Manager of Communications

Formed in 1992, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) is a non-profit advocacy organization that strives to effectively and responsibly represent Ontario’s full- and part-time undergraduate students to lobby for an affordable, accessible, accountable, high-quality, and equitable higher education system. In order to achieve these goals, OUSA provides research and policy solutions to government, organizes campaigns, communicates priorities, and develops partnerships with post-secondary education sector stakeholders. With a membership of approximately 160,000 undergraduate, professional full- and part-time students, OUSA is one of the largest and most respected student organizations in the country.

POSITION: Manager of Communications

DEADLINE: 11:59pm on Monday August 18th, 2025

HOURS OF WORK: Position is 40 hours per week with the requirement to work some evenings and weekends.

COMPENSATION: Annual salary starting at $56,000-60,000; including vacation time, professional development opportunities, and health and dental benefits.

START DATE: Late September 2025

LOCATION: A hybrid work environment based in downtown Toronto, with mandatory in-person conferences and events in Toronto and across university campuses in Ontario; however day-to-day work can be completed remotely.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Communications is responsible for all internal and external communications of the organization to stakeholders, online audiences, and media.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinating, planning, and editing engaging content for OUSA’s social media;
• Creating original content by taking photos and videos to be included in OUSA’s communications;
• Maintaining and managing content of the main website including its blog and our monthly newsletter
• Regularly preparing press releases and media advisories, and managing relationship with print, web, radio and television media on post-secondary education related stories and editorial submissions;
• Designing and producing publications, promotional material, and government submissions;
• Assisting in the preparation of press releases and media advisories;
• Implementing the visual identity and branding of the organization; and
• Organizing OUSA’s annual public awareness campaigns on post-secondary student issues.

The ideal candidate should possess:

• a university baccalaureate degree or above;
• strong organization skills with exceptional attention to detail;
• a command of Microsoft Word and Excel;
• strong writing and communication skills;
• familiarity with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop considered an asset;
• proficiency of social media platforms and their associated features;
• background or relevant experience in the post-secondary or non-profit sector considered an asset;
• experience working directly with post-secondary students considered an asset;
• experience and affinity for working in a collaborative team environment;
• excellent personal initiative and strong work ethic;
• ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure; and
• familiarity with OUSA’s structure and operations.

While OUSA is a professional organization, it is intimately connected with university students. This youthful attitude transfers into a highly charged and passionate workplace that creates a unique opportunity for both satisfying and creative work. OUSA makes every effort to reward employees with both a relaxing and exciting environment and a job that gives them the chance to build and develop their skills.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and sample of work that highlights how you meet the above qualifications. The sample of work should demonstrate your graphic design and/or creative abilities (e.g. portfolio, social media posts, posters, infographics).

Candidates selected for an interview will be notified no later than August 25th, 2025. Interviews will be held on September 8th. Interviews will be available during and after business hours, and will be facilitated virtually through Zoom.

Please send cover letter and resume via e-mail to:

Malika Dhanani, Executive Director
e-mail: hr@ousa.ca

More information and resources can be found at www.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 2SLGBTQ+ 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 hr@ousa.ca.

The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) 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 full-time office staff. For more information, please visit our website at www.ousa.ca.