Job Description: CAUS Executive Director

Compensation range: $65,000 - $75,000/year

Organizational Status: Full-time, permanent

Hours of Work: 37.5/week

Supervisor: CAUS Board of Directors

Location: Hybrid, with preference for candidates in Edmonton or Calgary

Organizational Overview:

The Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) represents the interests of over 115,000 undergraduate university students across Alberta, from MacEwan University, Mount Royal University, the University of Alberta, Athabasca University and the University of Lethbridge to the public, government, and other post-secondary education stakeholders. 

CAUS is a non-partisan and active advocacy group comprised of student leaders looking to ensure a fully accessible and high-quality system of education in Alberta.

Position Summary:

Serving as CAUS’s advocacy and policy advisor, financial and governance administrator, and lobbyist, the Executive Director crafts and executes advocacy strategies to advance CAUS’s policies and priorities. While this is a hybrid position, in-person attendance will be required throughout the year, preference will be given to Alberta-based applicants or those willing to relocate. 

This position requires that the Executive Director must execute their duties within a non-partisan capacity for the duration of their term.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Develops and maintains relationships with external organizations and stakeholders to extend the reach and influence of CAUS.

  • Maintains both a proactive and reactive media strategy by responding to government policy directions as they relate to the provincial priorities of CAUS.

  • Prepares materials for the Board’s consideration as requested, including: presentations, research papers, advocacy documents, and briefing documents.

  • Plans and hosts CAUS conferences with input from the Board, including advocacy weeks and the yearly transition conference.

  • Provides day-to-day administration, including: organizing meetings; preparing agendas; recording and distributing minutes of meetings; record keeping and file management, managing CAUS’s standing as a registered lobbyist and third-party advertiser, and performing other administrative duties related to the smooth operation of the organization.

  • Provides financial management of the organization, including: developing a yearly draft budget; maintaining financial records; managing payables and receivables; providing the Board with financial reports and summaries; and coordinating the yearly audit of the organization

  • Provides advice and assistance to elected student executives and staff at member institutions as it relates to CAUS’s mandate or the provincial environment.

  • On behalf of the CAUS Chair and Board, organizes meetings with, and provides presentations to, individuals and groups including, but not limited to; Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Directors, ministerial committees, and MLAs.

  • Initiate and support strategic and advocacy planning processes as needed by the Board. 

  • Performs other duties related to the organization and the position as required.

Required Competencies:

  • Research skills

  • Understanding of Alberta's political climate

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Ability to manage day-to-day administration

  • Excellent written and communication skills

  • Understanding of non-profit governance

  • Ability to work independently

  • Ability to provide and accept direction from university students

Valued Competencies, Research and Policy Development:

  • Proven general research skills that include the ability to conduct research, analyze information, articulate alternatives, and draw conclusions.

  • Demonstrated advisory skills including the ability to evaluate options and advise decision-makers on courses of action.

  • Possesses sound judgment, excellent political acumen, and comprehensive knowledge of the public policy environment concerning post-secondary education-related legislative and regulatory processes and decision-making. Must be able to elicit support to fill any gaps in knowledge or political acumen.

Valued Competencies, External & Government Relations:

  • Professional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with CAUS members, government officials and staff, and post-secondary education stakeholder groups.

  • Applies a consultative approach, in combination with knowledge and ideas, to lead to consensual solutions, and uses facilitation and negotiation skills to effect and influence change.

Valued Competencies, Communications:

  • Possesses strong written, verbal and listening skills; understands different audiences and adapts communication styles and media accordingly, and demonstrates an overall collaborative and positive communication style.

  • Understanding of basic public relations and media interactions would be preferred.

  • Experience developing media releases and key messaging, often within a short time frame.

Valued Competencies, Advocacy and Project Management:

  • Proven capacity to build and maintain advocacy planning processes within CAUS, including conducting risk analyses, providing strategy and policy options, and supporting consultation processes as appropriate.

Valued Competencies, Administration and Board Governance:

  • Strong understanding of board governance, Robert's Rules of Order, and the ability to support the council’s decision making processes.

  • Highly organized and able to effectively manage priorities, tasks and deadlines.

  • Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information, and display professionalism, discretion and sound judgment.

  • Skills in the facilitation of Council transition materials and events.

  • Skills and experience in office administration, record-keeping, accounting, budgeting and project management.

  • Strong computer skills including: MS Office applications and Google Suite. 

  • Ability to work independently.

  • Ability to provide and accept direction.

CAUS is committed to equity and respect. We are committed to a workplace that is welcoming and respectful. We encourage women, Indigenous Peoples, Black people, people of colour, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of other minorities to apply. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any support during this process, please reach out to chair@caus.net

To apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to chair@caus.net

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.