Manager, Governance and Policy

Department: Secretariat's Office 

Job Type: Continuing

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Governance and Policy                          

Employee Group: Management 

Application Deadline: 05/07/2025 

Requisition ID: 9229 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict.  Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the AVP, Governance and Policy, the Manager, Governance and Policy is a senior leadership role within the University Secretariat, responsible for ensuring the effective, transparent, and strategic operation of the Board of Governors and its committees, in alignment with Wilfrid Laurier University’s bicameral governance structure.

Dealing with confidential and sensitive issues, this position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, timely information and advice on governance structures, best practices, policies, procedures, precedents, and regulatory compliance. It plays a central role in fostering transparent, responsive, and forward-looking governance that enables well-informed decision-making, grounded in sound governance principles, aligned with the University's long-term priorities. The role contributes to strategic governance initiatives, and supports continuous improvement through planning, education, evaluation and succession planning.

Grounded in Laurier’s values of collaboration, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership, the Manager, Governance and Policy builds strong relationships and serves as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders. The role requires the ability to foster productive relationships across all levels of the University, inspire confidence, earn the respect of stakeholders, influence change, and apply sound judgment, tact, diplomacy and contextual awareness to enhance governance processes and institutional effectiveness.

This role also provides leadership within the University Secretariat, supervising and mentoring junior staff and ensuring operational continuity.  The Manager, Governance and Policy has the delegated authority to act in the absence of the AVP, Governance and Policy, including the provision of advice and guidance to all constituencies of the university as a neutral, objective and trusted advisor.

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus.  The incumbent provides leadership in a multi-campus environment, requiring regular interaction, communication and collaboration with staff and stakeholders at the Waterloo Campus, Brantford Campus, locations in Kitchener and Milton, and external partners. The Manager will ensure the unit’s policies, programs and services are delivered equitably across all campuses and reflect the needs of local stakeholders.

Accountabilities

Strategic Governance Leadership, Planning and Stakeholder Relations

• Provide expert advice and guidance to the University Secretariat, Board Chair, Committee Chairs, and senior leadership on governance best practices, and decision-making frameworks to enhance Board effectiveness and support effective decision making.

• Provide strategic support to the University Secretariat in advancing governance best practices and strategies, ensuring the Board of Governors is equipped to make informed, high-impact decisions.

• Support the ongoing evaluation and refinement of governance structures, policies, and procedures, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with institutional priorities.

• Monitor emerging governance trends, legislative changes, and best practices, advising on their potential impact and recommending enhancements to governance processes.

• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate governance operations, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between the Board, administration, internal/external stakeholders and other key university partners.

• Act as a trusted governance advisor to internal/external stakeholders, including senior administration, and Board members, ensuring governance structures and practices align with institutional strategy, legal and governance obligations.

• Collaborate with sector associations (e.g. Council of Ontario Universities) and peer institutions to share knowledge and bring external insights into the University’s governance evolution.

• Support the development and implementation of strategic planning activities.

Management of Board Operations

• Provide oversight and coordination of the Board of Governors, its standing and ad hoc committees, and related working groups or task forces, ensuring their effective operation in alignment with governance structures and best practices.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority of the Board of Governors and assigned committees, ensuring alignment with all applicable governance documents, including the Wilfrid Laurier University Act, by-laws, policies, and other governing frameworks.

• Support governance planning cycles by developing annual Board and committee work plans, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, and anticipating upcoming governance needs.

• Ensure the preparation of high-quality Board and committee materials, reviewing and editing reports, briefing notes, and other documents prepared by senior administrators, ensuring they meet the needs of the Board and Secretariat’s standards for accuracy, completeness, clarity, and consistency before being distributed to governance bodies.

• Oversee and facilitate the logistical and operational needs of Board and committee meetings, including agenda-setting, scheduling, distribution of materials, and follow-up on action items, delegating tasks as needed.

• Serve as Recording Secretary for the Board of Governors, assigned Board committees and working groups, ensuring accurate record-keeping, preparing minutes and resolutions, and providing procedural advice to chairs and members.

• Ensure Board records, decisions, and actions are documented and maintained in accordance with governance best practices, regulatory requirements, and institutional record-keeping policies.

Policy Oversight, Research and Compliance

• Provide strategic and procedural advice and guidance to the Board Chair, Committee Chairs, and senior leaders on governance processes, ensuring compliance with Wilfrid Laurier University Act, by-laws, institutional policies, applicable agreements with faculty, staff and students, and external regulatory requirements.

• Advise on the implications of governance decisions and policy issues brought before the Board, ensuring alignment with the University's governance framework and obligations.

• Manage special projects and research from proposal design and development to implementation and completion of complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

• Research, assemble, and present analysis relative to quantitative and qualitative information necessary for the informed consideration of governance and policy issues.

• Benchmark policies, protocols, and governance practices of other institutions to support broader governance planning and decision-making, delegating as appropriate.

• Support the development and review of Board and University level policies and procedures and facilitate the effective implementation and communication to the university community, as required.

• Prepare related reports and briefs for use by governance bodies and/or senior administration. Draft reports for consideration and/or further development by governance committees.

• Support the integration of governance compliance and risk management considerations into Board planning and oversight processes.

Board Engagement, Education, and Succession Planning

• Contribute to Board effectiveness assessments and governance reviews, assisting in periodic evaluations of Board and committee performance and recommending strategies for continuous improvement.

• Develop and deliver onboarding materials and related reference documents for new Board and committee members; University senior leaders and managers; and non-Board committee members; based on most up-to-date materials, information, and governance best practices.

• Ensure orientation and related reference materials are accurate, complete, and kept up-to-date and posted in the governance portal and/or Secretariat website, as appropriate.

• Support the University Secretariat with education and strategic sessions, succession planning and renewal for the Board and its committees, in alignment with governance procedures, election policies, recruitment strategies and other standards. This includes senior executive searches and/or reviews for the President and Vice-Chancellor and University Chancellor.

• Develop and maintain governance-related resources, including Board member handbooks, procedural guides, and training materials to enhance Board effectiveness and efficiency, delegating tasks as needed.

 Leadership and Operational Oversight

• Act in the role of AVP, Governance and Policy during absences, assuming responsibility for all functions and authorities of the position to ensure operational continuity.

• Supervise junior staff, overseeing governance operations, and ensuring high-quality execution of Board-related activities.

• Provide direction to Governance Coordinator(s) with respect to Board and committee logistics and responsibilities, as needed.

• Provide coaching and professional development opportunities to junior staff to build governance capacity and succession within the Secretariat.

• Support the AVP, Governance and Policy in junior staff performance review processes, including assisting with goal setting, mid-year and year-end performance reviews, and identifying opportunities for skill development and advancement.

• Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure work is completed to high standards, while promoting accountability and fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Ensure the Secretariat’s workflows, tools, and resources are optimized for efficient governance support and aligned with institutional goals.

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture grounded in transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Undertake any additional projects or special initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree is required. Masters degree is an asset.

• 4-6 years of experience in a related field (e.g., governance, public administration, higher education management), including experience with other Boards.

• Significant experience in high-level governance advisory role within academic institutions, with a strategic understanding of policy impacts.

• Governance certification (e.g., ICD.D, GPC.D) or courses/workshops are an asset but not required.

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of board governance, decision making practices, and the role of the Board in a bicameral governance structure.

• Comprehensive understanding of the Board of Governors’ roles, responsibilities, and obligations, including the role of legislation and governing documents in the governance of the university.

• Proven ability to leverage knowledge of parliamentary rules of procedure (Robert’s Rules) to guide complex meetings.

• Demonstrated expertise in policy development, strategic planning, and compliance frameworks.

• Knowledge and understanding of university/post-secondary education sector, and the landscape/issues that may affect the University and its operations. 

• Strong leadership, advisory, and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively and build trust with senior leaders and external stakeholders.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare governance reports, policy documents, and training materials.

• Proven capacity to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment and exercise sound judgment in sensitive governance matters.

• Skilled at handling sensitive issues, managing confidential information, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with neutrality and objectivity.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to assess governance challenges and develop effective solutions.

• Capable of working independently with initiative or collaboratively as part of a team to achieve governance objectives.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to anticipate needs, set priorities, and develop timelines to ensure seamless execution of governance activities, projects and deadlines.

• Exceptional attention to detail and experience operationalizing best practices in governance, with a commitment to high-quality work and strong organizational skills.

• Adept at synthesizing complex information and drawing meaningful connections to inform decision-making.

• Some experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising staff, with the ability to provide guidance, support professional development, and delegate effectively.

• Advanced Microsoft Office Skills.

Hours of work

The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. 

Compensation

Level: MG-2B

Annual Salary: $81,888 - $102,360

When new employees are hired the appropriate base salary is determined using these sub-ranges as a guide while adhering to rules on hiring as defined in our compensation policy. Considerations for new hire salaries include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.