Job Description
Company Description:
Started in 1963, the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) was initially a social club that hosted a weekly pub night. Since then, SOGS has evolved, growing in membership and expanding its services to consistently enhance graduate student quality of life at Western University.
Today, SOGS is a student government, an advocacy organization, and a student union.
More information can be found at sogs.ca.
Job Description:
The Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer (henceforth referred to as the Executive Director) holds a pivotal role in advancing the mission and enhancing the overall experience of graduate students at Western University. This key leadership position is responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations, and fostering a vibrant and supportive community. The Executive Director collaborates with the SOGS Executive Team and Board of Directors to shape and implement initiatives that positively impact the academic, professional, and social aspects of graduate student life. The Executive Director will play a vital role in ensuring the organization's continued growth, financial stability, and commitment to the diverse needs, well-being, and success of Society staff and the graduate student community.
The Executive Director is a paid, full-time permanent, 35-hour per week position, and includes employee health and dental, wellness, and professional development benefits.
Experience working in higher education, human resources, non-profit, and/or student governments is an asset. Candidates should have sufficient experience managing programs and staff. A bachelor's degree is required, a master’s degree is preferred.
SOGS is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or expression.
Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please be in touch if any specific accommodations would support you through your application process.
Applications are due by 11:59pm EST on Monday, June 24. To apply, please submit a cover letter (1 page max) and resume by email to jobs@sogs.ca (JOBS at SOGS dot CA).
** Please note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Expected Start Date: Monday, July 29, 2024
Starting Salary: $65,000 - $85,000
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Roles & Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define and communicate a compelling vision for SOGS that aligns with its mission and values.
- Work with the Executive and Board of Directors to refine and implement strategic plans.
- Lead the Society through periods of change, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
- Inspire and motivate staff and key stakeholders to embrace the organization’s vision.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure the smooth and efficient daily operations of the Society, overseeing programs and services.
- Implement policies and procedures to optimize productivity and resource allocation.
- Evaluate operational processes regularly, setting clearly defined and measurable goals and key performance indicators, and identifying areas for improvement.
- Lead initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational operations.
- Provide accurate and timely reports to the Board of Directors, outlining the operational condition of the organization.
Community Engagement and Inclusivity
- Develop and implement strategies to create a vibrant and inclusive community for graduate students.
- Collaborate with students, student groups, university administration, and external partners to strengthen campus and community ties and enhance the overall graduate student experience.
- Advocate for and implement initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within SOGS and the broader graduate student community.
Financial Stewardship
- Manage, alongside the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Vice President Finance, the budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Engage directly and regularly with the Board of Directors to ensure financial and operational transparency.
- Allocate resources effectively to support the financial stability and growth of SOGS and its subsidiaries.
- Analyze financial data to make informed decisions regarding fiscal responsibility.
- Implement financial policies to safeguard the organization’s financial health.
- Act as one of the three signing authorities for SOGS, alongside the President/CEO and the Chair of the Board/Chief Governance Officer.
Risk Management
- Conduct regular assessments to identify trends and potential risks to the organization’s operations, reputation, and financial health.
- Mitigate and manage legal risk and govern all compliance-related activities.
- Drive contingency planning, ensuring the organization can manage unexpected situations in periods of growth and contraction.
- Provide regular updates to the Executive and Board of Directors on the organization’s risk landscape.
Staff and Leadership Development
- Collaborate with the CEO to recruit and retain a talented and diverse team that reflects the values of SOGS.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment while keeping employees and management accountable to organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Oversee the facilitation of staff onboarding and provide professional development support and resources.
- Prioritize the well-being and success of SOGS staff, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Conduct annual performance reviews of the Society’s management team.