Job Opportunities

The Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer (henceforth referred to as the Executive Director) holds a pivotal role in advancing the mission and enhancing the overall experience of graduate students at Western University. This key leadership position is responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations, and fostering a vibrant and supportive community. The Executive Director collaborates with the SOGS Executive Team and Board of Directors to shape and implement initiatives that positively impact the academic, professional, and social aspects of graduate student life. The Executive Director will play a vital role in ensuring the organization’s continued growth, financial stability, and commitment to the diverse needs, well-being, and success of Society staff and the graduate student community.

The Executive Director is a paid, full-time permanent, 35-hour per week position, and includes employee health and dental, wellness, and professional development benefits.

Experience working in higher education, human resources, non-profit, and/or student governments is an asset. Candidates should have sufficient experience managing programs and staff. A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education and experience)is required, a graduate degree is preferred.

SOGS is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or expression.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please be in touch if any specific accommodations would support you through your application process.

Applications are due by 11:59pm EST on Monday, June 24. To apply, please submit a cover letter (1 page max) and resume by email to jobs@sogs.ca (JOBS at SOGS dot CA).

** Please note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Learn more about the ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define and communicate a compelling vision for SOGS that aligns with its mission and values.
• Work with the Executive and Board of Directors to refine and implement strategic plans.
• Lead the Society through periods of change, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
• Inspire and motivate staff and key stakeholders to embrace the organization’s vision.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure the smooth and efficient daily operations of the Society, overseeing programs and services.
• Implement policies and procedures to optimize productivity and resource allocation.
• Evaluate operational processes regularly, setting clearly defined and measurable goals and key performance indicators, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational operations.
• Provide accurate and timely reports to the Board of Directors, outlining the operational condition of the organization.

Community Engagement and Inclusivity

• Develop and implement strategies to create a vibrant and inclusive community for graduate students.
• Collaborate with students, student groups, university administration, and external partners to strengthen campus and community ties and enhance the overall graduate student experience.
• Advocate for and implement initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within SOGS and the broader graduate student community.

Financial Stewardship

• Manage, alongside the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Vice President Finance, the budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Engage directly and regularly with the Board of Directors to ensure financial and operational transparency.
• Allocate resources effectively to support the financial stability and growth of SOGS and its subsidiaries.
• Analyze financial data to make informed decisions regarding fiscal responsibility.
• Implement financial policies to safeguard the organization’s financial health.
• Act as one of the three signing authorities for SOGS, alongside the President/CEO and the Chair of the Board/Chief Governance Officer.

Risk Management

• Conduct regular assessments to identify trends and potential risks to the organization’s operations, reputation, and financial health.
• Mitigate and manage legal risk and govern all compliance-related activities.
• Drive contingency planning, ensuring the organization can manage unexpected situations in periods of growth and contraction.
• Provide regular updates to the Executive and Board of Directors on the organization’s risk landscape.

Staff and Leadership Development

• Collaborate with the CEO to recruit and retain a talented and diverse team that reflects the values of SOGS.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment while keeping employees and management accountable to organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Oversee the facilitation of staff onboarding and provide professional development support and resources.
• Prioritize the well-being and success of SOGS staff, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Conduct annual performance reviews of the Society’s management team.

Expected Start Date: Monday, July 29, 2024

Starting Salary: $65,000 – $85,000

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Education:

• Master’s Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• Management: 3 years (preferred)

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We’re looking to hire one (1) part-time Front Office Support staff to help better support the Society.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Office and Membership Support

•  Will provide professional and helpful front desk support;
•  Will answer telephone and email inquiries in a timely and professional fashion;
•  Will pick up mail daily from designated area/s;
• Will receive and distribute student inquiries to the appropriate Executive Officer, Committee, staff person, or campus partner;
• Will support the Membership Services Manager by receiving applications for subsidy programs and answering general questions;
• Will support administrative duties such as filing, tracking committee voucher program and supporting the distribution of the department grant and foodbank programs;
• Will support the SOGS managerial staff with tasks as needed;
• Will be knowledgeable about the various graduate student services, resources, and programs available on campus and be able to direct students to the appropriate services or campus partners;
• Will assist students in locating various services and places on campus;
• Will issue bus passes to students using current technology and requirements;
• Will receive general inquiries in person, by telephone, and email concerning the Health & Dental Plan and related health and medical services.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Currently enrolled at Western University or affiliate campus as a graduate student (i.e., are a SOGS member).

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Must have strong customer service and interpersonal skills;
• Must have exceptional written and oral communication skills;
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and concerns;
• Tact and diplomacy in all working relationships with the graduate student membership, campus partners, SOGS staff;
• Flexibility and poise for working in a changing environment;
• Initiative and self-direction to complete tasks;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to troubleshoot;
• Ability to work as a team with graduate student Executive Officers and SOGS managerial staff.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to use basic computer programs such as Google Suite, and Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Experience working in the university sector and with student populations.

TIME COMMITMENT: 

This position is expected to have a workload of 12-hours per week (2 days per week from 10 AM to 4 PM, 6-hours per day).

REMUNERATION: $22 per hour

INTERESTED IN APPLYING? 
Send a brief cover letter (250 words or less) outlining why you’re the perfect fit for the position and includes your weekly availability, along with your resume to jobs@sogs.ca by Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 4 PM.