Pride Central/Gender Equity Centre Coordinator

Lakehead University Student Union; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University Student Union is seeking a Coordinator for Pride Central and the Gender Equity Centre. This pivotal role focuses on creating a safe and inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and those facing gender-based discrimination. Responsibilities include volunteer management, advocacy, and program organization. Ideal candidates will have a background in social work or related fields, along with a passion for social justice and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Degree in social work, education, sociology, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge in 2SLGBTQIA+ and gender equity.
• Training in anti-oppression and relevant certifications an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage staff and volunteers, ensuring Centre accessibility.
• Advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ community within the university.
• Plan and execute programs promoting gender equity and justice.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy

Leadership

Education

Diploma or degree in social work, education, sociology, or gender studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suites

Social media platforms

Job description

CAMPUS: Thunder Bay

TERM: July 14, 2025, to July 11, 2027; two-year contract, renewable

REPORTS TO: Executive Director (ED)

HOURS: 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday; weekends/evenings as required

COMPENSATION: $47,000/year plus benefits

The Coordinator of Pride Central and the Gender Equity Centre (GEC) is a role of passion that is responsible for the strategic planning, development, and implementation of programs and services – through an anti-oppressive framework – that promote a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, women, and students who face gender-based discrimination and oppression.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staff and Volunteer Management:

• Recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers, ensuring adequate coverage to facilitate the Centre's accessibility for all students.
• Provide personnel management and guidance to each Centre’s staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Provide "train the trainer" sessions to empower volunteers to engage with the university community effectively.

Centre Maintenance:

• Ensure the Centres are consistently open during business hours.
• Maintain the facility's cleanliness and adherence to health and safety regulations for a sanitary and accessible environment.
• Accurately track and report usage of each Centre's resources.
• Manage social media account(s) and maintain regular social media presence, including (but not limited to) advertisement for events and services, justice campaigns, and educational campaigns.

Advocacy Strategy:

• Advocate for and raise awareness of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and gender equity among Lakehead University students and the Thunder Bay community.
• Provide education, outreach, and advocacy on issues related to gender and sexual diversity and justice.
• Provide support, referral, and crisis intervention for survivors of discrimination, harassment, assault, or abuse with respect to gender identity/expression, sexuality, and/or gender-based violence.
• Provide support and referral for students questioning their gender identity and sexuality.
• Provide support for students seeking gender-affirming care, including (but not limited to) access to gender-affirming clothing and gear, access to Identity Document and Gender Surgery Travel funds, referral to relevant local and on-campus services.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant local and on-campus organizations and resources, including (but not limited to) the Office of Human Rights and Equity, Thunder Pride, and the Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre.
• Sit on relevant local and on-campus boards, committees, and networks, including (but not limited to) Student Wellness Advisory Committee, Sexuality and Gender Equity Network, and Queer Support Services Network.
• Consult with various faculties and departments on inclusion policies and initiatives with respect to gender and sexual diversity and justice.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Centres and the student union, including the regular reports to the Board.
• Collaborate with other Centres, clubs, and student union staff on intersectional priorities, programs, and services.

Programming and Events:

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Advocacy, Executive Director, Executives, and staff to develop long-term programming.
• Plan, organize, and execute regular events, programs and services that promote 2SLGBTQIA+ justice and gender equity and justice. These include but are not limited to Pride In The North, Women’s History Month, Peer Support, and Gwen’s Closet.

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure all activities align with the LUSU’s governing documents, principles, and policies.
• Fulfill responsibilities and aims of Pride Central and the GEC as outlined in the LUSU governing documents.

Budget Management, Grant Applications, and Promotion:

• Manage the financial resources of both the Centres, adhering to the annual budget.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to apply for annual grants and additional funding opportunities to enhance the Centre's initiatives.
• Track and document budget allocation and expenditure accurately.
• Regularly reconcile monthly Visa card statements, ensuring accurate record-keeping and adherence to budget guidelines.
• Collaborate with the finance team to resolve any discrepancies and maintain transparent financial practices.
• Promote the Centre's services and campaigns within the university and the broader community, building and maintaining essential relationships.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A diploma or degree in social work, education, sociology, gender studies, or a related field is preferred. However, equivalent experience in related fields will be considered.
• Applicants who self-identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, women, and/or gender diverse will be given first consideration.
• Training in anti-oppression, harm reduction, SafeTalk, Mental Health First Aid, survivor support, and/or other related training and certifications is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in 2SLGBTQIA+ and gender equity.
• Experience in engaging, recruiting, and coordinating volunteers.
• Previous experience working for a not-for-profit is an asset.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suites.
• Working knowledge and competence in social media and internet platforms.
• Strong organizational and managerial skills with supervisory experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with composure when working with a diverse population.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Experience in budget management, grant applications, event planning, and advocacy is a plus.
• Passionate about the student experience.

This role is well-suited for a recent graduate or early-career professional seeking meaningful experience in student support, social justice, 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, gender equity work, and nonprofit program coordination. We welcome applicants with a passion for learning and growth.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY:

LUSU is committed to the principles of employment equity. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome; in particular, applications are encouraged from Queer and Trans people, women, Black, Indigenous, and Racialized people, and Disabled People. We prioritise the hiring of individuals who experience systemic barriers to employment and invite you to self-disclose in your cover letter or on your resume.

Please use your cover letter to tell us about your unique perspectives, experiences, and abilities as they apply to your fit within the student union’s team.

APPLICATIONS:

Visit lusu.ca/jobs and select “Pride/GEC Coordinator.” Upload a single PDF containing your cover letter and resume, named with your full name (e.g. AlexSmith.pdf) and addressed to Farhan Yousaf, Executive Director.

Closing Date: Friday, June 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM

About Us: LUSU, Local 32 of the Canadian Federation of Students, is the students’ union representing nearly 10,000 members at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay and Orillia Campuses. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight for a universal, accessible post-secondary education and providing an environment where students can pursue academic excellence as well as personal and social growth.