Stephen Alexander left about two weeks ago. He is the fourth senior staff member to leave in the past six months.
Student organisations throughout the country get the bulk of their income from compulsory student levies but are expecting revenue to fall dramatically from next year if voluntary student membership (VSM) legislation now before Parliament is passed.
Research carried out by the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations found most students would not pay voluntary membership fees and revenue for individual associations could drop by up to 90% almost immediately.
The OUSA has already said it would have to cut services and staff if VSM is introduced.
OUSA president Harriet Geoghegan said last night VSM had the organisation "quite up in the air".
"We didn't feel comfortable recruiting another general manager when things could change."
Instead, business consultancy firm Deloittes had been contracted to provide financial and general management advice on as "as needed" basis.
The role would not be full-time but it was not known yet how many hours a week would be needed, she said.
It was also "hard to know" how long the arrangement would continue, she said.
"We're evaluating as we go."
The VSM Bill had its first reading in the House in September last year but political manoeuvreing has delayed its second reading several times.
Ms Geoghegan said the uncertainty over whether the Bill would be passed was tough on all OUSA staff and tough on executive members.
"We are empathetic to staff concerns about their jobs but there is nothing we can do about it."
Even though student associations vehemently opposed voluntary membership, it would be better if the issue was settled one way or the other, she said.
"It is disappointing to see the progress of the Bill continually delayed. The uncertainty is having a huge impact on people's lives."
The other senior OUSA staff who have left are reception and services manager Fiona Bowker, student support services manager Tania Cummings and Clubs and Societies manager Ross Blanch.
None of the positions have been filled with permanent full-time replacements.
Mr Alexander was unable to be contacted for comment.
