Director, Parliamentary Internship Programme

About the Faculty of Social Sciences The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) comprises nine departments, schools and institutes, offering undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs in both English and French. With about 10,000 students and 260 full‑time professors, the FSS plays a key role at the heart of the University of Ottawa. Its graduate students are supervised by excellent researchers and undertake cutting‑edge research in the Faculty’s Masters and Ph.D. programs. Along with about 100 administrative employees, the faculty provides a collaborative working environment that inspires new ideas, encourages creative ingenuity and promotes excellence.

Position Purpose The Director is responsible for the academic and administrative delivery of the Parliamentary Internship Programme (PIP) and for ensuring its financial viability. This includes developing and maintaining relationships with sponsors, the House of Commons, and alumni to ensure the long‑term sustainability of the program.

Responsibilities In this role, your main responsibilities will include:

Governance : Responsible for the overall governance and administration of the program by working closely with various stakeholders, reporting to the House of Commons Liaison and the Speaker of the House, and consulting regularly with the PIP Advisory Committee and the Parliamentary Internship Alumni Association (PIAA).

Management and Liaison : Manage and coordinate all programme activities, resolve student issues, support current and past interns, and maintain relationships with partners and sponsors.

Financial Administration : Ensure sound financial management, including fundraising, signing contribution agreements, approving invoices, and coordinating all financial aspects with faculty departments.

Human Resources

Manage and schedule all stages of the internship experience, including intake, orientation, MP selection, and placement.

Plan and conduct weekly group meetings, address academic and personal concerns, enforce the student code of conduct, and conduct year‑end debriefs.

Promote the program to potential applicants, organize information webinars, manage promotional materials, and chair the annual selection committee.

Ensure academic quality by leading learning experiences, coordinating seminars, supervising research projects, organizing annual symposiums, and assisting with ethics approvals and publication.

Secure funding and coordinate outgoing and incoming legislative study tours.

Stakeholder Relations

Communications : Develop, maintain, and distribute program communications, manage service providers, update the website, and oversee newsletters and social media.

Sponsor Relations and Activities : Develop and maintain relationships with sponsors and friends of the PIP, including pursuing new sponsorship opportunities.

Events Planning, Logistics, and Facilitation : Coordinate key high‑profile events, including recognition luncheons and receptions, ensuring compliance with university policies.

Alumni Relations and Activities : Maintain relationships with PIP alumni via the PIAA, organize alumni events, and integrate the association into the university’s alumni framework.

What You Will Bring

PhD in Political Science or a related field.

At least 5 years of direct experience with parliamentary studies and organizational management.

Experience in stakeholder and relationship management, networking, fundraising, course development, teaching, and research oversight.

Experience in budgeting, financial management, event and travel planning, marketing, social media oversight, and student management.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and bilingualism.

Ability to build trust with diverse students, faculty, and staff, and to apply inclusive behavior and sensitivity to diverse needs.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 as defined in Policy 129 – COVID‑19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.

#J-18808-Ljbffr