Permanent, Regular, Full-Time Position (Policy Level B)
Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023
Working under the supervision of the Executive Director, the successful candidate for Director of Policy and Government Affairs will help guide OCUFA’s policy analysis, legislative strategy, and government relations work on behalf of Ontario’s university faculty and academic librarians. The Director of Policy and Government Affairs will be part of a dynamic team of policy staff who work collaboratively to deliver the services required to meet OCUFA’s mandate, provide support for OCUFA’s member organizations, and assist in related advocacy initiatives.
About OCUFA
Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 university faculty, academic librarians, and other academic professionals in 30 member organizations across Ontario. It is committed to enhancing the quality of higher education in Ontario and recognizing the outstanding contributions of its members toward creating a world-class university system. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at www.ocufa.on.ca.
Areas of Responsibility
- Monitoring and reporting on legislative, policy and regulatory activity that may impact the postsecondary sector, OCUFA, and its member organizations;
- Developing public policy positions focusing on internal strategic priorities;
- Drafting government correspondence, submissions, and position papers;
- Participating in government meetings, consultations, roundtables, and conferences;
- Organizing government meetings, events, receptions, and lobby days;
- Cultivating and maintaining constructive relationships with Ontario government, opposition parties, and relevant government agencies, as well as unions and organizations in the education sector;
- Working with staff to develop campaigns and advocacy priorities and initiatives;
- Preparing speaking notes, correspondence, reports, and briefing notes for OCUFA’s President, Executive Director, Executive, Board, and relevant committees;
- Collaborating with the communications team on Academic Matters, OCUFA Report, social media, and other projects as appropriate;
- Providing staff support to OCUFA Executive, Board, assigned committees, workshops and conferences; and
- Other duties as assigned from time to time to meet the changing needs of OCUFA.
Skills and Requirements
- Superb written and oral communication skills;
- Demonstrated record of providing policy analysis, research and strategic advice under pressure;
- An in-depth understanding of the postsecondary sector and education policy in Ontario and Canada;
- 10 years of experience in government relations and policy analysis working with advocacy organizations, labour unions, provincial government, public sector agencies, or professional associations;
- Knowledge of the current policy landscape in Ontario and Canada, and a keen sense of how to identify potential issues, opportunities, and trends required;
- Knowledge and experience with Ontario labour unions and the broader labour movement in Canada;
- Experience and an established reputation as an effective and ethical government relations professional;
- Project management skills and the ability to guide the work of others;
- Ability to work on projects individually and in collaboration with other staff members independent of supervision;
- A proficient level of computer literacy and social media skills; and
- A minimum of a graduate degree and experience in government relations and policy analysis or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
This is a permanent, regular, full-time position, classified as Policy Level B, as defined in the terms and conditions of employment governed by the Collective Agreement between OCUFA and CUPE Local 1281. The salary range for this position is $119,153.87 to $138,314.91. Full benefits are offered in accordance with the Collective Agreement. All OCUFA staff act under the direction and authority of the Executive Director.
Based at the OCUFA office in Toronto, Ontario, with the option of a weekly hybrid work arrangement as detailed in the Collective Agreement. Occasional travel will be required.
OCUFA is a unionized and equal-opportunity employer that is committed to the principle of employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace.
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and the names of three references, packaged in one PDF, to applications@ocufa.on.ca by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023.