Associate Vice-President: Municipal 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: 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 Thursday, April 2 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 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 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 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