Manager, Advocacy & Research

Centennial College Student Association Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A student association in Toronto is seeking a Manager of Advocacy and Research to lead a team focused on advancing student-driven advocacy. The role involves developing advocacy strategies, overseeing policy initiatives, and fostering stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in advocacy and strong leadership skills. A College Diploma or Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in advocacy or public policy.
• 3 years of direct leadership experience.
• Experience in post-secondary or non-profit sectors is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the advocacy strategy.
• Conduct research on post-secondary education issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Public policy understanding

Stakeholder relations

Leadership

Project management

Analytical capabilities

Communication

Technological proficiency

Education

College Diploma and/or Bachelor's degree in related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Project management platforms

Job description

Position Title: Manager, Advocacy and Research

Reports to: Executive Director / CEO

Department: Advocacy & Research

Work Location: 941 Progress Ave. – Student Centre, Toronto, ON.

Working hours: 35 hours per week. Hybrid available with minimum 3 days / week in the office. May be required to work in the evening for meetings

Term: One-year contract (subject to renewal with two 6-month successful performance evaluations)

Start Date: October 13, 2025

Salary: $70,000 - $75,000

Position Summary

The Manager, Advocacy and Research at CCSAI leads a dynamic team dedicated to advancing student-driven advocacy and evidence-informed change. This role reports to the Executive Director / CEO and receives direction from the Board. The Manager is responsible for developing and executing CCSAI’s advocacy and research strategies, overseeing policy initiatives, and ensuring the student voice is amplified at institutional, community, and government levels. Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors and across departments, the Manager ensures that CCSAI remains a strong, credible, and proactive advocate for the 35,000+ students we serve.

Responsibilities

Advocacy Strategy & Leadership

• Design and implement a comprehensive advocacy strategy aligned with CCSAI’s mission and strategic plan.
• Lead public policy campaigns and student-led initiatives that address emerging and ongoing student issues.
• Set clear advocacy goals, develop key performance indicators, and evaluate the impact of campaigns and initiatives.
• Foster inclusive mechanisms for student consultation, participation, and mobilization on campus-wide and external advocacy matters.
• Ensure alignment of advocacy messaging with organizational goals, integrating efforts with communications, student engagement, and equity initiatives.

Research & Policy Development

• Conduct and oversee research on post-secondary education issues, including but not limited to: student wellness, affordability, and equity.
• Produce reports, policy briefs, and recommendations for internal use and external stakeholders.
• Track institutional and governmental policy changes, offering timely analysis and strategic advice to the Executive Director / CEO and Board.
• Create frameworks for evaluating advocacy impact and student feedback on key issues.
• Collaborate with external researchers, associations, and student-led networks to co-create meaningful and participatory research outputs.

Stakeholder & Government Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Centennial College, student organizations, community groups, and government officials.
• Represent CCSAI in external advocacy networks such as CASA, OSV etc.
• Attend key meetings, forums, and conferences to present student positions and build strategic partnerships.
• Facilitate workshops and training that equip students and board members with the skills to be effective advocates.

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise the Advocacy and Research team, including Student Researchers and Student Advocate.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and ongoing performance management of the Advocacy & Research team.
• Support the Elections Coordinator on their election duties and oversee the election process.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the incoming board receives transition time and materials from the outgoing board, related to advocacy & research.

Communications, Engagement & Strategic Alignment

• Support the Executive Director and senior staff in advancing CCSAI’s advocacy priorities within its strategic plan.
• Collaborate with all relevant CCSAI Committees, and Board of Directors on advocacy direction and institutional responses.
• Oversee budgets and resource allocations of the advocacy & research team; ensure efficient and effective delivery of initiatives.
• Prepare advocacy & research updates and reports for the Executive Director and Board.
• Develop messaging, briefing notes, and communication materials to support CCSAI’s advocacy campaigns and research findings.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to share research and policy content across platforms and with key audiences.
• Organize public forums, town halls, and student consultations that enhance awareness and gather student input on advocacy issues.
• Ensure the student body is informed and engaged through regular updates, calls to action, and campaigns.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced understanding of public policy, stakeholder relations, and institutional governance.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team development skills.
• Excellent research, analytical, and policy writing capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build coalitions, lead multi-stakeholder consultations, and advocate effectively at all levels.
• Strong knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in advocacy work.
• Effective communicator with strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Technologically proficient (Microsoft 365, project management platforms).

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, government relations, or a related field.
• 3 years of direct leadership and team management experience.
• College Diploma and / or Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Sociology, Education, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an asset.
• Experience working in or with the post-secondary, non-profit, or student leadership sectors is an asset.

Please note: Must have a valid SIN document (minimum 1 year to expiry)

How to apply: https://ccsai.bamboohr.com/careers/132

Deadline: Must submit applications to BambooHR by September 26, 2025 before 4:00 p.m.

We thank all those who apply but only those individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Should you require accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources.

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