Governance Officer

Governance Officer

Primary Purpose : The Governance Officer provides support to the University Secretary and Chief Governance Officer in their exercise of powers and duties pertaining to university governance and protocol.

Functionally, the Officer will support the primary mandate of the Governance Office, which is being the key link between the executive leadership and governance of the university, supporting both by instilling good governance, authentic engagement and accountable practices.

As a member of the Governance Office, the Officer acts as a resource person for members of the university community (students, faculty, staff, senior administrators, alumni and members of governing bodies) in providing advice and direction about the governance and decision-making processes of the institution and on matters related to the Governance Office.

Nature of Work : Reporting to the University Secretary and Chief Governance Officer, this position is part of a team responsible for :

• Providing support, through the University Secretary, to the four governing bodies of the institution (Board, Council, Senate, and General Academic Assembly) including their relevant committees, working groups, and project teams.
• Developing, coordinating, and implementing engagement strategies for stakeholders of university governance.
• Providing support to the University Secretary, university leadership, and relevant committees in the oversight and interpretation of institutional policies and bylaws.
• Providing support to ensure the proper application of governing bylaws, regulations, and university policies (, student conduct and faculty tenure and promotion appeals).
• Working with the University Secretary, university leadership, governance leadership and interested parties in reviewing and assessing institutional decision-making processes, strategies and policies to identify areas for improvement.

Accountabilities :

1. Manage a Portfolio of Statutory Governance Processes

As a member of the Governance Office team, the Governance Officer will be assigned a governance portfolio , comprised of aspects within the Governance Office’s purview, and will be responsible for maintaining the statutory requirements for that portfolio to function.

This portfolio may be focused deeply on one particular governance process, on one particular function across all governances processes, or a combination of both, as is assigned by the University Secretary.

2. Stakeholder Stewardship

Either as part of their assigned portfolio or simply as a member of the Governance Office, the Officer will be required to ensure that there are strong links between the administration and the governing bodies by supporting both to work together successfully.

3. Operationalize Governance Office Strategy

The Officer will work towards the goals and objectives laid out by the University Secretary and within the Governance Office’s strategic plan.

4. Project Management and Research

The Officer will be responsible for management of discrete projects, research that is of interest and use to the Office, and other duties as assigned.

5. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Indigenization

In support of the university’s policies and strategies on equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization, ensure EDI and Indigenous strategies are integrated and / or factored into the assigned portfolio and projects, with the goal of removing any systemic barriers for individuals or groups and creating a more inclusive university environment for all students, faculty ,staff and community members.

Portfolio University Senate

Acts on behalf of the University Secretary as the key manager for the University of Saskatchewan Senate meetings and business of the Senate which includes but is not limited to :

• Coordinating orientations, committee meetings, meetings of the Senate and special events;
• Appropriate and timely follow-up from the Senate and its committees is carried out to ensure decisions and actions are implemented;
• Distribute calls for agenda items, create and compile agendas, record and transcribe minutes, and prepare reports for the Senate and its related committees.

Coordinate the follow-up on all business matters arising from the meetings.

• Interact with the Senate and its respective committees on a regular basis and act as a support on process and administrative matters and provide up to date communications to Senate
• Ensures elections and membership roles are managed in a timely fashion;

Portfolio Nominations and Elections

• Coordinates all nominations and elections of the Council, Senate, and Board;·
• Supports the Nominations Committee of Council;
• Supports the Nominations Committee of Senate

Portfolio Policy Oversight

• Responsible for coordination of all institutional-level policies and procedures;
• Acts as first-point of contact and facilitator for individuals wanting to create new / change existing institutional policies and procedures;
• Ensures communication and information coordination of policies is up to date and accessible;

Key Projects in 2024

• Working with Governance Office team on review of institutional policies, including organization and communication of said policies;
• Working with Governance Office team on new election procedures for Council and Senate
30+ days ago