Associate Vice-President: University Affairs

McMasters Student Union•Hamilton, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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).

Requirements

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 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
Must attend SRA Training weekends

Nice To Haves

Use of a personal computer is preferred

Responsibilities

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
Coordinate with the Advocacy Coordinator to obtain resources from internal and external vendors for projects and campaigns
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)
Conduct policy research, review existing policy, and formulate policy solutions relating to current provincial and federal advocacy issues
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)
Manage the MSU’s relationships with some sector partners (e.g. politicians, student union partners)
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