About SGPS

The Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS) represents graduate and professional students at Queen’s University. We are committed to strong governance, accountability, and long-term sustainability in service of our student community.

About the Role

The Student Director is a member of the SGPS Board of Directors, the organization’s corporate governing body responsible for ensuring its financial stability, legal compliance, and long-term strategic direction.

As a Student Director, you will contribute to fiduciary oversight, risk management, and organizational accountability. As part of a newly established Board (as of 2025), this role offers a unique opportunity to shape governance structures and practices that will have a lasting impact on SGPS.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Fiduciary Oversight

• Participate in collective Board decision-making on financial, legal, and strategic matters, recognizing that authority is exercised by the Board as a whole rather than by any one Director acting alone
• Work alongside the Board to help ensure SGPS meets its corporate governance and compliance obligations
• Review governance documents, policies, and frameworks with fellow Board members and contribute to shared oversight and stewardship

Organizational Oversight & Accountability

• Alongside fellow Board members, collectively oversee and support the work of the Executive Director, the SGPS Executive, and other SGPS staff as required
• Contribute to Board-level guidance on financial, legal, and human resource matters, recognizing that such direction is provided collectively rather than individually
• Work with the Board to ensure accountability and alignment with SGPS priorities through collective oversight and decision-making

Strategic Contribution & Risk Management

• Contribute to long-term planning and organizational sustainability through collective Board discussion and decision-making
• Identify and assess risks impacting SGPS operations with fellow Board members, supporting the Board’s shared responsibility for risk oversight
• Bring independent and thoughtful perspectives to Board discussions in support of informed collective decisions

Board Participation & Collaboration

• Attend and participate in Board meetings as scheduled by the Board Chair, contributing to the Board’s collective governance responsibilities
• Participate in Board committees where applicable as part of the Board’s collective governance work
• Help foster a collaborative and respectful Board environment that supports effective collective decision-making

Engagement & Communication

• Maintain regular communication with fellow Board members via platforms such as email and Slack to support the Board’s ongoing work
• Attend and observe the SGPS Annual General Meeting as part of the Board’s governance and accountability responsibilities
• Participate in occasional ad hoc meetings and governance-related communications in coordination with the Board’s collective responsibilities

Qualifications

• Must be a currently registered SGPS member and must remain an SGPS member for the duration of the term
• Interest in governance, accountability, and ethical decision-making
• Strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills
• Experience with SGPS or similar student-run organizations
• Knowledge of governance, finance, law, business, or human resources
• Experience on boards, committees, or leadership teams

Time Commitment

• Approximately 2–4 hours per month on average
• Time may vary depending on Board activities and emerging priorities

Term Details

• Two positions available:
  • One 1-year term
  • One 2-year term
• Applicants should indicate limitations regarding term length

Compensation

All SGPS Board positions are volunteer positions and do not receive compensation.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment

SGPS is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of our student community. We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from equity-deserving and underrepresented communities.

We value lived experience, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to learn. No prior board experience is required.

Accommodations are available throughout the selection process upon request.

How to Apply

Apply through the online application form on the SGPS website.

Deadline: June 17, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Late applications will not be accepted

Only applications submitted through the official form will be considered. Due to high application volumes, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.