Job Description
Commissioner of External Affairs
Reports To
Vice President (University Affairs)
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.The Commissioner of External Affairs, under the direction of the Vice President (University Affairs), will primarily be responsible to coordinate activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and delegating work accordingly. This position will determine staffing requirements for the administration department and oversee the hiring of staff. This role will also ensure that all employees comply with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
Competencies
Accountability
Collaboration
Communication
Decision Making
Economical
Leadership
Professionalism
Time Management
Job Duties
Represent Queen’s and the AMS externally to the provincial and federal governments and as part of any government advocacy coalitions
Address all student-facing municipal issues and advocacy
Taking an active approach to understand matters and issues related to post-secondary education
Conduct research and student outreach to identify current academic or government-facing issues and develop evidence based solutions and policy recommendations
Maintain professional relationships with Queens’ Off-Campus Living Advisor, Kingston City Councillors, the Mayor’s Office, By-Law Enforcement, Kingston Police, and community stakeholders to advance the interests of Queen's students
Serve as member of relevant university and external committees pertaining to municipal and student advocacy
Chair and administer the AMS Teaching Awards Committee
Determine staffing requirements for the administration department and oversee the hiring of staff
Coordinate activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and delegating work accordingly
Develop a departmental goal plan which will serve as the framework for the annual budget prepared in collaboration with the accounting department and approved by the Vice President (University Affairs)
Monitor actual results against the approved budget in the organization accounting system (Business Central) each month, to track performance
Ensure that all employees comply with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Administer disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures
Ensure employees have clear goals and are aware of expectations
Ensure that employees adhere to all health and safety regulations
Maintain a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep the commission operating to our level of standards, and to set a positive example for your team
Ensure all student concerns are addressed and handled professionally, resulting in a positive resolution
Maintain consistent communication with all relevant stakeholders, responding to e-mails in a timely manner
Attend and fully participate in all in person and virtual meetings
Obtain a working knowledge of all Assistant Manager Portfolios
Plan and oversee the training of staff
Provide informal feedback and coaching to staff on an ongoing basis
Establish and maintain regular office hours throughout the year
Evaluate policies and procedures and provide recommendations for changes to improve efficiency
Complete a thorough transition process with the incoming manager that includes one on one meetings and a transition manual
Complete other duties as delegated by the Vice President (University Affairs)
Job Requirements
Ability to identify measures of performance and actions needed to improve or correct performance
Ability to initiate and model positive change
Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, and procedures
Ability to delegate, set expectations, and monitor progress of all direct reports
Ability to identify issues and implement creative and strategic solutions to overcome problems
Ability to remain calm and poised in urgent situations
Work Conditions
Working in an office environment
Attendance and conducting of presentations
Interaction with employees, management, and the public at large
