Associate Vice-President: University Affairs extended posting

Reports to: VP Education

Rate: C5

Contract term: 1st Monday in May - April 30

Hours: 12 - 14 hours per week

General Scope of Duties

The AVP: University Affairs is responsible for chairing the University Affairs standing and any directly related ad‑hoc committees of the SRA. Additionally, the AVP: University Affairs is responsible for leading policy development and amendments to policies with the consultation of the Vice‑President Education and the Education Department. Furthermore, the AVP: University Affairs shall participate in lobbying efforts, make recommendations, and shall advise the Vice‑President Education in matters relating to their portfolios. They will also be responsible for attending meetings that are relevant to their portfolio as advised by the Vice‑President (Education).

Please note this posting closes Wednesday, June 17th at 11:59pm.

Supervision/Professional Development (20%)

• Chair meetings of standing or ad‑hoc committees on a regular basis
• Inform committee members of their responsibilities on the committee
• Inform committee members of meeting time, location, and where to find relevant information
• Ensure minutes and meeting records are taken and submitted to the Executive Assistant and Administrative Coordinator within 2 weeks of the meeting
• Notify, in writing, members who are within 1 meeting of losing their committee seat
• Maintain contact lists for committee members
• Create agendas for committee meetings

Budget/Finances/Materials (5%)

• Coordinate with the Advocacy Coordinator to obtain resources from internal and external vendors for projects and campaigns

Internal Communications/Collaboration (15%)

• Report to the SRA and the Vice‑President (Education) with regards to committee work
• Assist other MSU staffers as necessary in areas relevant to the University Affairs portfolio
• Prepare a detailed year‑plan submission for the SRA with regards to committee work
• Provide transition for the incoming the Associate Vice‑President: University Affairs
• Submit reports to the SRA as advised by the Vice‑President (Education) and the Administrative Assistant
• Maintain strong communication channels with the Vice‑President (Education), the Education Department, and other relevant campus and community stakeholders
• Consult with the Vice‑President (Education) on matters relating to their area of responsibility
• Seek consultation and advice from the Vice‑President (Education) on matters of policy, procedure and assembly business
• Assist the Vice‑President (Education) with other projects and duties as assigned
• Attend weekly Education Department meetings as set by the Vice‑President (Education)
• Advise and seek advice from the Executive Board as required
• Sit on committees as mandated by MSU Operating Policies (Ex: Academic Affairs Council)

Innovation/Initiative (15%)

• Conduct policy research, review existing policy, and formulate policy solutions relating to current university advocacy issues

Judgement/Thinking (15%)

• Advise the Vice‑President (Education) on provincial and federal advocacy strategy
• Determine provincial and federal advocacy yearly priorities as described in year plan in collaboration with the Vice‑President (Education)

Decisions/Actions (10%)

• Manage the MSU’s relationships with some University stakeholders (Ex: Student Wellness Centre staff, Student Affairs Office staff)

External Communications/Promotions (20%)

• Assist Advocacy Coordinator with promotions as needed, such as developing promotion schedules and contacting clubs/MSU services to promote campaigns and events
• Advise the Vice‑President (Education) and the Communications team on MSU public relations relating to University‑related advocacy issues
• Participate in lobbying efforts on matters relating to their area of responsibility
• Collaborate with community and campus partners on issues and projects that are relevant to the University Affairs portfolio (Ex: international student support, mental health supports, academic‑related policies)
• Act as a representative of the MSU in university affairs with campus stakeholders (Ex: Student Wellness Centre staff, Student Affairs Office staff)
• Recruit committee membership from a variety of sources in the undergraduate population
• Conduct student consultations to determine current student perspectives on University‑related issues

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledgeable in scope and focus of the Standing Committee
• Knowledgeable of parliamentary procedure, MSU Constitution, Operations, Bylaws, and Policies
• Knowledgeable of the MSU legislative process and the complexities of policy creation
• Skilled in research and critical thinking
• Skilled in making reasoned and impartial decisions
• Skilled in communicating clearly and succinctly to moderate debate
• Skilled in effectively chairing meetings
• Skilled in strategic planning abilities
• Skilled in working both independently and in a team
• Skilled in carrying out research projects from start to finish

Effort & Responsibility

• Effort required to maintain strong community and campus partnerships
• Effort required to research and become knowledgeable on all elements of a policy paper
• Responsible for acting as a positive ambassador of the MSU at campus and community events

Working Conditions

• Hours of work are variable
• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work
• Access to shared work space in the MSU Committee Room

Equipment

• Use of a personal computer is preferred
• Access to a shared office computer
• Other business machines as required