Governance and Advocacy Officer

2 weeks ago

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Lakehead University Student Union Full time

CAMPUS: Remote (some travel to Orillia/Thunder Bay as required)

TERM: May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2027; two-year contract, renewable

REPORTS TO: Executive Director (ED)

HOURS: 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday; weekends/evenings as required

COMPENSATION: $50,000 plus benefits

The Governance and Advocacy Officer is a senior team member responsible for supporting LUSU's governing structures, coordinating internal operations, and advancing advocacy efforts within the university and externally on government policies affecting students. This role oversees governance and HR functions, supports student leaders, and facilitates leadership and advocacy development. The ideal candidate has strong organizational, communication, and policy skills and a passion for student advocacy and post-secondary education.

ROLES AND RESPOSIBILITIES

Governance and Internal Support:

  • Provide administrative and logistical support to LUSU's governing bodies, including the Executive Committee (EC), Board of Directors (BOD), and committees/working groups, as well as the Executive Director (ED).
  • Prepare and distribute governance documents, such as meeting agendas, reports, and minutes.
  • Support student appointees to university governance bodies by providing training, resources, and coordination.
  • Ensure compliance with LUSU's Governing Documents and support regular updates and reviews.
  • Assist in ED researching, drafting, and maintaining agreements with the university and partners, such as the Joint Management Agreement and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

Advocacy and Policy Engagement:

  • Work with the ED to identify and prioritize key advocacy issues affecting students.
  • Support the development and execution of advocacy campaigns, policy research, and engagement strategies.
  • Monitor and analyze government policies affecting post-secondary education and student issues, providing recommendations and briefings.
  • Represent LUSU in meetings with university administration, external organizations, and government bodies as needed.
  • Draft reports, submissions, and statements on behalf of LUSU regarding student issues and policy concerns.

Communications and Engagement:

  • Develop materials and resources to support advocacy campaigns, governance initiatives, and student outreach efforts.
  • Ensure governance and advocacy efforts are clearly communicated to students and stakeholders.
  • Work with the team to develop strategic messaging on governance and advocacy-related matters.
  • Develop and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and leadership programs for student leaders as well as working with ED to support EC and BOD training.
  • Assist in creating guides and toolkits to help student leaders navigate governance and advocacy.

Human Resources:

  • Support the ED in managing the student union's HR software (BambooHR) and ensure HR policies are effectively implemented.
  • Assist the ED with administrative duties, as well as other tasks as needed.
  • Maintain and update the Employee Handbook in alignment with best practices and legal requirements.
  • Support governance-related HR functions, including policy development, compliance, and internal training.

Qualifications:

  • A bachelor's degree or diploma in a relevant field, such as political science, public administration, or business, is preferred. Equivalent experience and education will also be considered.
  • Proven experience in governance, advocacy, policy, or internal coordination.
  • Strong understanding of governance structures and organizational policies.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience supporting HR functions or familiarity with HR policies is an asset.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic work environment.
  • Passion for student advocacy, leadership development, and a deep understanding of student issues and the post-secondary sector.

Employment Equity:

LUSU is committed to the principles of employment equity. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome; in particular, applications are encouraged from Queer and Trans people, women, Black, Indigenous, and Racialized people, and Disabled People. We prioritise the hiring of individuals who experience systemic barriers to employment and invite you to self-disclose in your cover letter or on your resume. 

Please use your cover letter to tell us about your unique perspectives, experiences, and abilities as they apply to your fit within the student union's team.

Applications:

Please email your cover letter and resume to as a single PDF file with your first and last name as the file name. Address your application to Farhan Yousaf, Executive Director, and use the subject line "Application: Governance and Advocacy Officer".

Applications Due: Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:30 PM

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