Governance and Policy Advisor

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

2d•CA$63,429 - CA$79,284•Onsite

About The Position

Wilfrid Laurier University is seeking a Governance and Policy Advisor for a limited-term, full-time position within the Secretariat's Office. This role is crucial for supporting the university's governance structure, policies, and administrative functions. The advisor will be responsible for coordinating meetings, managing records, and providing support for various governance bodies and policy development. The university is committed to Indigenization, equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a thriving community with a place for everyone. Laurier has over 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across its campuses and is dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a flexible work policy.

Requirements

Post-secondary education, coupled with 2 years related work experience.
Experience working in a professional office environment and/or client service oriented role is essential.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
Experience scheduling large meetings/events, involving diverse groups and using different methods of communication.
Experience developing agendas, assembling and writing supporting documentation, and coordinating distribution of agenda packages for meetings of governing bodies or similar responsibilities.
Experience researching, writing and coordinating consultations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and highly professional demeanor.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the proven ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
Adaptability/flexibility.
Ability to deal with confidential matters in a discrete and sensitive manner.
Self-starter and motivator with the ability to work independently.
Ability to interact with a wide variety of people, from students to senior executives.
Ability to create and maintain information management and organizational systems for an office.
High level of proficiency working with Microsoft Office software, database programs, budgeting software and web content management systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a university environment and governance related position is strongly preferred.
Experience managing budgets, accounts payable and other office administration responsibilities for multiple offices is preferred.
Familiarity with University governance and elections is preferred.
Familiarity with University policies and procedures is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides logistics and governance support/coordination for the University Secretariat, including Board, Senate, and committee meetings.
Develops and maintains a thorough understanding of the university's governance structure, including mandates of committees and governing bodies.
Coordinates and manages all logistics, operations, and governance functions of the University Secretariat.
Assists with the preparation of agendas, minutes, and background material for meetings.
Supports and coordinates standing governance functions, events, and special projects.
Assists in managing workload and deliverables for the University Secretariat's Office, including committee membership transitions and meeting arrangements.
Provides support for elections run by the University Secretariat's Office.
Provides support and leadership to assigned Board committees and/or working groups, acting as committee secretary.
Prepares summary reports of meetings, action items, and decisions.
Leads and coordinates follow-up on emergent business from committee meetings.
Liaises with and provides support to the Manager, Governance and Policy and the broader university community on governing bodies and approval pathways.
Advises and provides training to chairs of assigned committees and administrative staff.
Handles highly confidential materials with discretion.
Researches and evaluates best practices at other universities for effective operation of governing bodies and policy development.
Supports the Manager, Governance and Policy with the development of university policies and procedures, including research, consultations, drafting, and housekeeping updates.
Provides back-up for the Manager, Governance and Policy as necessary.
Responsible for record management, retention, and archiving of records and decisions for committees and governing bodies.
Resolves issues related to archiving, retrieval, and retention of records.
Updates and maintains the Secretariat’s Office website and confidential database of governing body members.
Manages the implementation of the online Board and Senate portal.
Ensures the office is running efficiently with proper business processes and systems.
Monitors fund availability, processes financial transactions, and obtains office supplies.