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2026 Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) Coordinator

AUGSA
February 26, 2026 / 5 mins read

Posting Date: February 27, 2026
Closing Date: March 9, 2026, 4:00PM MT
Start Date: March 16 2026.

Employment Opportunity:

2026 Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) Coordinator

The Athabasca University Graduate Students’ Association (AUGSA), in partnership with Athabasca University Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) presents the annual Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC). This conference provides Athabasca University graduate students with an opportunity to showcase planned, ongoing, and recently completed research in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.

The 2026 GSRC will be delivered as a hybrid event (in-person and online) and will take place over 3 days in October 2026 in Athabasca, Alberta. Additional information about the conference is available on the official event website: https://gsrc.augsa.com

Conference Coordinator (Part-time)

AUGSA is currently seeking a Conference Coordinator to support the planning and delivery of the 2026 Graduate Student Research Conference. This is a temporary, part-time contract position, averaging approximately 10 hours per week. The time commitment will vary throughout the contract period and is expected to increase as the conference date approaches. Availability during the week prior to and throughout the conference weekend is essential.

The position has a total contract value of $10,000 with payments made in four (4)

installments of $2,500.00 to be paid on or before June 1, August 1, October 1, December 1, 2026.

Role and Responsibilities

Governance and Committee Support

  • Serve as a member of the Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) Steering Committee
  • Attend Steering Committee meetings (monthly, increasing in frequency as the conference date approaches)
  • Organize conference volunteers – set up and populate sub-committees
  • Act as the primary point of contact between the Steering Committee, subcommittees, and contractors
  • Liaise with GSRC members, subcommittees, and external contractors and provide regular status updates to the Steering Committee

Project Planning and Oversight

  • Develop, maintain, and manage the conference project plan and timeline
  • Monitor and evaluate conference planning progress, identifying risks, successes, and challenges
  • Contact committee chairs to support timely completion of deliverables in alignment with the project timeline

Speaker and Program Coordination

  • Coordinate all conference speakers, including keynote speakers, panel presenters, and AU executive guest speakers
  • Ensure speakers receive all required information, resources, schedules, and logistical support prior to and during the conference
  • Chair the Program Committee and lead the development and preparation of the conference program

Logistics and Event Coordination

  • Coordinate conference logistics, including venue preparations, room bookings, audiovisual requirements, catering, and event timelines
  • Coordinate extra-curricular and networking activities associated with the conference
  • Actively support on-site and virtual coordination of the conference during the event

Technology and Communications

  • Assist with managing the abstract submission system (training provided)
  • Coordinate with the Whova Advisor to ensure the conference platform is properly configured, maintained, and updated
  • Oversee updates to the conference website in collaboration with relevant committees or contractors
  • Schedule meetings, create Microsoft Teams meeting invitations, draft meeting agendas and record meeting minutes

Post-Conference Activities

  • Support conference wrap-up activities, including preparation of a final report highlighting key learnings, outcomes, and recommendations

Other Duties

  • Perform other related duties as assigned to support the successful delivery of the Graduate Student Research Conference

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Athabasca University Graduate Students’ Association (AUGSA) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

AUGSA is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Applicants who require accommodations are encouraged to contact us to discuss their needs in confidence.

Please send a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications and experience to ed@augsa.com. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.