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, 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