Executive Director

JOB POSTING - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OUSA is looking for a motivated and knowledgeable Executive Director to join our close-knit Home Office. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate, driven, outcomes-oriented individual to manage the activities of a dynamic staff team, while directing the policy and advocacy goals of an established and respected student organization.

Under the supervision of OUSA’s Steering Committee (Board of Directors), the Executive Director will provide policy and government relations advice while facilitating and supervising the organization’s research, policy, communications, and events activities. The Executive Director will also represent the organization to government and sector stakeholders.

OUSA Home Office is based in Toronto and is a small, open workspace. OUSA operates in a hybrid workplace, but applicants must be available to handle regular in-person office affairs. Applicants must also be at ease juggling the demands of their work while also taking part in a vibrant, social work setting.

POSITION: Executive Director

DEADLINE: 11:59PM on January 6th, 2026

HOURS OF WORK: The position is 40 hours per week with the requirement to work some evenings and weekends. Some travel is required.

COMPENSATION: $70,000-80,000 plus vacation time, professional development opportunities, and health and dental benefits.

LOCATION: Hybrid work environment with regular in-person office business (Toronto, ON) and mandatory in-person conferences and events across Ontario.

GENERAL SCOPE OF DUTIES:

Working with the Steering Committee, the Executive Director acts as the chief steward for the organization, managing and directing all operations, programs and activities of the Home Office. Reporting to the Steering Committee, the Executive Director acts as a key spokesperson of undergraduate students to the provincial government and other stakeholders.

The role of the Executive Director is comprised of both internal and external elements. The Executive Director serves as the general manager of office activities and staff, while also leading advocacy efforts and managing all external relationships.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties are assigned by the President and/or the Steering Committee and may include the following:

• Assisting in the preparation and administration of the annual budget, supporting OUSA’s annual audit, and ensuring the overall and day-to-day financial health of the organization;
• Monitoring OUSA’s short- and long-term investment strategy;
• Hiring, evaluating and supervising all office staff, and administering benefits and health plans;
• Overseeing the Home Office and all tasks related to office operations;
• Managing internal and external conflicts between personnel;
• Advising the Steering Committee in strategic and organizational planning;
• Creating and implementing government relations strategies to further the advocacy objectives of OUSA;
• Reporting progress on organizational short- and long-term objectives to the Steering Committee;
• Proactively managing relationships with the provincial government, sector stakeholders, and members to further OUSA’s objectives;
• Hosting OUSA’s conferences and other events;
• Advising and assisting the student representatives on OUSA’s Steering Committee in all matters relating to advocacy, policy, and management.

The Executive Director is directly accountable to Steering Committee and reports to the President.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, public policy, or other related field;
• 2-4 years of work experience in a relevant field;
• A strong background in the post-secondary education sector;
• A strong background with Ontario’s political landscape and public policy
• Impeccable oral and written communications skills and analytical thinking skills;
• Exceptional organizational skills;
• A demonstrated understanding of relationship management/government relations practices;
• A demonstrated understanding of student associations and student advocacy;
• A demonstrated political acuity and sensitivity: ability to navigate complex issues within the context of the organization’s policy directives;
• The ability to convey the ideas of others to a range of audiences and build relationships to influence change;
• A proven ability to mentor, motivate, and empower youth leaders;
• The ability to work independently and within a team;
• A strong, self driven desire to excel and achieve;

The following would be considered strong assets:

• 1-2 years of non-profit management experience;
• Experience with or a strong understanding of student government;
• Strong team building skills;
• Experience working on closely with or within government;
• Prior experience with OUSA;
• At least a G2-class (or jurisdictional equivalent) driver’s license;
• The ability to communicate in English and French.

Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual interview and will be notified no later than Friday, January 9th, 2026. First round interviews will be held on January 16th, 2026 and will be conducted via Zoom. Candidates selected for an interview will also be asked to prepare a written assignment prior to the interview.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications above and describing your interest in the position.

Please apply to:

Stephen DeCordova, Vice-President Human Resources

vphr@ousa.ca

OUSA encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to racialized, Black, and Indigenous individuals, those with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

OUSA is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). If you require accommodations for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please email vphr@ousa.ca.

Formed in 1992, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) is a non-profit advocacy organization that represents the interests of approximately 160,000 professional and undergraduate, full-time and part-time university students at nine student associations across Ontario. OUSA is run by a Steering Committee made up of elected student representatives from each of our member associations. Day-to-day activities are carried out by five full-time office staff. For more information, please visit our website at www.ousa.ca.