Direction générale | General Manager

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Position Summary

Reporting to the President, the General Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the Students’ Society’s operations and for safeguarding its long-term memory. Serving as a strategic advisor to the Board of Directors, Legislative Council and the Executive Committee, the General Manager provides the stability and guidance necessary for the Society to achieve its social, cultural, educational and financial goals. 

The General Manager’s primary role is to provide continuity of leadership from year to year, coordinating the training and development of Executives while strengthening organisational capacity. Acting as the principal liaison between the Executives and permanent staff, they foster collaboration, provide institutional knowledge, and align day-to-day operations with the Society’s broader mission. The General Manager also supports staff through training, guidance, and professional growth, ensuring both student leaders and employees can succeed in advancing the Society’s vision.

The General Manager of the SSMU also acts as the immediate supervisor of the Daycare Director of the SSMU Daycare Centre Inc. and fulfils the role of the Secretary of the Daycare Corporation.

Responsibilities

Human Resources Responsibilities

1. Assist the Human Resources Director with staffing, HR policies, annual budget, annual training, union relations, and the compensation structure;
2. Aide and advise on all union matters, including, but not limited to, meetings, grievance management, bargaining, negotiation, and statement writing and review.
3. Support the Human Resources Director in the implementation of collective agreement standards across the organization.
4. Ensure that the governance bodies of the SSMU, including the Board of Directors and the Legislative Council, consider the standards of the collective agreement when making decisions that impact the working conditions of employees.
5. Working closely with the Human Resources Director to strategize on matters pertaining to Human Resources and workforce planning.
6. Sit on the HR Committee, providing input and recommendations on new policies and procedures.
7. Coordinate the Executives’ transition training with the President.

Financial Responsibilities

1. Ensure, in cooperation with the Comptroller, the Vice-President (Finance) and the President, the long-term financial sustainability of the Society. 
2. Support the Vice-President (Finance) and the Comptroller in overseeing the audit process, the investment portfolio, all SSMU funds, banking, and provide advice on related matters.
3. Serve as one of the primary signing officers of the Society, along with the Comptroller, the Vice-President (Finance) and the President. 
4. Assist with routine contract negotiations and co-sign contracts of the Society with the Vice-President (Finance) and other relevant parties.
5. Prepare the General Administration departmental budget for periodic submission to the Vice-President (Finance) and provide guidance and assistance to the Vice-President (Finance) and the Comptroller during global budget revisions.
6. Support the Vice-President (Finance) in presenting the annual budget revisions to the Board of Directors and to the Legislative Council.

Legal Responsibilities

1. Advise and collaborate with the Internal Counsel & Corporate Secretary on legal and governance matters;
2. Communicate, alongside the President and Internal Counsel & Corporate Secretary, with the Society’s external legal counsel on behalf of the Executive Committee.
3. Ensure that the Society fulfils its legal obligations as a non-profit entity, including but not limited to the update of administrators on the Company Register and the appointment of the auditor.

Building and Operations Responsibilities

1. Participate in the lease negotiations with McGill at the request of the Executive Committee.
2. Provide guidance and support to the Student Life Operations Director on the Strategic vision and goals of the Operations department, and ensure continuity and alignment with broader institutional objectives.
3. Provide guidance and support to the Building Director as needed, ensuring continuity and alignment with broader institutional goals and provide support when required.
4. Strive for the highest level of customer service and satisfaction for all SSMU members.
5. Assist in coordinating new building projects and renovations, working under the direction of the Vice-President (Finance) and the President.

Business Operations:

1. Assist the President in the management of the Society’s business operations. 
2. Foster cooperation amongst the managers on the Society’s fundamental business operations, act as a sounding board and provide support to further progress day-to-day operations.
3. Collaborate with the President in developing and ensuring the continuity of a feasible, long-term Strategic Vision for the society’s business operations.
4. Coordinate the staff in progressing and supporting the Strategic Vision of the Society.
5. Coordinate the submission of budgets from the Society’s business operations and provide continuity support to the Vice-President (Finance).

SSMU Daycare Centre

1. Supervise the Daycare Director.
2. Ensure the financial sustainability of the SSMU Daycare Centre.
3. Act as the General Manager of the SSMU Daycare Center and the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the SSMU Daycare Center.
4. Report to the Vice-President (Clubs and Services) on all matters pertaining to the SSMU Daycare Centre. 

Supervision Received

The General Manager receives general direction from the President, with secondary supervision coming from the Executive Committee as a whole.

Supervision Given

The General Manager supervises the management team (Building Director, Comptroller, Student Life & Operations Director, Human Resources Director, Communications Director, and Internal Counsel & Corporate Secretary) as well as the Systems Administrator with responsibility for hiring, training, evaluation, discipline, and coordination.

Working Conditions 

1. High-pressure work environment from both an operational and political perspective.
2. Because the role involves working closely with students, some flexibility with working hours is required for occasional evening meetings and events. 
3. Attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors is required in the evening on a monthly basis. Some attendance at the meetings of the Legislative Council, which take place in the evening on a biweekly basis during the Fall and Winter semesters, may be required when requested. 
4. The hours of work can include working beyond 40 hours a week. 
5. Overtime hours may be required for certain events and committee meetings, especially as one settles into the role.
6. Equipment used: Google Suite, Dayforce, Dropbox Sign, Adobe Acrobat.

Job Benefits:

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

1. Fully Employer-Covered Health & Dental Insurance – 100% of premiums paid by the SSMU.
2. Hybrid Work Schedule – Flexibility with a minimum of 2 days per week in person.
3. Generous Paid Time Off – 10 sick/personal days annually, paid vacation days, plus a minimum of 2 weeks of additional paid leave over the holiday season.
4. Retirement Savings – 6% employer RRSP contribution match after 6 months of service.
5. Summer Fridays – A 7-hour weekly reduction in working hours from the first Friday in June through the third Friday in August.
6. Flexible Workweeks – Options for a 4- or 4.5-day workweek to support balance and flexibility.
7. Wellness Support – $600 annual fitness reimbursement, employment assistance program and optional telehealth benefits.
8. Professional Development – $1,000 annual educational reimbursement to invest in your growth.

Qualifications Required

1. Educational Requirements: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Business Administration, Management, Human Resources or a related field)
2. Experience: 5+ years of experience as an Executive Manager or equivalent, in a related field (non-profit, higher education, corporate or student governance or student services)
3. Proven experience in corporate governance, finance, operations, and human resources.
4. Manual skills: ability to work efficiently using evolving software, Google Suite
5. High skill level in conflict resolution, collaboration, and staff management.
6. Integrity, planning skills, interpersonal skills, high degree of organization skills.
7. Ability to adapt to changes following the annual election of Executive Committee members.
8. Excellent communication skills, both in French and in English required.
9. High level of diplomacy, coordination and negotiation skills.

Assets:

1. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a higher education environment, with demonstrated ability to navigate administrative processes and institutional policies.
2. Public relations and communications experience, including drafting and managing sensitive or political statements and developing engagement strategies that align with organizational objectives.
3. Experience in stakeholder relations and complex negotiations, including managing relationships across internal organizational structures and community partners.
4. Working knowledge of financial and accounting principles.
5. Experience in operations management, including revenue-generating activities and facility and building operations, with a proven ability to optimize workflows and enhance organizational effectiveness.
6. Experience working within a unionized environment, with a solid understanding of collective agreements, labour relations, and collaborative problem-solving.

Salary Range:

$100,000 - $120,000 per year

Inclusivity Statement

At the SSMU, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. If you require accommodation(s) for the recruitment/interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.