ABOUT THE STUDENTS’ UNION

The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) is the official student-run organization for undergraduates at the University of Alberta. We aim to improve the undergraduate student experience through the services, events and spaces that we provide. We also advocate on behalf of students within the university community, and to all levels of government.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive health, dental & vision benefits for you and your family.
• Life & disability insurance.
• A matching RRSP contribution program.
• Generous and flexible vacation benefits and other leave.
• An open, supportive, collaborative and innovative organization — we thrive on the great ideas of our team.
• The opportunity to make a difference by working at a not-for-profit organization.
• An annual Wellness Spending Account to better your life outside of work.
• Additional training & professional development opportunities.

ABOUT UASU GOVERNANCE

The UASU’s Governance department supports various bodies, representatives and officers in their overall fulfillment and execution of governance activities for the UASU and related student representative entities. The department advises, educates, empowers and provides administrative support to the UASU executive and senior leadership, Students’ Council, various governance committees, the elections office, student representative associations, the members and officers of these governance groups, representative students-at-large, and other relevant entities.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Governance Support Coordinator works to ensure the effectiveness of all levels of governance at the University of Alberta Students’ Union. This is achieved through providing support services to student governance organizations such as Students’ Council, the Council of Faculty Associations (CoFA) and the Council of Residence Associations (CORA). The Governance Support Coordinator will maintain records of governance procedures and conduct research on governance processes. A key role of the Governance Support Coordinator is building and maintaining relationships with Students’ Council. The Governance Support Coordinator will facilitate the adjudication and distribution of UASU award and grant funding. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain professional relationships with student governance representatives through a blend of in-person and online contact.
• Provide information and advice on University of Alberta governance processes to student representatives, as requested.
• Develop, maintain and distribute useful resources for student governance representatives.
• Coordinate and ensure the timely and efficient production and archiving of agendas and minutes for Students' Council and other committees. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Collecting source material
  • Editing and proof-reading
  • Liaising with source to ensure accuracy
  • Managing governance records
  • Preparing and circulating agendas, minutes and other relevant materials
  • Tracking attendance and providing reports on attendance 
  • Ensuring accuracy of relevant transcripts and action item summaries. 
• Schedule and ensure support is available for meetings for Students' Council, the Council of Faculty Associations (COFA) and the Council of Residence Associations (CORA).
• Coordinate timely and efficient follow-up concerning decisions made by Students' Council, CORA and COFA, when such follow-up is required or advisable.
• Oversee the implementation and development of governance engagement opportunities such as the Council Mentorship Program. 
• Provide dedicated support to Students’ Council and its committees, as well as relevant boards. 
• Maintain and ensure that the website for Students’ Council and other committees is kept up to date and all documentation is posted correctly.
• Manage inquiries from the undergraduate community regarding UASU governance and processes. 
• Participate in UASU committees, task forces, and working groups as required.
• Design, update and execute processes for the adjudication of UASU award funding to students. 
• Track, receive and review reporting documents from students and student groups in relation to UASU award funding. 
• Liaise with the UASU Marketing & Communications Department to develop and implement outreach and awareness campaigns about available award funding. 
• Facilitate the release of project funds according to timelines and conditions set by adjudicators.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Governance Team and be a strong team player. 
• Perform all duties with impartiality and with respect for the integrity of governance processes.
• Provide back-up support to the Governance Manager and the department.
• Assist in the development of budgets, reports, research and planning activities.
• Perform other work-related duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience, with preference to a relevant field of study, such as corporate governance, business administration, economics and public policy, or equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong creative thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize between multiple responsibilities. 
• Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, students, and the general public.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment. 
• Ability to work in office and in a hybrid environment. 
• Experience in facilitating/chairing meetings.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with the operation of Apple products and Google applications
• Experience developing a thorough understanding of bylaws, policies, procedures and protocols in a governance context.
• Good working knowledge of parliamentary procedure (e.g. Robert’s Rules of Order) and procedures for the conduct of meetings, both formal and informal.
• Understanding of UASU governance structures and operations. 

Working Conditions

• Number of hours worked per week may vary, with an average of 37.5 hours expected
• Willingness and ability to work varying hours as needed, including some evenings and weekends
• Work is primarily in-person on the University of Alberta campus. Hybrid work may be possible to accommodate.