DSAS External Manager

EXTERNAL MANAGER

Summary:

DSAS is hiring the External Relations Manager for the 2025-26 term from September 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. DSAS is an organization that seeks to support students in navigating University policies and processes. We deal with academic and Student Code of Conduct cases, as well as those pursuant to other University policies. We participate in facilitating informal and formal resolutions. DSAS is seeking to welcome an incoming team that will work together to support a roster of hard-working advocates in handling an increasing demand for services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Engagement:

1. Coordinate DSAS participation in Society Fairs and Orientation Week events:
1. Liase with event organizers;
2. Schedule volunteer attendance among executive members;
3. Prepare and set up promotional materials, presentations as necessary;
2. Alongside the two Coordinators, work with student groups to prepare workshops and presentations on relevant academic or policy-related issues, when there is an identified need.

Service Representation and University Engagement:

1. Serve as designated DSAS representative for various university committees, for example, the Student Code of Conduct Task Force;
2. Respond to Service-related inquiries that come through the inbox, including:
1. Requests by student groups for presentations, workshops, or other event participation;
2. Requests for DSAS representation or input for a committee, event, or other project;
3. Attend regular meetings with:
1. Student Affairs group (Assistant Vice-Provost of Campus Living and Student Wellbeing, Manager of Student Conduct, and Ombudsperson) to discuss issues pertaining to Student Code of Conduct or Residence Community Living Standards;
2. Ombudsperson to discuss ongoing case trends, student concerns, and systemic issues that either party has identified;
3. Manager of Discipline and Appeals to discuss issues pertaining to Academic Integrity, Senate Disciplinary Committee, and Senate Appeals Committee cases;
4. As required, serve as liaison between the Service and other members of the University, including (but not limited to): Administrators, Vice Provosts, Faculty Deans, AIOs, Human Rights and Equity Services, Accessibility Services, Residence Life Managers, DSU Societies, Faculty student groups, and others.

DSU Engagement:

1. Identify areas where DSAS needs support from the DSU and work with the DSU to achieve these ends;
2. Liase and meet with the Vice President, Academic & External or other DSU Representative to identify systemic issues and maintain ongoing policy reform campaigns within the University;
3. Report to and meet monthly with the department supervisor, Vice President, Finance & Operations;
4. Liase with the DSU VP Internal and participate in the Offices Steering Committee;
1. Prepare and submit proposal for DSAS draft budget to Offices Steering Committee;
5. Ensure the Service operates according to appropriate DSU Bylaws, policies and DSAS Terms of Reference and Operational Policies.

Internal Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate bi-weekly executive meetings to discuss ongoing cases and issues;
1. Create and distribute meeting agenda for executive meetings;
2. Book spaces and arrange food or other services for advocate training sessions;
3. Maintain the Service’s internal record of student inquiries that fall outside the service’s mandate and other unusual/complex cases (and noting any referrals that were made, if applicable);
4. Manage the condition of the Service’s office, including any cleanliness or maintenance issues, supplies, and access problems;
5. Assist Internal Managers with inbox and case assignment, as necessary.

General Manager Responsibilities:

1. Advertise and coordinate the recruitment and training of volunteer advocates;
2. Facilitate case-shadowing opportunities for new advocates as part of the training process;
3. Provide ongoing specialized training opportunities for advocates throughout the year;
4. Organize formal check-ins with advocates who have not taken cases or have demonstrated low overall engagement with the Service;
5. Address advocate-related complaints or issues as they arise, including disciplinary action as needed;
6. Oversee the hiring and training of the following year’s executive team, ensuring a smooth transition of the Service;
7. Ensure that meeting minutes are taken at each executive meeting, whether by a manager or another member of the executive.

General Executive Responsibilities:

1. Take the lead on complex or last-minute cases as the need arises;
2. Be prepared for a larger caseload;
3. Understand that you may be expected to miss class to attend student hearings;
4. Take on any cases when there are no other advocates available, including when there are notable time constraints;
5. Provide support to volunteer advocates, including:
1. Answering questions as they arise;
2. Explaining policies, processes, and related concepts;
3. Providing useful templates, sample drafts, and other resources;
4. Reviewing advocate written submissions or other documents;
5. Facilitate opportunities for external support for advocates (de-briefs, counseling, reverse-shadowing, etc.);
6. Assist with Service training, events, and presentations, as needed;
7. Other duties as required by the Service.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

1. Current Schulich School of Law student;
2. Current (or former) DSAS volunteer.

Recommended:

1. Excellent organizational skills;
2. Proficient in the Microsoft suite including Outlook, One Drive, Excel;
3. Experience managing volunteers;
4. Good client-relations skills;
5. Demonstrated ability handling different types of cases (AIO, SDC, Academic Appeals, Residence, Student Code of Conduct, SVP);
6. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal;
7. Ability to work independently;
8. Self-motivated;
9. Strong commitment to DSAS mandate;
10. Demonstrated commitment to anti-oppressive practices.

DSAS is hiring the External Relations Manager for the 2025-2026 term of September 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026 at 17.80 per hour for 16 hours weekly during the Fall and Winter terms. Those looking to work during the summer are encouraged to also submit an application for the Summer Manager position.

Deadline for application: April 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

We thank all our applicants for taking the time to apply. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that DSAS abides by the Dalhousie Student Union’s equity hiring policy. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their cover letter if they are a member of a marginalized community. As outlined under the prohibited grounds for discrimination in the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and the Canadian Human Rights Act, marginalized communities include African Nova Scotians and other racially visible people, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S+ people, and people with disabilities.