Interim General Manager

ABOUT ONTARIO TECH STUDENT UNION 

The Ontario Tech Student Union, lovingly referred to as the OTSU, is a not-for-profit organization that aims to enhance the student experience at Ontario Tech University. We’re a small team comprised of full-time management staff, Full-time unionized staff, part-time staff, and our elected Student Executives and Board of Directors. Our offerings to students include essential services, extracurricular clubs, a health and dental plan, an esports community, and advocacy. Our offerings to our staff include an amazing, collaborative team dynamic, the ability to truly make an impact for students, and an overall great working environment. This is a fast-paced team; we work quickly, and our landscape is constantly changing.

SUMMARY

The General Manager oversees the management and operations of the Student Union as directed by the Board of Directors and in accordance with applicable legislation, OTSU bylaws, policies, and procedures. The General Manager leads the management of services, financial planning, risk management, and staff leadership and is responsible for translating and executing the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors.

This is a twelve (12) month contract opportunity with the possibility of transition to a permanent full-time role following a successful performance and organizational fit review at the eleven (11) month mark. This review will be completed by the OTSU Board of Directors.  Transition to a permanent role is not guaranteed and remains subject to organizational needs, successful performance evaluation and OTSU Board of Directors approval.

The compensation range for this position is $95,000 – $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Governance 

• Provides operational reports to the Board of Directors during board meetings.
• Participates with the Board in developing organizational vision and strategic direction.
• Ensures strategic priorities are implemented and regularly evaluated.
• Provides organizational leadership and supervision to staff.
• Identifies and communicates organizational risks and operational issues to the Board. 

Human Resources Planning & Management 

• Establishes and maintains a positive, respectful, healthy, and safe workplace environment.
• Supports collaboration and communication between management, staff, and governance bodies.
• Oversees staff onboarding, training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Coaches and mentors staff while supporting professional development and conflict resolution.

Financial Planning & Management 

• Participates in operational and financial policy development.
• Collaborates with the Financial Controller on financial reporting and budget oversight.
• Supports annual budget development with the Executive and Board.
• Oversees contracts, financial controls, and delegated signing authority. 

Community Relations & Advocacy 

• Supports strategic communications and stakeholder relations.
• Maintains relationships with Ontario Tech University and external partners.
• Oversees communications and branding activities aligned with organizational priorities. 

Legal Affairs & Risk Management 

• Ensures organizational compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees risk management, insurance, and organizational assets.
• Maintains privacy, confidentiality, and secure records management practices. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education, Human Resources.
• Equivalent combinations of education and directly related leadership experience may be considered.
• A Master’s degree would be considered an asset. 

Experience

• Progressive leadership experience within a non-profit or comparable organization.
• Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors.
• Experience overseeing budgets, operations, and staff management.
• Experience within unionized environments would be considered an asset. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of legislation applicable to Canadian non-profit organizations.
• Excellent strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Demonstrated financial management and operational oversight experience.
•  Ability to lead within a fast-paced and evolving organizational environment. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires flexibility in working hours, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional attendance at events and meetings across campus locations and within the community.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applications are only accepted through the designated online application portal.

The Ontario Tech Student Union thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory reference and background checks.

OTSU is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.

Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

The student union acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation.

Disclaimer: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.