The Symposium Coordinator is a contract position that will work with the Symposium Committee in the organization of Rebel Knowledge, OPIRG Guelph’s Social and Environmental Justice Symposium, taking place in February 2019.
TERMS:
Part-time, Salaried Contract Position
Salary: $3,700.00
Term of Employment: 5 November 2018 – 1 March 2019
ACCOUNTABILITY:
The OPIRG work environment has little day to day supervision. The Coordinator works cooperatively with all other staff (i.e. full time / part time, permanent, and contractually limited staff) to ensure the goals of the Symposium are met. This position will be accountable to the Symposium Committee which is made up of members of OPIRG’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
Must be able to work flexible hours; at times you will be required to work longer hours based on demands of the Symposium and, as such, will be expected to schedule and document your time appropriately.
ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM:
Rebel Knowledge, OPIRG Guelph’s Social and Environmental Justice Symposium, is a convergence of academic and community research, activism, and art focused on social and environmental justice issues. We are aiming to make research more accessible to all and to foster deeper relationships and idea sharing between academics and community organizers. Our goal is to support students in developing research that is useful to community based campaigns and projects working for social change and fostering a space for this exchange to take place. We would like to encourage opportunities for students’ energy and work to be useful as a valuable resource to improve community organizing. This symposium will highlight community–based social justice research and action by students and community groups.
This year, we are gearing the Symposium towards people who are involved in the fight against the Ontario government, those who want to get involved, and those whose organizing and research are valuable contributions to the struggle. The goal is to come out of the weekend with a stronger and more vibrant movement for the years ahead.
HEIGHT OF WORKFLOW:
Heaviest periods of work for this position tend towards December (in follow-up with speakers) and February (when the event takes places).
DUTIES:
The duties of the Coordinator will include…
General Logistics
The Coordinator will:
- Liaise and follow up with panelists, workshop facilitators and other participants
- Develop panels and other events based on submissions we receive and material we solicit
- Prepare draft descriptions for panels and other events as required
- Coordinate the solicitation of art, merchandise, and information tables, as directed
- Coordinate child care and food, and arrange for known accessibility needs
Marketing
The Coordinator will:
- Coordinate the design, printing and distribution of promotional materials
- Connect with CFRU, the Ontarion, and other local media to create print media and PSAs, and to book speaking time on local programming
- Connect with professors, campus groups, local organizations, and allies
Operations during Symposium
The Coordinator will:
- Ensure that the coordination of registration, accessibility needs, and childcare needs within the Symposium take place—either by your own direction or through volunteers
- Handle enquiries from speakers, facilitators and attendees
- Work closely with OPIRG staff, volunteers, and the Symposium Organizing Committee
- Coordinate logistics for day-of tasks as assigned by the Symposium Organizing Committee
Committee Assistance
The Coordinator will work with the Symposium Committee to:
- Assist with general tasks as assigned by the Committee
- Create new and contribute to existing Symposium timelines and task-lists
- Ensure the coordination of grant applications and partnership/sponsorship negotiations
QUALIFICATIONS:
OPIRG (General)
- Minimum of 2-3 years demonstrated experience (including paid and/or unpaid work) is required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are very important to this position.
- Fluency and excellent skills in using the English language, both written and verbal, are essential in order to function effectively in the campus and Guelph communities and to be able to deliver the services and programs as required.
- Having a second language is an asset.
- The position requires a demonstrated understanding of and commitment to anti-oppression theory and a developed analysis on the political and social aspects of oppression.
- Proven knowledge, expertise and experience in community activism/engagement, especially in implementing activities that are geared to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change are necessary.
- Proven skills and abilities are essential in the areas of computer software, media (i.e. internet, newspapers, and radio), financial management, and facilitating workshops.
- An ability to effectively represent the organization in a variety of public forums is essential.
Position (Specific)
For this position individuals would need to hold plenty of energy, a calm professional manner, the ability to cope with pressure, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to coordinate and evaluate, meticulous attention to detail and effective time management, troubleshooting, and organisational abilities.
OPIRG welcomes the contributions that individuals from marginalized communities bring to our organization, and invites Indigenous folks, folks of colour, queer, trans and nonbinary folks, single parents, migrants, disabled folks, and folks from other directly affected groups to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should submit a resume, a one (1) page letter outlining your skills, and a one (1) page statement on power and oppression no later than:
15 October 2018 at 11:59 PM (MIDNIGHT)
In-Person or by Mail:
OPIRG-Guelph Symposium Committee
24 Trent Lane, University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
By Email:
organizational@opirgguelph.org (only PDF or Word documents will be accepted)
Interviews are planned to be held on the week of 22 October 2018.
The job start will be on 5 November 2018.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.