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.

Duties and 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 post-secondary 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 non-voting 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

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant post-secondary degree, including, but not limited to, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications – Masters Designation would be an asset.

• 2 years relevant experience, including, but not limited to, serving as Policy Advisor or Government Relations Officer to a student society, with experience in government relations, university relations, policy development, and post secondary education issues, etc.

• Knowledge and experience in a Windows-based computer environment.

• Comfortable in relating, interacting and coaching university aged students.

• Positive, enthusiastic, flexible, creative, with a high energy personality.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: the position will remain open until filled, apply ASAP to ensure your application is considered

Thank you for your interest at the AMS. Due to the large volume of resumes we receive at the AMS, we are only able to contact those we are interested in interviewing and cannot reply to email/phone/walk-in inquiries regarding application status.

The Alma Mater Society of UBC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status or any other characteristic protected by law. We invite all qualified candidates to apply online with their resume and cover letter.