, and the rollout of education, outreach, and research programs.

Department Manager

Department of Geography, University of Toronto | September 2013 – August 2016

• Led all HR, finance, administration, facilities, and IT functions for a large academic department.
• Oversaw a $6M+ operating budget, including research grants, endowments, and multiple funding streams, ensuring financial compliance and accurate forecasting.
• Supervised 2–7 unionized staff and up to 20 casual or part-time contracts.
• Supported academic hiring, performance reviews, tenure, and promotion processes.
• Advised senior leadership on operational planning and resource allocation.

Department Manager / Business Manager

Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), University of Toronto | July 2004 – August 2013

• Directed all financial, administrative, and operational functions for a national research institute.
• Managed multi-million-dollar budgets, grants, trusts, and complex funding structures supporting a national research institute.
• Supervised 2–7 unionized staff and up to 20 casual or part-time contracts.
• Provided expert guidance on HR policy, collective agreements, and academic procedures.
• Served as operational lead for the CITA Council, a national body of elected professors.

EARLIER CAREER

Progressive leadership and management roles in arts, cultural, and educational organizations, including the Royal Ontario Museum, various art galleries and York University, with responsibilities spanning program management, staff supervision, budgeting, and outreach.

EDUCATION

• Master of Museum Studies – University of Toronto
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Art History – McGill University
• Digital Photography Certificate – Ryerson University