Join the UWSA leadership team: President nominations re-opened

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

What’s happening?

The UWSA is looking for a dedicated person to step into the crucial role of Staff Association President, where you can gain leadership experience, support members, and represent the voice of staff as UWSA spokesperson.

We've re-opened nominations for president until October 24. We encourage all members to think about running for this position or nominating someone you believe in.

Being UWSA President is a three-year commitment. The first year, you'll receive training as president-elect. The second year, you'll lead the Association. In the third year, you'll mentor other leaders as past president. The year as president is a full-time secondment with your regular salary plus a generous stipend equivalent to 10% of a USG 13 role. In the other two years, you'll get three days a month of release time from your regular duties.

What do you get out of it?

This role is a fantastic opportunity to hone your leadership skills and build connections across the University, including with senior administrators. Yes, it’s a big responsibility, but you’ll be well supported in the role and you can get a lot out of the experience.

As UWSA president, you can expect to:

Develop your leadership and people skills supervising three staff and chairing committees.
Access professional development training in governance, leadership, and meeting facilitation.
Deepen your understanding of the university structure and campus community.
Have an official voice to propose improvements on behalf of staff.
Help staff members directly by supporting them with member advocacy cases.
Learn about and practice strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder communication and engagement, financial management, and more—with guidance and expert input from a skilled team.

Current President-Elect Yessenia Guerrero says that “the profound and intimate experience of soaking in the breadth of knowledge being shared with me from around campus” has been a highlight of the role so far. “If you are looking for an enriching and exciting experience, this is the position for you!”

“The UWSA is truly an inspiring place to be,” adds outgoing President Agata Jagielska. “I encourage every staff member to become a part of it in one way or another at some point in their career at the university.

What do we get out of it?

The president’s role is essential. We need someone who can effectively lead our operations team and dozens of volunteers to achieve our goals and pursue our mission to cultivate a progressive work environment where staff feel safe, empowered to grow, and able to thrive.

The Board has set a goal to diversify the UWSA’s leadership and activities, and we’re particularly interested in receiving nominations from people who belong to equity-deserving groups and those who are committed to social justice, ethics, and equity. New voices, perspectives, and connections make the Association stronger and better able to represent our members.

What are the qualifications?

All UWSA members are eligible to run. Previous leadership experience is a great asset, but not required—this role is an excellent training ground for new leaders!

Some key skills that will set candidates up for success in the role include:

Being able to see multiple perspectives, consult broadly, and make reasoned recommendations.
Being able to set the tone and be a role model for approachability, listening, and responsiveness.
Collaborating effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
A strong sense of integrity and trustworthiness, with the ability to represent the Staff Association with tact and diplomacy.
Familiarity with UW policies and procedures.
A willingness to learn and adapt to changing priorities.