Governance and Advocacy Specialist
Job Description
The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) has an exciting opportunity for the right person to engage and work with students (with an emphasis on providing them with the supports, resources, and tools to enable them to perform as strong leaders and advocates). If you have a passion for working with students, and get great satisfaction from helping those around you succeed, the MSA is the place for you.
The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) was designed and created as a separate entity from Mohawk College. The Association was built for and is led by students.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
We empower Mohawk Students to create a community they can lean on for positive experiences, relevant supports, a listening ear, and a strong voice so they can achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond.
Led by the Executive Director and an elected Student Board of Directors (BOD), we are a Non-Profit Organization that supports students through our Areas of Focus – Advocacy & Leadership, Engagement & Support, Sustainability & Operations. While we are separate from Mohawk College, we do work collaboratively with the college to reach our goals.
We believe in fostering an environment where all staff members feel Purposeful, Supported, and like they Belong. Together daily, we live and bring our values to life to ensure we achieve our student-centred Vision and Mission.
MY MSA TEAM
Every day is a new challenge, and you are continually looking for ways to help our team become more efficient and effective. As an asset to a team that is In This Together, you collaborate with our BOD, advocate for best practices, and pitch in where needed. You Believe it’s Possible and contribute in transformative ways within and beyond your department through insight and support.
WHAT YOU DO
As the Governance and Advocacy Specialist, you will work closely with the Board of Directors and support them in their development as student leaders, as well as guiding them in their advocacy efforts. You act as a “connector” by paying attention to student concerns, offering information and documentation, connecting them to the Board for further support while connecting the Board to appropriate people and resources to assist.
What Success Looks Like in This Role:
You understand the issues and challenges post-secondary students can face. You thrive on helping student leaders develop their skillset because their success is our success. You recognize that student engagement is a priority and support those efforts, particularly around participation on committees, attendance at AGMs and throughout the election processes. You have a keen eye for detail and policy writing/interpretation and researching industry best practices.
Requirements & Prerequisites
HOW YOU DO IT
Responsibilities
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Board Management
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Coordinates and participates in the onboarding process and annual training of the Board of Directors.
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Coordinates and documents meetings, retreats, training and supports all other activities related to the Board.
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Provides non-political advice and acts as a mentor and resource to the Board of Directors.
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Establishes best practices through research and networking, provides recommendations regarding events and conferences that support the MSA strategic plan.
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Governance & Policy
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Provides guidance to the Board of Directions regarding the interpretation and application of existing bylaws and policies.
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Works with the Policy Committee, to develop and maintain governance documents including an appropriate review and revision schedule.
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Facilitates the annual submission of governance documents to the appropriate government authorities.
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Coordinates and oversee planning for the Annual General Meeting.
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Advocacy
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Supports the Board in their role in addressing student issues and concerns by advising on appropriate College contacts, supports and services.
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Assists in the Academic Appeals process by triaging student issues, providing information, connecting students to the Board and scheduling Board attendance at appeals.
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Maintains information related to government contact, public servants, relevant community partners, as well as documentation on past meetings with those groups.
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Collaborates with the Board and relevant staff on planning, implementing and evaluating advocacy activities.
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Supports the Board with the operation of the Student Rep Committees.
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Offers strategic advice and support in the development and execution of an annual advocacy plan and multi-year advocacy projects for the organization, aligned to the strategic plan.
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Coordinates and oversees research and reports on issues related to post-secondary education.
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Supports the Board’s work with provincial/federal lobbying groups by reviewing and interpreting policy papers and attends relevant workshops/conferences as required.
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Provides training and support to the Board with respect to advocacy.
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What you Need in Education, Experience and Training for your Department:
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A diploma or degree in the fields of Paralegal, Communications, Political Science, or Public Administration is preferred.
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3-5 years of experience in a governance and/or advocacy role.
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Sound understanding of issues affecting post-secondary students.
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Experience mentoring young adults and/or working with volunteers.
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The ability to work in a political portfolio while maintaining an apolitical approach.
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Proven general research skills that include the ability to conduct research, analyze information, articulate alternatives, draw conclusions and provide practical recommendations.
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Experience working with community partners and institutional stakeholders.
What you Need in Training for Team MSA
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Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
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Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
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Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking skills.
How To Apply
Please follow the link to the MSA website for more details and how to submit your application. https://www.mohawkstudents.ca/jobposting-governanceandadvocacyspecialist
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