CNSA New Board Structure

President(Elected | Voting)

Provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and governance oversight for the Association. Serves as CNSA’s chief spokesperson and represents nursing students at national and international levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Chairs the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and General Membership meetings

• Oversees implementation of the CNSA Strategic Plan

• Ensures compliance with bylaws, policies, and federal not-for-profit legislation

• Builds partnerships, sponsorships, and national collaborations

• Mentors and supports Board members in fulfilling their mandates

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Vice-President(Elected | Voting)

Supports the President and ensures continuity of governance and operations. Assumes presidential duties when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees Board operations and governance best practices

• Supports implementation of the Strategic Plan

• Represents CNSA in national academic and professional forums

• Serves as CNSA’s representative to CASN

• Coordinates national initiatives and supports Board collaboration

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Director of Advocacy(Elected | Voting)

Leads CNSA’s advocacy, policy development, and government relations, while advancing equity, inclusion, and student voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and implements national advocacy strategies

• Represents nursing students in policy and stakeholder consultations

• Coordinates federal advocacy initiatives (e.g., Day on the Hill)

• Leads diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives

• Oversees and mentors Student Interest Groups (SIGs)

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Director of Membership(Elected | Voting)

Oversees membership services, chapter engagement, elections, and national membership initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages membership recruitment, retention, and renewal campaigns

• Chairs the Elections Committee

• Oversees national elections and appointments

• Coordinates National Nursing Students’ Week

• Supports Regional Directors and chapter leadership

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Director of Communications(Elected | Voting)

Leads CNSA’s external communications, media relations, and public engagement, amplifying the national voice of nursing students.

Key Responsibilities

• Represents nursing students on the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Board

• Oversees media relations, public statements, and digital communications

• Manages CNSA’s social media platforms

• Designs national advocacy and awareness campaigns

• Ensures consistent, professional public messaging

Regional Directors(Elected | Voting)

(Atlantic, Québec, Ontario, Prairies, Western)
Serve as the primary liaison between CNSA and chapter schools within their region.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent regional student concerns at the national level

• Support chapter engagement, recruitment, and governance

• Host regional meetings and orientations

• Maintain communication with Official and Associate Delegates

• Build relationships with regional nursing organizations

Reports to: President & Board of Directors
Term: One year

Director of Indigenous Health and Advocacy(Elected | Voting)

Advances Indigenous health, reconciliation, and representation within CNSA, centering Indigenous perspectives and cultural safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads Indigenous health advocacy initiatives

• Builds partnerships with Indigenous nursing organizations and communities

• Coordinates national Indigenous awareness events and observances

• Advises the Board on Indigenous health and governance matters

• Supports culturally safe programming and conference inclusion

Reports to: President & Board of Directors

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Director of Research(Elected | Voting)

Promotes nursing student research, scholarship, and evidence-informed practice across Canada.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and oversees CNSA’s student research strategy

• Mentors students engaging in research and scholarly dissemination

• Builds academic and professional research partnerships

• Integrates research programming into the National Conference

• Promotes visibility of student-led research

Reports to: President & Board of Directors

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Director of New Graduate Engagement(Elected | Voting)

Supports nursing students transitioning into professional practice and sustained engagement post-graduation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops transition-to-practice resources

• Maintains NCLEX preparation supports

• Builds partnerships supporting new graduates

• Promotes ongoing CNSA engagement beyond graduation

Reports to: President & Board of Directors

(Elected | Voting — Host Institution–Based)

Role Overview

The National Conference Director leads the planning and execution of the CNSA National Conference. This position is held by a representative of the institution elected by members to host the National Conference.

Members vote to select the host institution, not an individual candidate. Once selected, the host institution appoints its National Conference Director and establishes the National Conference Planning Committee in accordance with CNSA policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair the National Conference Planning Committee

• Oversee conference logistics, budgeting, and programming

• Coordinate sponsorship and stakeholder engagement

• Report conference outcomes and financial audits

Reports to: Board of Directors

Note: The National Conference Director and Conference Planning Committee are designated by the elected host institution. Only representatives of the host institution may hold these roles.

Q: Are members voting for a person or a school?
A: Members vote to elect the host institution. The institution then appoints its conference leadership team.

Past-Executive(Appointed by outgoing board of Directors | Non-Voting)

Provides continuity, institutional memory, and advisory support to the incoming Board.

Key Responsibilities

• A past member of executive committee

• Supports leadership transition

• Advises Executive Committee when requested

• Ensures knowledge transfer between governance years

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National Partner (Rotating External Partner Seat | Non-Voting))

The National Partner is a rotating external partner seat that supports collaboration between CNSA and key national nursing organizations. This seat changes from year to year and may be held by a partner organization such as CNA, CFNU, or CASN, depending on CNSA’s priorities, initiatives, and partnership agreements.

Purpose of the National Partner seat

• Strengthen national collaboration and relationship-building

• Support alignment on shared priorities (student leadership, advocacy, workforce, education)

• Provide a formal point of connection between CNSA and national nursing stakeholders

• Facilitate knowledge exchange and opportunities for nursing students (events, resources, engagement)

Status and Participation

• Not an elected student position

• Non-voting (advisory/partner role)

• Participates in meetings or initiatives as invited and as appropriate to the partnership

These positions support the work of the Board of Directors and help ensure CNSA operates smoothly, consistently, and in compliance with organizational policies. Staff roles do not vote on Board decisions.

Finance Officer (Staff | Non-Voting)

The Finance Officer supports the Association’s financial operations and accountability processes. This includes supporting budgeting, financial tracking, and financial reporting required for Board oversight and organizational compliance.

Primary function: Financial administration and support to the Board
Works with: President, Executive Committee, Board (as needed)

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Administrative Officer (Staff | Non-Voting)

The Administrative Officer supports CNSA’s day-to-day administration and operational continuity. This role helps coordinate internal processes, documentation, and organizational logistics that enable the Board and committees to function effectively.

Primary function: Organizational administration and operational support
Works with: Executive Committee, Director of Membership (elections/administration support as needed), Board (as needed)

These roles support CNSA operations and communications but are not members of the Board of Directors and do not vote.

Social Media Coordinator (Appointed Volunteer | Non-Board | Non-Voting)

The Social Media Coordinator supports CNSA’s digital presence by assisting with content scheduling, post coordination, and day-to-day platform support under the direction of the Director of Communications.

Primary function: Communications support (content coordination + scheduling)
Reports to / supported by: Director of Communications
Works with: Board portfolios and