Job Summary
Job is responsible for the operation of the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) and leads the implementation of the Networks strategic priorities, which revolve around advancing accessibility for people with disabilities. It includes providing direct support to the Chair of the Governing Council (led by Carleton’s Vice-President (Students & Enrolment)), an external Chair of the Pan-Canadian Advisory Council, the Chairs for each of the five Domain Area Committee working groups, as well as the greater to meet the Networks organizational goals and mandate
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Development and Implementation
▪Supports the CAN membership in continuing the identification and actioning of strategic priorities
▪ Integrates activities and resources related to the actioning of priorities and objectives
▪ Provides leadership in engaging and motivating the membership to continue active participation in the Network
▪ Identifies ongoing opportunities for CAN’s engagements and activities that contributes to its reputation and visibility
Relationship Management
As Subject Matter Expert, facilitates activities by providing a link, and acts as liaison, between each of the Councils, Domain Area Committees and individual CAN collaborators, which includes but is not limited to:
▪ Ensures effective and accurate communication and implementation of all decisions from each governing body; communicating key decisions and directions on behalf of each Chair, where applicable, to its members and/or the greater network;
▪ Provides day-to-day operational leadership and guidance to each of the Chairs and the greater membership of the Network; and
▪ Facilitates and promotes engagement among CAN membership to continue developing and moving forward the strategic priorities
Operations Management
Ensures the effective management of all aspects of day-to-day operations for the Canadian Accessibility Network, including but not limited to:
▪ Ensuring the provision of effective administrative and governance support to each of the Governing Council, Advisory Council and each of the five Domain Area Committees and associated working groups
▪ Responsible for recruitment and onboarding of all new Collaborators and/or working group members;
▪Provides leadership support to each of the Chairs of the two Councils and five committees and working groups;
▪Holding particular responsibility of ensuring that the Network (and by extension Carleton University) fulfills its legal obligations as well as its internal and external governance and accountability requirements;
▪Ensures compliance with regional, provincial and/or national regulations as they related to accessibility (i.e. AODA, Accessibility Standards Canada, etc.);
▪Maintains the Networks official records of operation;
▪Serves as the secretary of each Council, committees and working groups including coordinating annual work plans; and
▪Facilitates the long-term and short-term operational and strategic planning for the National office
Coordination and Planning
▪ Collects, assembles, develops, uploads, and provides agendas and information packages for meetings—files, reports, correspondence, research, and background materials
▪ Composes, drafts, edits, proofreads, and formats correspondence, memos, agenda, and briefing notes
▪ Coordinating the preparation and flow of information and materials for all CAN meetings;
▪ Manages membership, elections, and appointment processes
▪ Scheduling, coordinating and attending monthly meetings, maintains attendance records, and prepares minutes
▪ Maintains records and filing systems in accordance with corporate records management policies and procedures
Financial Management
Responsible for developing and managing the financial affairs for the Network, including, but not limited to:
▪ establishing the annual operating budget;
▪ preparing the annual budget submission;
▪ making decisions about, and executing, service agreements when applicable;
▪ facilitating applications for funding; and
▪ reconciliation of all financial activities
Communication & Marketing
Responsible for ensuring the overall communication and marketing strategy for the Network which includes, but is not limited to:
▪ Creation of all print and public facing materials to be distributed nationally;
▪ Creation of strategic marketing and communications plan to promote the network and engage its members; and
▪ Liaising with members of the Network to distribute information and materials related to the promotion of its work and priorities
Job Requirements
Core Knowledge, Education and Experience
▪ Knowledge of strategic development approaches and procedures
▪ Knowledge of office administration policies, procedures, and processes
▪ Knowledge of office productivity software and databases, internet browsers and search engines, discipline-specific software, enterprise software, and technology devices
▪ Knowledge of office as well as the broader university academic units, divisions, and departments
▪ Knowledge of corporate governance procedures and practices
▪ Knowledge of building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders from public, private, not for profit, community service providers and advocacy groups
▪ Knowledge of multi-tasking and time management
▪ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
▪ Integrity and professionalism
▪ Bilingualism is an asset
Education
▪ Completion of a master’s degree
Experience
▪ Minimum 3 years of experience providing governance, direction and support to a national association, network or board of directors including managing day to day operations and supporting multiple working groups or
▪ Minimum 3 years of experience working in an accessibility/disability environment, including knowledge of legislation and standards as it relates to provincial/federal guidelines (i.e. AODA, Accessibility Act, Accessibility Standards Canada, etc.)
Communication and Stakeholder Management
▪ Interacts across a range of stakeholders with a focus on the provision of administrative and operational support and the exchange, collection, and dissemination of information
▪ Explains, clarifies, and exchanges process and procedural information
▪ Prepares meeting minutes and record of Canadian Accessibility Network councils and working groups
▪ Prepares speaking notes for all meeting agendas for each Chair of the Governing and Advisory Council
Problem Solving and Decision Making
▪ Identifies issues, consults, and follows policies, procedures, and processes
▪ Prioritizes and adapts office activities in accordance with daily/weekly/annual schedule within defined timelines/deadlines
▪ Seeks out and provides ideas and suggestions to improve work processes
▪ Acts autonomously and with independence to make day-to-day operational decisions, operating within context of policy, and accepted professional standards
Impact
▪ Contributes to the accuracy and timelines of work unit deliverables, work product, and administrative services
▪ Contributes to completion of work unit activities through completion of sequenced tasks/workflow
▪ Plays an integral role in building a reputation for excellence in accessibility, and creating awareness of the work, of Carleton University and the Accessibility Institute
Leadership and Development of Others
▪ Familiarizes new employees with tasks, duties, practices, and processes
▪ Provides day-to-day coaching, mentoring, direction, and support
▪ Facilitates group meetings to gain stakeholder engagement and commitment
▪ Collaborates where needed, and advises Chairs and members of working groups to ensure that they continue to move forward to meet agreed upon strategic priorities of the Network
Physical, Visual, Auditory, and Concentration Demands
▪ Uses keyboards, mouse, computers/tablet, and other technology devices
▪ Heighten auditory demands for taking minutes during meetings
▪ Requires to coordinate and organize virtual meetings to engage the members
▪ Concentration and visual effort during composing, drafting, editing, and proofreading documents including cross checks of information and data accuracy
▪ Concentration and visual effort during updating, revising, and adjusting calendars and schedules
▪ Responds to interruptions to workflow that impact concentration demands
Working Environment
▪Works in office environment
▪Attends events and meetings outside of regular work hours
