Senior Advocacy and Governance Coordinator
Permanent Full-Time (35 hours/week)

Reports To

Executive Director and President

Direct Reports
None

Summary
The Senior Advocacy and Governance Coordinator provides strategic leadership in governance, advocacy, and student representation within the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU), ensuring continuity and informed decision-making across evolving student leadership. This position ensures that student needs and rights are effectively represented at all levels of governance while supporting the Student Executive Team and Student Administrative Council (board of directors) in decision-making, training, and governance processes. The position helps ensure continuity throughout changing student executive, by ensuring comprehensive transition support and advice throughout their terms. The role also facilitates policy development, research, and stakeholder engagement, fostering an environment of informed advocacy and strategic organizational impact.
Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Effective Communication
• Governance and Policy Expertise
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Research and Data Analysis
• Project and Program Management

Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy and Student Representation:

• Support the advocacy priorities of the President, by Leading policy-level advocacy efforts to represent student priorities in institutional and government discussions. This role focuses on systemic advocacy through research, policy development, and stakeholder consultation, rather than direct individual student advocacy.
• Provide academic and non-academic advocacy support to the VP, Advocacy & College Affairs to assist students seeking support for various appeals. This includes, but is not limited to: advising on relevant policies, informing about the process and helping to prepare for hearings and formal appeals.
• Assist with the recruitment, selection and training of student volunteers to support other students with appeal inquiries and processes.
• Liaise with the Office of the Ombuds to develop and maintain relationships, be informed of developments that impact students, and inform the Office of trends and challenges identified when supporting students through hearings and appeals. Develop strategies to ensure student voices are heard in policy-making and governance discussions.
  

Governance and Policy Development:

• Oversee student governance processes, including elections, committee representation, meetings of members, and governance training.
• Ensure compliance with FSU bylaws, policies, and governance protocols, by proactively identifying governance risks, recommending policy enhancements, and providing expertise in governance-related challenges.
• Support the Student Executive Team and Board of Directors in governance best practices and decision-making frameworks.
• Conduct policy research and recommend changes to enhance student advocacy efforts.
  

Leadership and Training:

• Mentor and support the Student Executive Team in fulfilling their governance and advocacy roles effectively.
• Design and facilitate onboarding programs and governance training for new student leaders.
• Encourage leadership development among students through structured training and guidance.
  

Stakeholder and Government Relations:

• Foster strategic relationships with external stakeholders, including college administration, community organizations, and government representatives, to support the Presidents initiatives to advocate for student priorities and influence institutional policy affecting student life.
• Support lobbying efforts on behalf of students and coordinate advocacy campaigns when necessary.
• Stay apprised of developments related to the institution and all levels of government and identify strategic opportunities for collaboration to successfully execute the organizations advocacy goals
  

Research and Strategic Planning:

• Conduct research and data analysis to support decision-making, policy development, and advocacy strategies.
• Prepare reports and recommendations based on research findings to inform FSU initiatives.
• Monitor post-secondary education trends, student issues, and legislative changes affecting students.
  

Operational and Administrative Support:

• Prepare briefs and position papers to support the President and Executive team in participation on various committees and working groups, with college stakeholders and external stakeholders
• Contribute to the planning and execution of governance-related events, strategic meetings, and advocacy campaigns.
• Support internal communication strategies to ensure transparency and awareness of governance and advocacy efforts.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in advocacy, governance, policy development, or stakeholder relations, preferably within student organizations or non-profits.
• Strong understanding of student governance structures, policy advocacy, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain partnerships with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging diverse audiences and conveying advocacy messages effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management abilities, with experience mentoring student leaders.
• Proficiency in data analysis to inform governance strategies and decision-making.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant digital platforms.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for governance and advocacy-related events.

Work Conditions:

• Office-based role with regular engagement with student leaders, senior college administration, and external stakeholders.
• Frequent computer use with prolonged periods of sitting.
• Occasional lifting or moving of materials for events or presentations.
• Some travel required for meetings, conferences, or advocacy initiatives.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support governance and advocacy events.
• Requires multitasking and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.