Policy Advisor - Vancouver, Canada - Alma Mater Society of UBC Vancouver

Alma Mater Society of UBC Vancouver

Verified Company

Vancouver, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

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Description

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is the University of British Columbia's (UBC) student society, and works to improve the academic, social and personal lives of the 56,000 UBC students at its Vancouver campus.

The AMS also runs nine food and beverage outlets, a catering and conference operation, and the AMS Student Nest, providing on-campus employment opportunities and generating revenue that goes directly back into supporting the students at UBC.

Position Title:
Policy Advisor

Reports to:
Managing Director

Supervises:
None

Employment Status:
Permanent, Full-time

Hours per week: 35

Compensation:
Group 6, Move Up 378

Start Date:
As soon as possible

Position Purpose

Reporting to the AMS Managing Director, the Policy Advisor will work closely with the Vice President, External and the Vice President, Academic and University Affairs.

This role is to support the student executive and council by providing information and advice regarding external policy that is current, understandable, nonpartisan and unbiased.

The Policy Advisor is also responsible for establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with key members of government and the university to support and guide the organization on issues related to (1) governmental developments, programs and public policy initiatives that have potential to impact the AMS, (2) relationship building with all levels of government to ensure that the AMS' policy positions are effectively communicated and prioritized by decision-makers; and (3) advising and assisting with implementing advocacy initiatives to build support and awareness of AMS political positions.

Responsibilities:

Act as the support person for the AMS Executive and Council with respect to University and External Relations Policy development for the Society and postsecondary education in general.
In collaboration with the appropriate departments (e.g. President, Council, AMS Vice-Presidents, Student Services Manager, Business Operations, Archivist, etc.) ensure that all relevant government legislation/issues are reviewed and addressed as appropriate.
Monitor the external environment (including news media and other relevant information sources) to identify developments that have potential to impact the AMS
Track and advise the review and development of University and external policies, edit drafts of policies developed by AMS committees, and maintain the external policy manual
Act as the liaison with government departments to ensure a consistent flow of communication through a professional relationship.
Assist in developing position statements on changes to government legislation/issues, including recommendations for action
Serve as the lead resource person overseeing a mini grant program run by the AMS
Collaborate with the Communications Manager to develop, recommend and communicate strategic proposals and options that support the external political mandates of the AMS developing presentations, briefing notes and other communications materials for use in advancing the AMS position on pertinent public policy or advocacy matters
Attend AMS council meetings as needed, as a resource for council provide advice and perspective as requested and / or required regarding policy on, university and government policies.
Attend, participate in and prepare executives for meetings with organizations relevant to postsecondary education as appropriate (e.g. BC MLAs, MPs, Translink, etc)
Evaluate and advise on the strategy and policy implications of external lobbying organizations' priorities and initiatives (e.g. CASA)
Attend and set up meetings with the University Administration and all levels of Government as requested and/or required.
Advise the Executive and Council on Strategic Planning with respect to lobbying and advocacy
Assist in the development of the AMS's annual Academic Experience Survey, and the drafting of the survey's report
Be available to advise other departments outside of student services and council when requested
Advise and assist the executive in planning operations and logistics of lobbying events
Sit as a nonvoting member of the Executive Committee and other committees where required.
Arrange and schedule with appropriate government leaders for events or meetings with the AMS Executive and Council as requested
Create and assist in the completion of necessary documents and forms as requested,
Track, advise and follow up with appropriate departments and committees regarding university and external relation policies through maintaining the policy manual, including the expiration of policies
Create networking relationships with other organizations to create awareness of policies which could affect the AMS
Some travel may be required
Working with the AMS mission statement and values to operate a successful department
Other duties as required