Government Affairs Manager

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is the oldest student association in Canada and has been a central student organization at Queen's since its founding in Today, the AMS acts as a service, advocacy, and governing body on behalf of all students enrolled in AMS-affiliated programs at Queen's University.

The AMS is a not-for-profit entity created by the Society to ensure its continuing financial viability by overseeing the management of its services and associated financial affairs.  It is bound by the By-laws and corporate philosophy of our Mission and Operating statements as set out in the AMS Constitution.  

In addition to providing wage-based service staff positions for students wanting employment, the AMS seeks to support the Society's broader objectives through the provisioning of a high quality, relevant range of student funded services, that provide a wide range of employment opportunities and meaningful out-of-classroom learning and skill acquisition experiences for students.

Job Summary
The External Affairs Commission deals with student issues related to advocacy for students on a university, municipal, provincial, and federal level. In this pursuit, the Commission lobbies and advocates internally within the university administration while also lobbying externally to raise awareness about government policies regarding post-secondary education, as well as municipal issues pertaining to student life.

Competencies
Cultural SensitivityAccountabilityCommunicationProblem SolvingConflict ManagementTime ManagementPublic Relations

Job Duties
Develop a thorough understanding of post-secondary education in Ontario and Canada including: tuition, financial aid, government funding, housing, student health and wellness, and student employmentDisseminate information to the student body regarding upcoming government elections and encourage student votingConduct student outreach to identify current government-facing and government policy issues experienced by students to inform advocacy directionConduct research and author policy papers on government-facing issues in post-secondary education in collaboration with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA)Represent Queen's and the AMS at meetings and events of government advocacy coalitions as delegated by the Commissioner of External AffairsAssist with or independently assume advocacy initiatives directed at the municipal, provincial, or federal government as delegated by the Commissioner of External AffairsMaintain a calm demeanor during periods of high stressMaintain positive working relationships with relevant stakeholders related to all portfoliosAssist the Commissioner in the development of a goal plan, budget, mid-year review, and any relevant capital expenditure proposalsCoordinate activities with the Senior Manager by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and delegating work accordinglyAttend and fully participate in all in person and virtual meetingsMaintain consistent communication with all relevant stakeholders, responding to e-mails in a timely mannerComplete a thorough transition process with the incoming manager that includes one on one meetings and a transition manualComplete other duties as assigned

Job Requirements
Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skillsDemonstrated time management skillsAbility to remain calm and poised in urgent situations

Work Conditions
Interaction with employees, management, and the public at largeWorking in an office environmentOperation of desktop computer and peripherals

The AMS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, colour, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.

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