We boast a team with diversity of skill and experience, and are constantly recruiting fresh talent. If you are an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, and would like experience organizing academic events, conferences, and workshops, consider applying for our Board of Directors.
The Connecting Minds Board of Directors serves two functions. First, it is a creative space, where new projects and initiatives are conceived. Directors contribute to the conversation without distinction based on experience or seniority in the organization, and are encouraged to bring new ideas to the fore. Second, it is intended to be an executive organ tasked with implementing projects from initial planning through to execution. Hence, directors typically serve in a dual role – as a member of the Board, and as an executive officer in a subsidiary initiative. Directors can serve on the Board for one year, subject to renewal at the discretion of the Chair.
The Board meets once a week from September – April, and bi-monthly in the spring and summer. In addition to weekly meetings, Directors will be required to attend meetings for subsidiary projects and initiatives in their other executive capacities. Applicants should be prepared to commit up to ten hours per week during the academic year, and roughly five hours in the spring and summer.
In spring and summer 2010, the Board of Directors will divide its attention between the management and turnover of existing projects – the University of Toronto Model Parliament, The Policy Exchange and the Public Policy Research Initiative – and the creation of a commission on student governance at the University of Toronto. Directors will have the opportunity to work in a diversity of capacities, and will be encouraged to develop their own projects in the course of their activities.
Candidates are asked to apply for two professional development streams, which are described in some detail below:
- Management, Administration & Finance – Directors will be introduced to the best practices of club management and administration.
- Communications & Fundraising – Directors will engage in communications design, and will be given a crash course in website design, e-mail marketing, and graphic design. Directors will also develop a fundraising package, and will engage with new and existing benefactors.
- Research – Directors will develop and manage a collaborative research project. Initial activities will focus on research design and methodology, and management of a research group. Subsequent activities will concern the peer-review process, editing scholarly writing, event planning and publishing.
- Public Affairs Journalism – Directors will manage a public affairs/policy journal. Activities will be both editorial and managerial in nature.
The Connecting Minds experience is intended to be an exercise in creative thinking, leadership, and professional development. It is also an experience that requires no prerequisite. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Candidates are asked to submit the following for their application: a concise curriculum vitae listing all relevant qualifications, and a one-page statement of interest. A competitive statement of interest will speak to the candidate’s interest in working with Connecting Minds, and connect it with their broader interests in public service. Please be sure to consult the literature on our mandate and goals located on our website. Also, please note if you have any previous experience with a Connecting Minds project.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and will be assessed as they are received. Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview no later than two weeks after the submission of their application.
Please submit application electronically or by mail to our office:
Connecting Minds
The Munk School for Global Affairs
004N – 1 Devonshire Place
Toronto, ON
M5S 3K7
Canada
E-Mail: michael.motala@connecting-minds.ca
