Job Description

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create


OCAD University, Canada's largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.


It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles -- driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.


Reporting to the Director and working with the Associate Director, the Assistant, Global Centre for Climate Action (GCCA) will support the administration of GCCA programs during the 2025-26 implementation year. The Assistant will support operational aspects of multiple concurrent programs and assist in establishing administrative systems for the revitalized centre.


The Assistant will track timelines and expenses, support faculty fellows and student researchers, assist in organizing events, and budget reconciliation. The role involves working with faculty researchers, Indigenous community partners, artists, students, and external collaborators including BMO and potential UAD4 partner institutions.

About the Centre:

The Global Centre for Climate Action (GCCA) at OCAD University is a research centre that addresses climate change through art, design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Centre operates on the premise that climate solutions require cultural, social, and creative approaches alongside technical and economic interventions. It supports research creation, education, and public programming that advance climate justice through Indigenous knowledge systems, speculative design, sustainable materials, and cultural narratives.


The GCCA is implementing a renewed strategic plan for 2025-26, supported by BMO funding. This includes faculty research fellowships, a climate action speaker series, artist residencies, research labs, and student sustainability awards.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Assist in administering and coordinating BMO-funded programs: including Faculty Research Fellowships, Climate Action Speaker Series, and Faculty Research Labs/Projects Support the tracking of project schedules, timelines, and budgets, including reconciling monthly expenditures across multiple programs Respond and triage inquiries from faculty fellows, artist residents, and research lab participants Support GCCA's events including the six-part speaker series, exhibitions, fellowship presentations, and public programming Assist the Centre with reporting requirements by filing and collecting records and documents in compliance with BBMO partnership and Senate oversight Support GCCA's digital and social media presence, including updating website content, social media, and the public impact dashboard Provide support in equity and accessibility audits and in applying Indigenous protocols to program activities. Assist in the preparation of presentation materials and documenting meeting minutes Supporting grant writing and partnership development activities Support the development of standard operating procedures for centre operations

Qualifications:

Post-secondary degree, with a minimum of two (2) years of administrative work experience in a frontline environment, preferably in an environmental studies or sustainability setting (or equivalent combination of education and experience) Demonstrated organizational skills with ability to multitask Strong written and oral communication skills and experience writing and communicating with different audiences (e.g., faculty, staff, researchers); experience writing routine documents and correspondence Experience with budget reconciliation and financial administration Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles, with understanding of Indigenous reconciliation and climate justice frameworks Ability to work independently and problem-solve Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications; content management systems an asset Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

Assets:

Interest in climate action and sustainability issues Experience in academic or research environments Familiarity with art and design practices and/or research-creation methodologies Knowledge of Indigenous research protocols and community-engaged research approaches Experience supporting events, exhibitions, or public programming Grant writing or research funding experience Demonstrated ability to update web content and social media

Mode of Work:

Hybrid Model

Compensation:

Hiring Range - $23.48 to $27.75 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range - $23.48 to $32.29 per hour.

Hours of Work:

10 hours per week. This is a temporary, six (6) month contract.

Application Deadline:

Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated resume and cover letter (

PDF

) . The review of applications will begin Friday November 14th, 2025 and will continue until the position has been filled.
Please upload your resume and cover letter

as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code*

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution's core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U's Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities . All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.