Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 35 

Salary Grade: 13 

Please note that this is a temporary full-time opportunity with a contract end date of April 30, 2026

Secondments are Welcome
Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

About Western
Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us
The University Secretariat is responsible for managing and supporting the University’s bicameral governance system in accordance with legal requirements and obligations, the University of Western Ontario Act, the bylaws and regulations of Senate and Board, and accepted best governance practices. 

Responsibilities
The Governance Coordinator is accountable for carrying out a broad range of activities to support the effective functioning of the university’s bicameral governance system, and for providing administrative and logistical support for activities within the Office and to the University Secretary. The role will provide professional administrative support to ensure the effective management of the operations of the Board and Senate, and several of their respective committees. This role provides guidance to a wide-range of constituents internally and externally, regarding policies and procedures, and provides a high quality service to the members of the Board, Senate, and their committees and to the University in all matters within the unit’s purview. 

Qualifications
Education:

• Undergraduate Degree – Business/Administrative Studies

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience working with governing bodies, committees or large work groups, preferably in an academic/university setting
• Experience supporting a senior leader or equivalent professional
• Experience working in a confidential environment
• Experience with financial transactions and processes
• Experience with the university’s governance structure and understanding the role of the governing bodies and their decision making process preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of Senate and Board policies and an understanding of the role of the governing bodies and their decision-making process as well as their ability to delegate their powers
• Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
• Ability to maintain and develop an effective network of contacts that provide information and intelligence regarding Western's governance, new initiatives, and best practices
• Ability to summarize information and disseminate to others effectively in a timely manner
• Communication skills to engage audiences, and clearly and effectively interact with all levels of the organization
• Possess a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
• Ability to deal confidentially with information that has financial, regulatory and reputational implications
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex issues
• Knowledge of best practices for handling sensitive and confidential information
• Knowledge of project management tools and resources
• Ability to maintain and develop an effective network of contacts that provide information and intelligence regarding Western's governance, new initiatives, and best practices
• Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• Tact and diplomacy with expertise in dealing with situations and sensitive issues that reflect on corporate image
• Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to satisfy expectations directly and indirectly
• Ability to provide guidance, support, and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Influential interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships at all levels of the organization
• Strong organizational skills to issues which fall within the remit of the University Secretariat
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated integrity and acts in accordance with Western's professional, ethical, and procedural framework
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines,policies, and practice to key stakeholders
• Ability to handle complex, ambiguous situations with diplomacy, calmness, and good judgment
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities

 
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:
Interested applicants are asked to visit https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #34026 by midnight on March 11th 2024. 
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.