Associate Vice-President: Municipal Affairs

Reports to: VP Education

Rate: C5

Contract term: 1st Monday in May - April 30 

Hours: May 6 - 8 hours per week

June - 8 - 10 hours per week

August - 10 - 12 hours per week

Sept - April - 12 - 14hours per week

General Scope of Duties 

The AVP: Municipal Affairs is responsible for chairing the Municipal Affairs standing committee and any directly related ad-hoc committees of the SRA. Additionally, the AVP: Municipal 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: Municipal 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 Tuesday, April 8th at 11:59pm. 

Supervis ion / 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 Services Coordinator within two weeks of meetings  


• Notify, in writing, members who are within one 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 Communication s/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 Municipal 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: Municipal 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  

Innovation/Initiative (15 %) 

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

Judgement/Thinking (15 %) 

• Advise the the Vice-President (Education) on municipal advocacy strategy  


• Determine municipal 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 sector partners (e.g, Hamilton Youth Steering Committee, Hamilton Transit Alliance, City Councillors) 

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 municipal 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 Municipal Affairs portfolio (Ex: student housing, community engagement, transit).  


• Participate in communications with sector partners.  


• Act as a representative of the MSU in municipal affairs with sector partners (Ex: Hamilton Youth Steering Committee, Hamilton Transit Alliance).  


• Recruit committee membership from a variety of sources in the undergraduate population  


• Conduct student consultations to determine current student perspectives on municipal issues  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Understanding of the complexities of policy creation  


• Strong research and critical thinking skills  


• Ability to make reasoned and impartial decisions  


• Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly and to moderate debate  


• Ability to effectively chair meetings  


• Strategic planning abilities


• Ability to carry out research projects from start to finish  


• Ability to work both independently and in a team  


• Knowledgeable in scope and focus of the standing committee, community engagement, and the City of Hamilton  


• Knowledgeable of parliamentary procedure, MSU Constitution, Bylaws, and Policies, and the MSU legislative process  

Effort & Responsibility 

• Effort required to maintain strong community and campus partnerships  


• 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  

Training and Experience 

• Must attend SRA Training weekends  

Equipment 

• Use of a personal computer is preferred  


• Access to a shared office computer  


• Other business machines as  required