Outreach and Engagement Oshkaabewis

Formed in 1992, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) is a non-profit advocacy organization that strives to effectively and responsibly represent Ontario’s full- and part-time undergraduate students to lobby for an affordable, accessible, accountable, high-quality, and equitable higher education system. In order to achieve these goals, OUSA provides research and policy solutions to government, organizes campaigns, communicates priorities, and develops partnerships with post-secondary education sector stakeholders. With a membership of approximately 160,000 undergraduate, professional full- and part-time students, OUSA is one of the largest and most respected student organizations in the country.

POSITION: Outreach and Engagement Oshkaabewis

DEADLINE: 11:59pm on Friday November 28th, 2025

HOURS OF WORK: Position is part-time, up to 30 hours per week.

COMPENSATION: $20/hour

START DATE: January 2026

LOCATION:  A hybrid work environment, mandatory in-person conferences and events in Toronto and across university campuses in Ontario; however day-to-day work can be completed remotely. 

In October of 2024, an Indigenization Process report was presented to the OUSA General Assembly, with recommendations to improve relationship building with Indigenous members of the organization. The creation of an Outreach and Engagement Oshkaabewis was one such recommendation, with the purpose of expanding OUSA’s capacity to meaningfully and intentionally engage with Indigenous Peoples in our policy and advocacy work.

Working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, the Outreach and Engagement Oshkaabewis is responsible for creating and maintaining relations with Indigenous support staff at OUSA’s member associations, as well as with Indigenous students. 

Major Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Foster student engagement through maintaining connections with OUSA’s member associations and diverse student support services;
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with students, community partners, and stakeholders to bring Indigenous student concerns to the forefront of OUSA’s lobbying;
• Integrate Indigenous perspectives into all areas of OUSA such as through internal policies and practices;
• Create and support an Indigenous Student Advisory Committee, to help guide OUSA’s support of Indigenous students and their perspectives in advocacy efforts; and
• Provide insight on OUSA’s policies that relate to Indigenous students and access.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have knowledge of Indigenous methodologies to gather insights and anecdotes;
• Have knowledge of governance structures (or a willingness to learn about it);
• Be able to travel across the province as needed;
• Hold a G class driver’s license;
• Have access to a vehicle (preferred);
• strong writing and communication skills;
• background or relevant experience in the post-secondary or non-profit sector considered an asset;
• experience working directly with post-secondary students considered an asset;
• experience and affinity for working in a collaborative team environment;
• excellent personal initiative and strong work ethic;

While OUSA is a professional organization, it is intimately connected with university students. This youthful attitude transfers into a highly charged and passionate workplace that creates a unique opportunity for both satisfying and creative work. OUSA makes every effort to reward employees with both a relaxing and exciting environment and a job that gives them the chance to build and develop their skills. This position is open to all Indigenous Peoples, but preference will be given to those currently enrolled in a post-secondary program.

To Apply: Applicants must provide a resume and letter of intent, to outline the applicant’s connection to their Indigenous identity and community as well as highlight how they meet the above qualifications.

Candidates selected for an interview will be notified no later than December 3rd, 2025. Interviews will be held on December 9th. Interviews will be available during and after business hours, and will be facilitated virtually through Zoom.

Please send letter of intent and resume via e-mail to:

Malika Dhanani, Executive Director
e-mail: hr@ousa.ca
More information and resources can be found at www.ousa.ca

While OUSA typically encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, this position is strictly for those who are Indigenous. However, we recognize that Indigeneity exists with multiple identities and encourage those who have intersecting identities to apply.

OUSA is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). If you require accommodations for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please email hr@ousa.ca.

The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) represents the interests of approximately 160,000 professional and undergraduate, full-time and part-time university students at nine student associations across Ontario. OUSA is run by a Steering Committee made up of elected student representatives from each of our member associations. Day-to-day activities are carried out by full-time office staff. For more information, please visit our website at www.ousa.ca.