Associate University Secretary - Senate
Overview
Reporting to the University Secretary, the Associate University Secretary - Senate (AUSS) is a
member of the senior management team at Lakehead University. The AUS serves as the assistant
corporate secretary to Senate and provides peripheral support to the university's other governing
bodies. The AUSS works closely with the Associate University Secretary - Board of Governors
(AUSBG) and jointly assumes the duties of the University Secretary in their absence. The AUSS will
have a strong understanding of governance principles and practices, excellent organizational and
administrative skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners. A job fact sheet
detailing the required duties is available in the Office of Human Resources.
Responsibilites
● Provision of advice and governance services;
● Ability to interpret and provide advice on relevant legislation, the University Act, bylaws,
parliamentary procedure, policies, procedures and best practices;
● Policy development, review and analysis;
● Research services;
● Senior advisor to the University Secretary;
● Liaise with governing bodies;
● Coordinates and provides support for all aspects of governance meetings;
● Participates in strategic planning and governance reviews;
● Provides support in identifying and developing professional development and training
sessions for staff and governance participants;
● Performs other duties as required
Qualifications
● University degree and a minimum of 3 years related experience, or at least 5 years of relevant
policy and/or records management experience, preferably in a university or government setting;
● Expert writing skills at a university level;
● Expert minute-taking skills and meeting facilitation ability;
● Leadership experience;
● Ability to work with and maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
● Independent with a high level of judgement, critical thinking and decision-making;
● Sound knowledge of institutional governance, governing boards and policy development;
● Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail;
● Sound political acumen;
● Knowledge of parliamentary procedures (Robert's Rules);
● Strong project management and planning skills;
● Ability to interact in a diverse, fast-paced work environment, exercising diplomacy and discretion;
● Strong time management skills to handle a variety of high-priority duties and work with frequent
interruptions and under the pressure of changing priorities and short deadlines;
● Well-developed interpersonal communication skills;
● Excellent administrative skills, including but not limited to effective records management;
● Familiar with safe work habits and an understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
● Familiarity of Lakehead University policies, procedures and organizational structure would be
considered an asset;