With over 20,000 members, SSMU’s role is to represent undergraduate students and to offer them services since 1908.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The University Affairs Secretary-General will work with the Vice-President (University Affairs) to support student representation, advocacy, governance, and communications in the portfolio.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage University Affairs communications, such as reporting, social media updates, and newsletters;

2. Collect engagement metrics for University Affairs communications and develop social media outreach strategies to improve engagement;

3. Manage the overhaul of the University Affairs website, in conjunction with with the SSMU Communications and IT Departments;

4. Work with the Vice-President (University Affairs) and Student Senators to support the projects and logistics of the Senate Caucus by:

   • Coordinating outreach to fill student positions on University-level Committees;

   • Assisting the Vice-President (University Affairs) in nominating Undergraduate Representatives to University Committees;

   • Working with the Vice-President (University Affairs) to train and support Senators and members-at-large sitting on University-level Committees;

   • Corresponding with University-level Committee contacts and student representatives to ensure student participation and archiving of projects;

   • Working with the Vice-President (University Affairs) to maintain the University Affairs archives, as needed;

   • Sitting on a minimum of one University-level Committee, time permitting;

   • Attending and taking minutes at meetings of the Senate Caucus;

   • Reviewing University Policies and Senate documents and assisting in the preparation of of Senate Caucus meeting agendas;

5. Assist with SSMU Governance by:

   • Attending and taking minutes at meetings of various SSMU Committees, Groups, and Governing Bodies, on occasion, as needed;

   • Sitting on the SSMU Accountability Committee;

   • Working with the Vice-President (University Affairs) to assist with policy drafting, review, and amendments;

   • Working with the Vice-President (University Affairs) to review budgetary documents and financial proposals for projects within the portfolio.

6. Support the University Affairs Portfolio in the absence of the Vice-President (University Affairs) by:

   • Overseeing the Senate Caucus and supervising Student Senators and Undergraduate Representatives on University Committees;

   • Assisting University Affairs staff and coordinating the completion of University Affairs projects;

   • Attending University-level meetings and engaging in negotiations in place of the Vice-President (University Affairs), as necessary.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS:

To undertake other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Vice-President (University Affairs).

SUPERVISION PROVIDED:

The University Affairs Secretary-General gives general direction to members of the Senate Caucus and student representatives on University-level Committees, in the absence of the Vice-President (University Affairs).

SUPERVISION REQUIRED:

The University Affairs Secretary-General receives general direction from the Vice-President (University Affairs).   

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. High pressure work environment from both an operational and political perspective with a high potential emotional toll.

2. Duties are critical to SSMU Senate activity, high consequence of error.

3. High degree of schedule flexibility, attendance is critical.

4. Equipment used: Computer, Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), Google environment (Gmail, Docs, Drive, etc.).

5. Duties can be performed remotely.

• Strong knowledge of the governance structures of both the SSMU and McGill;

• Familiarity with high-profile Senate projects and SSMU initiatives;

• Ability to coordinate and work with large groups of individuals;

• Highly organized and strong attention to detail;

• Diligence and impartiality in execution of duties;

• Adaptability and problem solving skills;

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and French;

• Experience in public relations, an asset;

• Experience in student advocacy, an asset.

• Paid position: $16.92 per hour
• Hours: On average 5 hours per week
• Contract end date - May 31st, 2025
• Deadline to apply: April 22nd, 2024
• http://ssmu.mcgill.ca/