Advocate Jobs

What are we offering:

The College Student Alliance (CSA) has been advocating for the issues that matter most to college students for more than 4 decades.With a province wide mandate and a history for impactful advocacy and for supporting student leaders, the CSA is looking to build capacity to support its valued members through a search for a Policy and Advocacy Lead.The position is fully remote and is highly flexible in terms negotiating a work schedule that works for you. The position is supported by an experienced leader and a motivated Board of Directors.Perks include, a benefit program, a cell phone allowance, paid time off over winter holiday season and on-going growth and learning opportunities.

-Salary - $25.00 per hour based on a 20hr, 24hr or 32hr work week

-6-month contract with possibility of extension

What are w

e looking for:

Under the direction of CSA’s General Manager and the Board of Directors, the Policy and Advocacy Lead is responsible for designing and leading policy research and strategies that are derived and supported by its membership to advance and promote advocacy efforts with stakeholder organizations, political parties, elected governments and officials. The Policy and Advocacy Lead will design and develop member supported advocacy goals, outreach and communication and the implementation of provincial and federal strategies to ensure CSA and its members position is top-of-mind for stakeholders.

What will you do:

Advocacy

1. Identify, examine, monitor, and report on impacts of relevant government plans, announcements, and decisions related to Ontario Post-Secondary Education (PSE).
2. Professionally represent CSA with external stakeholders and committees, and when appropriate, in collaboration with CSA membership and the Board of Directors.
3. Act as advisor and thought leader to CSA membership and the Board of Directors.
4. Develop work plans, resource requirements and timelines for advocacy campaigns and initiatives in collaboration with staff, CSA membership, Board of Directors, and related committees.

Research & Policy

1. Prioritize, research, analyze and report on existing and emerging post-secondary issues.
2. Work closely with CSA Board, members, and staff to develop research priorities.
3. Identify and substantiate internal/external research on PSE issues as they relate specifically to Ontario college students through various activities including, but not limited to design and execution of surveys, facilitating focus groups, undertaking data analysis using software such as Excel and acquiring data and information from a broad range of diverse sources.
4. Develop evidence-based research/position papers of publication quality.
5. Collaborate and help inform CSA’s internal strategic planning efforts as required.
6. Provide data analysis in support of activities that align with CSA goals and priorities.
7. Provide analysis and advice on research and issues brought forward by CSA members.
8. Develop provincial CSA’s pre-budget submission including research and publication.
9. Design print and digital versions of research, policy summaries and papers for publication/digital distribution.
10. Analyze and interpret provincial legislation, regulations and college policies and procedures.
11. Synthesize relevant information, and data and assist in creating supporting materials for CSA membership including briefing notes, press releases, and/or social media posts.
12. Assist in updating CSA’s information database and website as needed and assist in managing CSA’s Survey Monkey account.

Workshops & Conferences

1. Present research analysis and publications to the CSA membership at conferences and workshops and committees.
2. Develop capacity building sessions for student leaders at conferences and workshops to enhance critical thinking, analysis of information and the framing of problem statements.
3. Assist with researching potential presenters for conferences, scheduling virtual meetings, developing conference materials, and facilitating conference and membership satisfaction surveys.

Miscellaneous

1. Perform other duties, as required, to support and foster growth in the organization through direction from the General Manager and ultimately the Board of Directors.

2.Social media experience, including creating and posting content and leveraging social media analytics.

Job Requirements

Education/Experience

College Diploma and/or University Degree (or advancing towards). Experience and knowledge directly related to the essential job functions must be defined in a cover letter, including any work with government, political parties, student councils and relevant stakeholders.

Other skills and knowledge sought:

• Strong customer service acumen focussed on CSA member needs
• Politically acuity and good understanding of the function and structure of government
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities and strong interpersonal skills
• Can work independently and also as a high performing team member
• Demonstrated ability to manage several priority projects at once

Ideal Candidate

Positive and professional demeanor. Capacity to work under changing conditions. Ability to work in fast-paced environment is highly important. Highly focused on attention to detail. Ability to work with government, staff, stakeholders, and CSA membership is crucial. Presentation skills are required.

Note: This position is well-suited for candidates seeking to gain greater experience. Whether you're a recent graduate eager to kick-start your career or an aspiring professional seeking a fresh challenge, this could be the ideal role for you.

At CSA we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities and members we serve and we promote and support a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace.We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Email your cover and resume to [email protected] – position will appear open until is filled with the very best candidate.