OSTA-AECO is a one-of-a-kind organization in Canada. We’re an independent, non-partisan group of democratically-elected student representatives in grades 11 and 12. We sit on Ontario’s 72 public school boards and we’re driven by our belief in the power of student voice. We work in our local communities and on the provincial stage to ensure that students are always put first.
Position: Vice-President, Policy & Research
Compensation: $nil (volunteer position)
Mandate: August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Direct reports: Policy & Research (Department)
Time commitment: 10-15 hours per week*
Mission
OSTA-AECO empowers and advocates for the students of Ontario and provides rich, tailored professional development to student trustees across the province so that they are well-equipped to represent the needs of their local communities.
Position
The Vice-President, Policy & Research is primarily responsible for coordinating the policy-related projects and policy statements of OSTA-AECO. In conjunction with the President and their department, they are also responsible for coordinating and leading student story-telling projects to inform education policy and further OSTA-AECO’s advocacy.
As the head of the Policy & Research team, the VP, Policy & Research will:
- Coordinate demographic surveys and research to inform the executive council on the stance of their constituents.
- At the direction of the advocacy branch of the organization, formulate stances and lead projects to support the advocacy of OSTA-AECO.
- Act as a line of communication between the Policy & Research department and the Executive Council.
- Work with the Chair of the Governance Committee to maintain and update organizational policies and procedures
- Liaise with the Board of Directors on organizational policy as a member of the Governance Committee.
- Ensure the transparency and knowledge of organizational policies and procedures and ensure these documents are accessible by all members of OSTA-AECO.
- Present formulated positions and policy projects to members of the organization.
- Determine project timelines and release dates for publications and policy projects within the organization.
- Work to provide advocacy and policy training to the General Assembly
- Uphold OSTA-AECO’s values as outlined in the Code of Conduct to foster a safe and healthy working environment.
The VP, Policy & Research will also be a non-voting executive council member.
The successful candidate must attend OSTA-AECO’s three annual conferences and onsite professional development sessions.
Eligibility
Any applicant for the VP, Policy & Research must be and remain a student trustee for the duration of their mandate.
Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual passionate about OSTA-AECO’s mission and with a track record of community leadership.
OSTA-AECO is an equal-opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage people with lived experiences as members of Indigenous, Black, or equity-seeking groups to apply. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- Experience in public policy or research, specifically in advocacy.
- Thorough knowledge of the Ontario education system and its governance.
- Basic technology skills, specifically with Microsoft Office 365.
- Experience in storytelling and qualitative research
- Ability to compile research and opinions into well-written policy documents or position papers.
Applications (comprising a résumé and cover letter) will be accepted until May 28, 2025, at 11:59 pm EDT. We thank all applicants for their time applying for this position; however, only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
If you have any questions about this posting or the application process, please email cameron.prosic@osta-aeco.org.
To apply for this job please visit ostaaeco.atlassian.net.