Policy, Research and Communications Manager

Resume and cover letter are required.

50-70 hours in December for training. Start date January 2nd, 2025 Full Time.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

POLICY, RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - UVSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA STUDENTS’ SOCIETY

FUNCTION:
1. The Policy, Research and Communications Manager provides administrative support and strategic marketing and communications advice to the UVSS Board of Directors (the Board), including projects, campaigns, services, and strategic plan goals and initiatives.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
1. Reports to the Board through the Executive Director.

2. Oversees the Member Outreach & Communications, External Relations Officer and relevant UVic Work Study positions.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:
1. Founded in 1964, the University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS) is an incorporated membership based non-profit that is autonomous from the University and provides advocacy, services and events to all undergraduate students at UVic.

DUTIES:
2. Identifies areas of improvement for the Society’s policies and bylaws and proposes policy and bylaw amendments.

3. Serves as the Society’s official record keeper, including organizing and preserving the Board’s archives.

4. Attends Board meetings, produces agendas and minutes, and ensures they’re prepared and distributed in a timely manner.

5. Files the annual report, changes in directors, and special resolutions with BC Registry Services, and liaises with other government and University agencies as needed on behalf of the Board.

6. Provides logístical support to the Electoral Office, in collaboration with the Electoral Committee and Human Resources and Administration Services Manager.

7. Develops and manages marketing and communication strategies for the Board in collaboration with the Art Director, aligning them with the Society's mission and goals.

8. Liaises with the Graphic Design Department to determine project guidelines and requirements.

9. Coordinates interviews with official spokespeople and prepares them with communications talking points.

10. Actively monitors various media channels for emerging issues and trends, while staying updated on branding, marketing, advertising, and digital communications developments.

Subject to final approval from the USW Union

11. Drafts and edits news releases, briefing notes, speeches, web content, brochures,

backgrounders, presentations and other written communication materials

12. Proposes strategies and practices to enhance member engagement and members’

understanding of the important role of the Students’ Society.

13. Coordinates campaigns on the issues of post-secondary education, affordable housing,

public transit, sustainability, safer substance use, sexualized violence, and other student

issues.

14. Develops lobbying strategies for the Board to address student issues with the University

of Victoria and all levels of government.

15. Provides administrative support, strategic advice, and training to the Board on

campaigns, services, events, and projects, committee and general meetings

16. Supports Lead Directors in budget preparation and expenditure monitoring while

coordinating annual Board and Lead Director orientations in collaboration with Excluded

Managers.

17. Trains, schedules, and supervises the Member Outreach & Communications, External

Relations Officer, and relevant UVic Work Study positions.

18. Manages the day-to-day operations of the Communications office, develops work plans,

and ensures that all projects are effectively completed.

19. Ensures that the Board work environment and the Board of Directors & Communications

Offices are safer spaces, in collaboration with Excluded Managers.

20. Other related duties assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
1. Degree or diploma in communications, or an equivalent combination of education,

training and experience.

2. Minimum three years’ working experience in communications.

3. Minimum two years’ experience in budgeting and financial management, and

4. Minimum two years’ experience in staff supervision.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with of communications, public and media

relations, campaign organizing, research and policy-development skills.

7. Demonstrated strong project management organizational skills in a fast-paced

environment.

8. Demonstrated expertise in collaborative decision-making and inclusive practices,

alongside a deep respect for diverse backgrounds.

9. Available to work 35 hours per week within standard business hours including availability

for some evening and weekend work, and ability to travel for work on occasion.

Preferred:
Subject to final approval from the USW Union

1. Demonstrated understanding of the university students’ society, political processes, and

government decision-making structures, including knowledge of governing documents

and electoral procedures.

2. In-depth expertise in k