Executive Director

About this position

About the GSS

Formed in 1966, the GSS is an autonomous, not-for-profit, member-run organization responsible for serving, representing, and advocating for nearly 3,000 graduate students at the University of Victoria. We operate the Grad Centre at UVIC and are democratically governed by our graduate student members. We offer services to support the social, cultural, financial, and academic well being of our members. We are advocates for the value of public education to civil society and equitable access to higher learning. 

Our members are passionate about their diverse fields of study. Many of our members study by distance and 30% of our membership are international students. Due to COVID-19, a higher proportion of members are currently studying online and GSS services have been shifted to online delivery or suspended for the upcoming academic year. 

At the GSS, we strive to foster a positive and inclusive community for our members. Our membership comes from diverse backgrounds and we recognize that diversity leads to new ideas and greater cultural understanding. We acknowledge the chronic marginalization of women, Indigenous persons, persons of colour, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTT2SQ+ communities, and members of groups that regularly experience discrimination in the Canadian labour force and in post-secondary education. The GSS is committed to removing these barriers and upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all of our practices and policies, including our hiring practices. 

The Role of the Executive Director 

The University of Victoria Graduate Students’ Society (GSS) is seeking an experienced strategic leader to oversee governance, finances, and operations of the GSS. The Executive Director supports the annually elected Executive Board in preparing agendas, researching policy proposals, and facilitating the annual plan. 

The Executive Director is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising our dedicated team of employees. At peak period they work hands-on delivering member services alongside the office staff and engage directly with our membership on a daily basis. 

The GSS is an independent organization, and the Executive Director is responsible for maintaining positive relationships with other offices at the university to resolve individual student issues and consult on policy relevant to graduate students. 

While the University and the GSS adjust to COVID-19, you will have a direct hand in shaping how best to continue offering services to our members and representing their interests in a primarily virtual environment. Additionally, when in person gatherings are once again commonplace, revisiting the food and beverage services offered by the GSS will also be a primary concern for the new Executive Director.

Full Job Description: 

https://gss.uvic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-07-Exec-Director-Job-Description.pdf

Please note: The current job description contains duties that have been suspended due to changing operations and are marked with *.

Relevant Skills & Experience

* Experience in non-profit management and governance 

* Experience with budget development and financial controls (document preparation, auditing)

* Experienced in negotiation and contract management

* Demonstrated ability to manage unionized staff in a progressive and collaborative manner

* Experience researching, drafting and analyzing policy

* Superior people skills: calm and cool temperament, excellent conflict resolution skills, and the ability to support students in crisis

* Strong communication skills, including experience communicating in cross-cultural environments and with those who speak English as an additional language

* Ability to foster a positive and productive work environment

* High ethical standards, ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality

* Experience with graduate studies and university policy

* A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, master’s degree preferred

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $57,000 to 62,000 a year (based on experience), plus benefits including: 

* Extended health, vision, and dental coverage 

* RRSP matching 

* Casual work environment

* Subsidized bus pass 

This posting is for a permanent position upon successful completion of a probationary period

Working Conditions

* Schedule based on a 35-hour work week with additional hours during peak periods in September/October and March/April compensated by paid time off in lieu during December intersession

* At least one evening a month will be required for attendance at meetings 

How to apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter to gssjobs@uvic.ca by September, 2020.  [Please attach cover letter and resume as a single PDF with your last name as part of the file name.] Shortlisted candidates will be asked to participate in a preliminary writing exercise. Following this exercise, selected candidates will be invited to participate in an interview (via video conference). 

If you have any questions about this job posting, please contact gssfinan@uvic.ca. Following a review of the resumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.