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, Office of Student Affairs, with day-to-day supervision from the Lead, Campus Life, the Black Student Community Animator supports the development and delivery of initiatives that foster connection, belonging, leadership development, and community-building among Black-identifying students at OCAD University.
Working collaboratively with student leaders, campus partners, faculty and staff, the role assists with the planning, promotion and coordination of programs, events and engagement opportunities that support Black student flourishing and contribute to OCAD U's commitments to equity, inclusion, decolonization and the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education.
The position also supports the development of partnerships and opportunities that enhance the student experience and strengthen connections between Black students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members.
Summary of Responsibilities:
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Assist with the development and delivery of programs, events and initiatives that support Black student community-building and engagement.
- Support Black-identifying student groups and student leaders with event planning, promotion, logistics and administration.
- Coordinate meetings and provide administrative support to the Black student community-building steering committee, including agendas, minutes and action-item tracking.
- Develop promotional materials and communications that increase awareness of opportunities, resources and events for Black-identifying students.
- Support outreach efforts that encourage participation and strengthen connections among Black-identifying students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members.
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Contribute to data collection, feedback gathering and assessment activities that inform future programming and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
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University degree and/or equivalent combination of education, training and experience in a related field
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Preference will be given to recent graduates with demonstrated experience and lived understanding of Black community engagement and student leadership.
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Experience supporting programs, events, student engagement initiatives or community development activities.
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Excellent organizational, problem solving, interpersonal and customer service skills
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Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Experience creating promotional, social media or communication materials.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and standard office software applications.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, anti-racism, inclusion and student success.
- Knowledge of post-secondary student life programming, community engagement or peer leadership programs is considered an asset.
Mode of Work: On Campus
Compensation: Hiring Range - $20.02 to $23.67 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range - $20.02 to $27.17 per hour.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 14 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to begin September 30th 2026 and continue until April 30th, 2027.
Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) . The review of applications will begin immediately 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 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.
In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized administrators, priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code .
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.
