Vice President External (VP External)

Position Title: Vice President External (VP External)

Employment Status: Full-time, Contract

Term of Office: May 1 – April 30 (12 months)

Salary: $50,000 annually

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-campus, community, and remote as operationally required)

Reports To: President, CCSAI

Works Closely With: Executive Director / CEO, Executive Team, Board of Directors, Student advocacy organizations, Government and institutional partners

Position Summary

The Vice President External is a student advocate and external relations lead of the Centennial College Student Association Inc. The role is responsible for advancing CCSAI’s advocacy agenda, representing students to municipal, provincial, and federal governments, maintaining relationships with sector partners, and leading policy development on issues affecting students’ academic success, affordability, equity, and well-being.

The VP External works under the direction of the President and in alignment with Board-approved strategic priorities, ensuring that all advocacy initiatives are evidence-based, student-informed, and consistent with CCSAI’s mission, bylaws, and policy framework.

This is an intensive, highly public-facing role requiring professionalism, political acuity, discretion, and strong relationship-building skills.

Eligibility Requirements

• Members of the President’s Executive Team must be current or former students (have graduated within two (2) years of the date of appointment) of Centennial College and must have been members of the Association (Class A or Class B) prior to appointment.


• Candidates must demonstrate competency, relevant skills, and capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of the specific executive role to which they are appointed.


• In addition, candidates for the President’s Executive Team must have previously contributed to the governance or leadership of the Association through at least one of the following roles:

                (a) Director or appointed representative to the Board of Directors;

                (b) member of a Board or Association committee, whether as an appointed member or                      volunteer observer;

                (c) executive member of a recognized student club or association; or

                (d) prior service as a member of the President’s Executive Team. 

• Have prior student governance or student union leadership experience.


• Be eligible to work in Canada for the full term of the contract.


• Be able to commit to full-time hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.


• Be available for local, provincial, and national travel as required.

Core Responsibilities

1. Government Relations & Advocacy

• Represent CCSAI and its membership to municipal, provincial, and federal governments.


• Lead meetings, delegations, and advocacy campaigns on student issues.


• Prepare advocacy materials, briefing notes, and campaign strategies aligned with CCSAI policy positions and Board direction.

2. Policy Development & Research

• Lead the development and maintenance of CCSAI’s advocacy and policy priorities.


• Conduct or commission research using student consultation, institutional data, and sector reports.


• Draft policy submissions and consultation responses.


• Ensure advocacy positions align with CCSAI bylaws, strategic plan, and equity commitments.

3. External Partnerships & Sector Engagement

• Serve as CCSAI’s primary delegate to CASA and provincial advocacy coalitions.


• Participate in coordinated lobbying efforts and sector conferences.


• Build partnerships with community organizations and equity-seeking groups.


• Collaborate with Centennial College administration while maintaining advocacy independence.

4. Portfolio Leadership & Organizational Integration

• Develop annual advocacy work plans aligned with CCSAI Strategic Plan and Board priorities.


• Coordinate advocacy initiatives with the President, Communications Officer, and Indigenous Student Representative.


• Support institutional committees and task forces requiring student representation.

5. Reporting, Accountability & Governance Compliance

• Submit written and verbal reports to the Board and membership as required.


• Ensure advocacy activities respect governance boundaries and ONCA compliance.


• Maintain accurate records of meetings, commitments, and correspondence.

General Executive Responsibilities

• Support organizational strategy and executive collaboration.


• Participate in Executive and Board meetings as required by bylaws.


• Support executive transitions through documentation and training of successors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Professional discretion and political judgment.


• Public speaking and media-facing confidence.


• Policy research and analysis skills.


• Ability to manage competing priorities.

Conduct, Ethics, and Professional Standards

• Uphold CCSAI’s Code of Conduct and confidentiality obligations.


• Avoid representing personal political views as CCSAI positions.


• Act in the best interests of the organization and its membership at all times.

Performance Evaluation

Performance shall be evaluated by the President in accordance with Board-approved executive evaluation policies, including achievement of advocacy goals, quality of reporting, and adherence to governance frameworks.

We thank all those who apply but only those individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Should you require accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources.