Job Title: GSA Executive Director

Location: Mainly in-person (Edmonton)

Permanent Full-Time: 37.5 hours per week

Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Overview The Graduate Students' Association (GSA) is established under the province's Post-Secondary Learning Act (PSLA) as a corporate entity separate from the University of Alberta. The GSA is a student-led and professionally managed non-profit organization that represents and advocates for all graduate students at the University of Alberta. The GSA develops and nurtures effective relationships with stakeholders and constituent groups internal and external to the academy, including Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), Student Success and Experience (SSE), the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU), and University Administration.

Under the PSLA, the GSA has exclusive authority to negotiate a graduate assistantship collective agreement on behalf of graduate students and to negotiate a collective agreement covering its staff. It provides engagement and educational activities to its members, while negotiating and administering a broad range of services on their behalf. The GSA office is a collaborative, professional, respectful, and positive work environment, with cross-trained, team-oriented staff and management who assist the Executive Director (ED) in delivering the GSA's programs and services.

Job Summary The Executive Director is the senior administrative and operational leader of the GSA, reporting to the GSA Board. The ED manages the GSA's day-to-day operations, staff, finances, and strategic implementation, and plays a critical role in helping the GSA represent graduate students' interests effectively, provide valuable services, and operate professionally and sustainably. Elected officials establish the GSA’s political and advocacy priorities.

The ED provides nonpartisan strategic, policy, governance, and operational advice and leads the implementation of approved priorities. In a context where elected leadership changes annually, the ED provides guidance, institutional memory, and operational support to the Directly Elected Officials (DEOs), building and leading an office team that delivers consistent and efficient support to the GSA.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support for the GSA’s Governance-Related Mandate

● Exercise administrative authority within powers delegated by the GSA Board and in accordance with GSA bylaws, policies, collective agreements, approved budgets, and applicable legislation.

● Act as a point of contact between the GSA Board and GSA staff, and maintain a positive flow of information so the Board and Council receive information relevant to their roles and responsibilities.

● Cooperate and collaborate with the GSA President, Vice-Presidents, and Council, advise the Board on strategic planning and lead the administrative implementation of approved strategic priorities and organizational goals.

● Stay up to date on trends and issues facing graduate students at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, and assess how changing internal and external environments affect the GSA's operations, reputation, and functionality.

● Maintain professional neutrality in relation to GSA elections and internal political matters while providing impartial advice and operational support to elected leadership.

● Support incoming and outgoing executives with onboarding, fiduciary responsibilities, institutional memory,



and organizational transition.

● Help protect the GSA's organizational integrity and reputation by providing timely and appropriate managerial expertise.

2. Execution of the GSA’s Overall Operations

● Oversee the efficient and effective functioning of all GSA departments and services.

● Maintain documentation related to operational and governance requirements, policies and procedures, contractual agreements, governance records, stakeholder relations, recruiting processes, decision-making precedents, and DEO transition materials.

● Assist in developing the GSA's annual budget with the Finance Team and provide periodic reporting to the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC), GSA Board, and Council.

● Oversee staff recruitment, professional development, training, supervision, employment obligations, and administration of the collective agreement, where applicable.

● Maintain a positive workplace culture for all staff.

● Identify and mitigate potential financial, operational, and reputational risks and liabilities.

3. Management of Relationships with Members and Stakeholders

● Develop and maintain organizational relationships and professional networks with graduate students, University Administration, and other student unions, associations, and other relevant stakeholders.

● Provide training sessions and programs to educate members and stakeholders about the GSA, particularly graduate students interested in running for elected office, while remaining impartial and unbiased toward potential candidates.

● Maintain a strong working knowledge of the University's structure and services to provide appropriate advice when needed.

● Build collaborative connections with internal and external stakeholders to develop partnerships and agreements that strengthen the GSA's advocacy and support network for graduate students.

● Provide or assist in providing necessary support and information to internal and external stakeholders regarding the GSA and its work.

Qualifications The excellent candidate for the role of GSA ED will have a degree from a college, university, or technical institute, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant work experience (a graduate degree is preferred), and a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in organizational management, non-profit/public-sector administration, postsecondary administration, association management, or a related environment, including demonstrated responsibility for staff, budgets, governance, and organizational operations.

The successful candidate should have:

● Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a student-led, member-driven governance environment, balancing continuity and professional advice with respect for the authority and mandate of elected leadership.

● Financial acumen and the ability to translate the annual budget into actionable financial goals, provide regular reporting, and anticipate financial risks and liabilities.

● Skills in organizational leadership, strategic planning, decision-making,



policy development and implementation, project management, and effective communication.

● Demonstrated judgment and problem-solving ability, including identifying operational risks and recommending or implementing corrective action within delegated authority in a fast-paced, rapidly changing post-secondary and not-for-profit environment.

● Experience supporting or advising a governing board/council, implementing governance decisions, interpreting organizational policy, and operating within delegated authority.

● Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with office employees and diverse stakeholders.

● Knowledge of the Canadian post-secondary education landscape, particularly in Alberta.

● Strong knowledge of employee union structures.

● Not-for-profit management experience is an asset.

Benefits of Working with the GSA The GSA offers a collaborative, qualified, and supportive workplace where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the graduate student community and the University of Alberta.

Benefits include

● Health & Dental Benefits – Comprehensive health and dental coverage.

● Paid Vacation – Competitive vacation entitlement to support work-life balance.

● Professional Development – Opportunities and support for ongoing professional learning and development.

● Performance Bonus – Eligibility for a performance-based bonus in recognition of exceptional contributions and achievement of organizational goals.

● Flexible Work Arrangements – Mutually agreed-upon adaptable workdays that provide flexibility while supporting organizational needs and service delivery.

● Holiday Closure – Office closure during the holiday season.

● Summer Hours – Reduced summer hours to support employee well-being and work-life balance.

● Collaborative Team – Work closely with a dedicated team in a collegial, respectful, and positive office environment.

● Meaningful Work – An opportunity to contribute directly to the success, well-being, and representation of graduate students at the University of Alberta.

Salary Range: $100,000 to $115,000 annually, plus additional benefits and RRSP compensation.

Recruitment Process

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter, contact details for two references, and a resume summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their experience meets the advertised responsibilities and qualifications. Applications will be reviewed based on the advertised responsibilities and qualifications, and only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews may be held virtually and recorded, or in person, depending on the availability and preferences of interviewees and committee members.

Shortlisted candidates may have to appear for a second round of interviews. Final candidates must undergo a criminal record check, paid for by the GSA. Potential candidates will have an opportunity to ask questions about the and other details during the interview.

If an offer is made, the successful candidate will also have an opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification when signing a contract. Please submit all applications to Carrie Tsui at [email protected]. If you require further information about this job posting or need an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].

📌 Executive Director (Edmonton)
🏢 Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta
📍 Edmonton