Spark Team Leaders

****Special Application Instructions: 

Please do not click "Apply for this Job" on this site, your application will not be considered.

To apply: Please follow this link and complete the form.  Apply here

Interested students can also receive the application in the format of an accessible Word document by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Application Word document". 

Spark is a service provided by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) that supports first-year students throughout their transition to McMaster University. Spark offers a weekly mentorship program, as well as social events, workshops, and online resources. 

Please note this posting will close on Monday July 7th at 11:59pm. 

Spark Team Leaders are expected to lead Spark sessions on a weekly basis. Team Leaders will work in groups to facilitate discussion, group activities, and self-reflection, with the goal of guiding first-year students through their transition to university. Additionally, Team Leaders will facilitate Spark workshops and events at least once per semester. A suitable candidate exhibits passion for first-year success. Spark sessions are scheduled for 1 hour per week, supplemented by a 1-hour mandatory weekly training session. Team Leaders are expected to engage informally with Spark students weekly through regular check-ins. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Strong time management and organizational skills 

• Excellent speaking, listening, and facilitation skills 

• Sensitivity to persons from a wide range of backgrounds 

• Approachable and accessible to student needs and concerns 

• Be able to recognize and respond to students who require assistance academically, socially, or mentally, and offer appropriate support and referral 

Effort & Responsibility 

• Team Leaders will occasionally be needed to help promote the service at events such as Welcome Day and through social media 

• Workshops and events held throughout the year will require Team Leader support 

• Maintain confidentiality of all students accessing Spark’s services in the Spark program 

• All Team Leaders are expected to be a positive role model inside Spark sessions and beyond, maintaining professionalism with all members in the program 

Working Conditions 

• Regularly working in an indoor space (classroom, resource room, etc.) 

• Regularly working in an online setting via Microsoft Teams 

• May be expected to lead activities outdoors / off campus 

• Expected to interact closely with groups of first-year students 

• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work 

Training and Experience 

• Training will be provided by the Spark Director 

• Previous leadership or mentorship experience is an asset, but not required 

Equipment 

• Access to a computer with Microsoft Teams will be required 

• Any additional supplies required to lead Spark sessions will be provided 
  

Reports to: Spark Director

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please download the full job description. 

****Special Application Instructions: 

Please do not click "Apply for this Job" on this site, your application will not be considered.

To apply: Please follow this link and complete the form.  Apply here

Interested students can also receive the application in the format of an accessible Word document by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Application Word document".