Position: Executive Director

Reporting to: Board of Directors

Organization Status: Full-time

Salary: $65,000 + benefits (health, vision, dental, RRSP matching)

Posted: September 16, 2019

Closing: October 6, 2019

Applications must include: Cover letter, resume

Submit application to: [email protected]

Who We Are

Post-secondary education is one of the most important social building blocks of our country. The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) believes that any academically qualified student with the desire to pursue post-secondary education should not face a barrier, financial or otherwise, to obtaining that education. We are an alliance of 23 student associations from coast-to-coast, advocating that Canada’s post-secondary education system should be affordable, accessible, innovative, and of the highest quality. 

Position Profile

Do you have a passion for post-secondary education and student issues? Do you have the managerial skills, political acumen, and drive to lead a national organization? If so, then apply for the position of Executive Director, and join our small and dynamic team!

Based in downtown Ottawa and reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing research, government relations, stakeholder relations, organizational development, communications, and day-to-day office management of the organization. The Executive Director is also a spokesperson for the organization and the primary strategist working to accomplish the goals set by the student membership and Board of Directors. The Executive Director leads a team of 4-5 full and part-time employees, administers a budget of roughly $600,000, and is responsible for managing the planning of the organization’s four annual conferences, held in various locations across Canada.

Qualifications:

• A degree from a college, university, technical institute, or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
• An understanding of post-secondary education issues and social policy, as well as the way in which student governments operate
• Strong political acumen and knowledge of Canada’s federal government
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to speak in front of a large crowd or in media interviews
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• A creative drive to develop new tactics and strategies for promoting students’ interests
• Ability to work under pressure and solve complex problems
• Ability to lead and manage a small team in a collaborative environment
• Highly proficient with computers and standard office software
• An understanding of finances and budgeting for mid-small size organizations
• Willingness and drive to learn new skills

Additional Assets:

• The ability to work in both official languages of Canada (French and English)
• An understanding of not-for-profit management and governance
• An understanding of any of the following: policy development, research, advocacy, government and stakeholder relations, communications, public relations, or member relations
• Experience planning events, handling complex logistics, and developing engaging sessions and presentations
• Knowledge of NationBuilder and/or social media
• Prior media training or experience as a spokesperson
• Prior understanding of and/or experience with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations

Position Requirements:

• Being comfortable with regular travel within Canada and possess a valid driver’s license
• Being able to commit to two years in the role, at minimum
• Not have held a position that qualifies the individual as a Designated Public Office Holder within the federal government in the past 5 years, subject to The Lobbying Act.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the official spokesperson, lobbyist, and Chief Executive Officer of CASA
• Promote the policies of CASA among government, media and the public, students, and post-secondary stakeholders
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Ottawa Home Office, including managing the 4-5 full and part-time staff, delegating tasks, conducting regular employee evaluations, and hiring, whenever necessary
• Develop a budget ($600,000 annually), manage long-term financial plans, and oversee annual financial audits of CASA with the Office Manager
• Provide critical analysis of the post-secondary public policy environment
• Oversee the implementation of CASA’s 3-year Strategic Plan, and act as the organization’s primary strategist working to achieve the objectives of the membership
• Manage the organization of CASA’s four annual conferences, and participate in session development and presentations
• Maintain relationships with CASA’s member and provincial partner organizations
• Provide the Board of Directors with an active assessment of opportunities and challenges facing CASA, as well as guidance when it comes to important organizational decisions
• Participate in the preparation of presentations, government briefing packages, speeches, public relations materials, and other work of CASA
• Compile regular reports for CASA's membership on organizational progress, with assistance from CASA's Home Office staff

Why work at CASA?

• Complete exciting and meaningful work, alongside an inclusive and supportive team
• Make a real difference in post-secondary education in Canada and shape the organization for the better
• Meet important political figures in Ottawa as well as inspiring young leaders
• Flexible working culture
• Benefits & RRSP matching
• Convenient location in downtown Ottawa, close to public transportation and Parliament Hill
• Become part of CASA’s extensive alumni network based across Canada, and have access to this network for advice/historical knowledge as needed throughout your term

Application Process

• Early October: Applications will be screened to ensure that applicants meet the required qualifications based on education, experience, leadership competencies, and other conditions of employment. Applicants who are screened in will be invited to complete a written assignment.
• Late October: Successful candidates will be contacted for an in-person interview, after which the chosen applicant will be notified.
• November: The incoming Executive Director will ideally begin appointment and transition.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected]. All responses will be handled in the strictest confidence; however, only those who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

CASA is committed to employment equity and diversity, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. This includes women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation, and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. CASA also offers accommodations throughout the recruitment process, as needed. If you have accommodation needs at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us by sending an email to [email protected].