Job Description
Laurentian University is searching for a new University Secretary to act as the senior governance advisor to the Board of Governors, and Senior Leadership team.
The Organization
Laurentian University is located within the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, as well as its proximity to Wahnapitae First Nation.
Laurentian’s vision for the future is as a university focused on the needs of the north and the communities it serves – and for the university to be a nimble space for critical thinking and innovation, where students can reach their full potential, and faculty can push the boundaries of knowledge.
The Role
A member of the President’s Executive team, the University Secretary reports administratively to the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University. The University Secretary is Laurentian’s most senior advisor on governance issues.
Key areas of oversight and responsibility are:
- Governance and Policy – Coordinates and facilitates the activities of the Board of Governors and leads long-term planning and management of the University Secretariat; acting as a subject matter expert on university policies and procedures.
- Communication and Advising – Overseeing the establishment and maintenance of systems to support institutional memory and communicate information to the university community. Responding to requests for information and maintaining official documentation for the Board while advising on policy and governance issues that arise.
- Leadership and Management – Providing strategic leadership to the Secretariat, including setting and assigning priorities, managing, coaching, and motivating.
The Ideal Candidate
- Postgraduate degree, ideally in policy, law, public policy, administration and/or governance.
- A GPC.D, ICD.D or C.Dir designation is an asset.
- At least 7 years of experience related to the specified responsibilities, with at least 5 in a management-level position.
- Demonstrated experience advising on policy development and interpretation, and knowledge of university bicameral governance systems.
- Experience applying principles of governance and parliamentary rules of procedure (Robert’s Rules).
- Knowledge of the post-secondary environment and a passion for providing an exceptional educational experience.
- Demonstrated ability to align policies and operations with broader institutional goals.
- Networking skills– to facilitate external relations with similar roles and governance organizations.
- Fluent bilingualism (French and English), oral and written, is essential.