Manager of Advocacy Services

**Manager, Advocacy Services**

The Manager of Advocacy Services is responsible for providing advocacy and support services to all students at OCAD University, providing administrative assistance to the OCAD SU Lawyer in the form of booking appointments, supporting policy development and advising on policy-related issues to the OCAD SU, as well as providing training and support to the OCAD SU Executive and Board of Directors. This position will provide assistance for students related to:
Academic misconduct, academic appeals, understanding university policies and procedures, preparing for hearings, representation at hearings, mediation, and matters relating to student life at the University, (which may include bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, victimization or vilification).

**Reports to**:
Manager of HR and Administration, OCAD Student Union Board of Directors

**Board Liaison**:
Director of Operations

**Working Relationship**:
OCAD Student Union Finance Manager, OCAD Student Union Board of Directors, OCAD Student Union Lawyer, and other OCAD Student Union staff; OCAD University departments and staff including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Sustainability Initiatives; Student Wellness Centre; Student Accessibility Services; Office of the Registrar; Faculty Departments; and occasionally the Vice-Provost, Students & International and Vice-President, Academic and Provost.

**Rate of Pay & Hours of Work**:
$31.30 per hour for 30 hours per week with annual inflation and seniority increases. Thirteen (13) paid personal days per year, 4 week’s vacation, an annual professional development allotment of $1500, and comprehensive health and dental benefits. Hours of work are flexible, scheduled between the hours of 9:00am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Work is currently hybrid in accordance with organizational COVID-19 policies, but will return to in-person delivery.

**Responsibilities**:
**60% - Advocacy and Support Services for OCAD U Students**:

- Act as a liaison between students and OCAD U faculty, administration and staff as it pertains to student rights and regulations.
- Assisting students in preparing petitions and grade appeals, writing letters, and providing support when necessary.
- Represent students in meetings, mediation, and at student hearings at OCAD U, where required.
- Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of University policies and procedures, provide students with advice and clarification in regards to OCAD U policies and procedures, andconduct thorough investigations on behalf of students to ensure that University policies and procedures have been fairly implemented.
- Maintain and make available to students a database of campus and supportive community resources.
- Produce and maintain a confidential database of case trends about student issues and share trending issues with OCAD SU Board of Directors that can be utilized in campus campaigns and projects that strengthen student rights and work towards the betterment of the learning environment.
- Write monthly Board reports summarising activity and trends of student cases.
- Work in collaboration with appropriate University personnel to assist with modifications to University policies and procedures pertaining to student rights and responsibilities as proposed by the OCAD SU Board of Directors.
- Meeting regularly with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Sustainability Initiatives regarding student issues,trends, andconcerns, including referrals. Develop and deliver workshops for OCAD U students to educate about their rights, responsibilities, and barriers, in response to case trends.
- Refer students to other Student Service departments as appropriate, and follow up.

**30% - Provide Policy Advice to OCAD SU Board of Directors**:

- Review, amend, and make recommendations to the OCAD SU and Xpace Cultural Centre Board of Directors by-laws, policies, and procedures that meet Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act requirements.
- Develop and execute introductory and ongoing training of Executives, Staff, and Xpace and OCAD SU Board of Directors (re: OCAD SU Mandate, Anti-Oppressive Practices in the Workplace).
- Reviewing OCAD SU Policies for systemic issues, liaising with the Director of Equity and Diversity.
- Act as a resource, providing advice and support to the Xpace and OCAD SU Board of Directors, Committees, and Student Groups especially around policy and equity issues.
- Follow up on projects and ideas mentioned in meetings relating to advocacy and support services, and support Executives and the Board of Directors in their execution.
- Consult with the OCAD SU lawyer on in-house legal issues and liaise between the lawyer and Xpace, Executives, and Board members.
- Book meetings for students with the OCAD SU lawyer.

**10% - Support and Administration**:

- Maintain permanent and pertinent records, including: confidential files, summary case information and case documentation kept on the work co