Associate Vice-President: University Affairs

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, 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 
• 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 Provincial & Federal Affairs portfolio 
• Ensure minutes and meeting records are taken and submitted to the Administrative Assistants within two weeks of meetings 
• Notify, in writing, members who are within one meeting of losing their committee seat
   

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%) 

• Prepare a detailed year-plan submission for the SRA with regards to committee work 
• Maintain strong communication channels with the Vice-President (Education), the Education Department, and other relevant campus and community stakeholders  
• Attend weekly Education Department meetings as set by the Vice-President (Education) 

Innovation/Initiative (15%) 

• Conduct policy research, review existing policy, and formulate policy solutions relating to current provincial and federal 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 sector partners (e.g. politicians, student union partners) 

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 provincial and federal 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 provincial and federal affairs with sector partners (Ex: Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, politicians) 
• Recruit committee membership from a variety of sources in the undergraduate population 
• Conduct student consultations to determine current student perspectives on provincial and federal issues 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledgeable in scope and focus of the Standing Committee 
• Knowledgeable of parliamentary procedure, MSU Constitution, Bylaws, and Policies 
• Understanding of the MSU legislative process and 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 

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 

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