ABOUT ONTARIO TECH STUDENT UNION
The Ontario Tech Student Union, lovingly referred to as the OTSU, is a not-for-profit organization that aims to enhance the student experience at Ontario Tech University. We’re a small team comprised of full-time staff, part-time staff, and our elected Students Executives and Board of Directors. Our offerings to students include essential services, extracurricular clubs, a health and dental plan, esports community, and advocacy. Our offerings to our staff include an amazing, collaborative team dynamic, the ability to truly make an impact for students, and just an overall great vibe. This is a fast-paced team, we work quickly and our landscape is constantly changing, it’s part of the fun at the OTSU!
POSITION INFORMATION
The Executive Director oversees the management and operations of the Student Union as directed by the Board of Directors, President and in accordance with applicable legislation, OTSU by-laws, policies, and procedures. The Executive Director leads the management of services, financial planning, risk management, and leadership of staff and responsible for translating and executing the vision and direction as set out in the Board of Director’s strategic vision. The Executive Director also acts as the corporate secretary in support of the organization’s governance structure.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Governance
- Acts as the corporate secretary in supporting the Boards of Directors governance requirements including organizing monthly meetings, acting as a professional advisor, and providing operational reports;
- Participates annually with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the Student Union;
- Ensures that the goals of the strategic plan are continually being implemented and reviewed;
- Increases and develops the effectiveness of Student Union Services;
- Provides organizational leadership to the staff team as directed by the Board of Directors; and
- Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the Student Union;
Human Resource Planning & Management
- Establishes and maintains an HR infrastructure that ensures a positive, respectful, healthy and safe environment for all staff, volunteers, and students;
- Fosters engaged collaboration and communication between management, directors, and staff, particularly in reference to the strategic plan;
- Maintains a positive labour relations relationship with unionized and management staff;
- Ensures all organization staff are given an orientation and receive adequate direction, training, supervision, and evaluation; and
- Coaches and mentors staff and students, fosters professional development and manages conflict resolution efforts when necessary.
Financial Planning & Management
- Oversees all organizational financial matters including proper financial controls, processes and reporting;
- Participates in development of operational and financial policies with the Board of Directors and Financial Controller;
- Collaborates with the Financial Controller to provide regular financial reporting to the Board of Directors;
- Negotiates major contracts relating to services and vendors;
- Collaborates with the Financial Controller, Executive, and Board of Directors to support the development of the Student Union's annual budget; and
- Serves as a signing authority for the Student Union as power delegated by the Board of Directors.
Community Relations & Advocacy
- Ensures that the Student Union has an innovative and suitable Public Relations strategy;
- Communicates with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the Student Union;
- Establishes good working relationships with Ontario Tech University, community groups, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization; and
- Manages the Communications & Marketing Department to ensure that marketing, communications, branding, and digital services of the Student Union accurately reflect the strategic vision set by the Board of Directors.
Legal Affairs & Risk Management
- Ensures that the legal obligations of the Student Union are fulfilled and any litigation involving the Student Union is handled responsibly, in collaboration with the Board of Directors;
- Ensures compliance with applicable government, regulatory, or organizational requirements;
- Oversees insurance and risk management aspects of the Student Union;
- Performs a risk management assessment of all Student Union events;
- Holds responsibility for the security and integrity of facilities and other assets; and
- Ensures that staff, student, and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration, Higher Education, or other related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience;
- Masters degree in Business Administration would be considered an asset.
Experience
- Progressive senior management experience leading a non-profit organization and working with a volunteer Board of Directors;
- Experience in managing a unionized environment;
- Experience in overseeing an annual operating budget;
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation applicable to non-profit organizations including, but not limited to: Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Employment Standards Act, Ontario Labour Code, AODA, the Ontario Human Rights Code, etc.
- Ability to think and plan strategically by assessing the options and actions based on trends, research, and conditions in the environment as it applies to the vision and values of Ontario Tech Student Union;
- Proficiency in financial management and financial reporting across multiple departments within an organization;
- Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and procedures, and a commitment to a fair and transparent processes;
- Excellent communication (verbal, written and presentation) skills with the ability to influence key stakeholders;
- Ability to remain calm and professional in emotionally charged situations; and
- Solid computer knowledge skills to learn and use new software.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL EFFORT
On an infrequent basis, some physical labour may be required e.g. moving materials around the office, setting up folding tables, or putting up decorations and other items for special events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions. There is occasional commuting between campuses, to off-campus business or community events.
SENSORY ATTENTION
Working on a computer, working with and communicating with students, staff and community members.
MENTAL STRESS
This position requires attending evening meetings from time to time and working some weekends. The incumbent must be able to work flexible hours in order to be successful. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and work through complex situations. Responsible for the work done by their staff.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applications are only accepted via this online portal, emailed resumes will not be accepted.
The Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) thanks all those who apply but only those whose background closely matches the requirements of the position will be contacted for an interview. Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon a background check. OTSU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We respect people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify the hiring lead.
The OTSU has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by receiving all required doses of a vaccine approved by Health Canada at least 14 days prior to the commencement of their employment, or as otherwise recommended by public health authorities. We will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons or on the basis of any other protected ground, as required under applicable human rights legislation .
The student union acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.
