Job Description

StudentsNS is an alliance of Nova Scotia post-secondary student associations. We give students a united voice in Nova Scotia, helping set the direction of post-secondary education by researching challenges, identifying solutions, and creating the political space needed for these solutions to happen.

Our seven member associations are the Acadia Students’ Union (ASU), Atlantic School of Theology Student Union (ASTSU), Cape Breton University Students’ Union (CBUSU), Saint Francis Xavier University Students’ Union (The U), Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), Kingstec Nova Scotia Community College Student Association (KNSCCSA) and Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia Community College Student Association (AVNSCCSA).  Taken together, we represent post-secondary students on campuses from Yarmouth to Sydney.

The Executive Director is StudentsNS’ lead staff member, sole employee of the Board who is directly responsible for all other staff members. The Executive Director must ensure research projects uphold an elevated standard with respect to writing quality, evidence and consistency with StudentsNS’ values. The Executive Director is responsible for co-planning and supporting engagement activities with students on our member campus. StudentsNS also has a significant media profile, and the Executive Director must effectively communicate the organization’s messaging to the public in print, online, on the radio and on television. The Executive Director represents StudentsNS and multiple tables with government, post-secondary institutions and other partners. The Executive Director is also responsible for responsibly managing the organization’s operations, including its finances and human resources.

This is a highly demanding and rewarding position. StudentsNS has significant influence to create changes that support students, youth and all Nova Scotians, but our effectiveness depends to a very significant extent on our Executive Director.

Duties and responsibilities

Uphold the will of the Board of Directors as expressed in the internal governance policies, the Strategic Plan, the Annual Plan, Position Papers, the Budget and minutes of Board of Directors meetings;
Liaise directly with the President and seek the President’s advice – including on whether the Board of Directors must be convened – when unsure of the Board’s views on a particular issue within their purview;
Supervise Students Nova Scotia staff in accordance with the objectives identified by the Board;
Manage the finances of Students Nova Scotia in cooperation with the Vice President Administration and in accordance with legislation and the organization’s internal policies;
Ensure that all Students Nova Scotia files and records are maintained in accordance with legislation and the organization’s internal policies;
Ensure that all Students Nova Scotia property is maintained in proper working order, including by keeping web platforms fully-functioning and up-to-date;
Prepare quarterly reports to the Board of Directors regarding activities pursued and results obtained by Students Nova Scotia and assist with annual reporting;
Provide assistance and guidance to the Board of Directors in developing short and long-range plans, goals and measurable results indicators for Students Nova Scotia;
Prepare and coordinate research for policy development and advocacy;
Communicate Students Nova Scotia’s views online, in the community and through the media and act as Students Nova Scotia’s primary official spokesperson;
Maintain engagement with government officials, other student organizations and other external groups;
Provide orientation to new board members in partnership with outgoing board members;
Assist the Board of Directors in the improvement of Students Nova Scotia’s internal governance;
Explore opportunities for greater collaboration with student associations outside of Students Nova Scotia’s membership;
Ensure that the succession in the Executive Director position occurs as smoothly as possible, including by planning their departure well in advance, providing training to their successor and preparing an exit report;
Act as custodian of Students Nova Scotia’s seal;
Act as one (1) of the signing authorities of Students Nova Scotia; and,
Perform other duties as directed by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Commitment to StudentsNS’ mission and principles.
Drive to learn.
Attention to detail.
Commitment to non-partisan advocacy.
Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent informal or non-formal training.
Minimum 1-2 years experience in related work.
Ability to think strategically.
Strong writing ability, i.e. capacity to express complex thoughts in language that is easily and quickly understood.
Innovative, critical, analytical thinker with a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
Public speaking and group facilitation skills.
Training and experience in media relations.
Strong familiarity with PSE issues and the current political environment in Nova Scotia.
Financial management experience.
Experience as a team leader/supervisor.
Understanding of government structure and lobbying.
Ability to use computer software such as the Microsoft Suite to create documents, charts, graphs, etc.
Driver’s licence.
General knowledge of internal governance policy an asset.
Experience seeking external project funding an asset.
Experience with student government an asset.
Experience working in a dynamic team in a small office environment an asset.
Bilingualism an asset.

Conditions of employment

Start date: August 4, 2015 (flexible)
Two-year contract with possibility of renewal based on performance.
40 hours/week with flexibility.
Salary: $37,941-$44,265 annually.
Benefits include health and dental insurance.
Travel within Nova Scotia and possibly elsewhere in Canada.
Professional development opportunities.

StudentsNS is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons, and queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered persons to self-identify.

Please apply by email to director@studentsns.ca no later than June 17, 2015 at 12pm (noon). Correspondence should be addressed to the StudentsNS Hiring Committee with the subject line StudentsNS Executive Director 2015. Applications must include a 1-page cover letter, a Curriculum Vitae/resume, a writing sample and contact information including telephone numbers for four (4) referees, at least two (2) of whom can attest to the applicant’s research and writing ability. Please quote competition number ED0520-CB when applying.

Any questions regarding this job posting may be addressed to Kyle Power, StudentsNS Executive Director, by email at director@studentsns.ca or by phone at 902 331 0628.

Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.