Commissioner of Social Issues, External

Amsmediacentre; Ontario; On-site; CAD 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alma Mater Society is seeking a Commissioner of Social Issues - External to coordinate activities related to equity and anti-oppression. This full-time position involves significant responsibilities including advocacy, education, and facilitating dialogue on social justice issues. The role requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Qualifications

• Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals.
• Ability to identify measures of performance and actions needed to improve.
• Ability to remain calm and poised in urgent situations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate activities by scheduling work assignments and delegating work.
• Serve as an AMS Harassment, Discrimination and Violence Advisor.
• Chair Equity Caucus and maintain communication with member societies.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Cultural Sensitivity

Decision Making

Time Management

Job description

Alma Mater Society, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 4 : 00 AM | Expired Monday, March 31, 2025 at 3 : 59 AM

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 1858. 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 Description

The Social Issues Commission (SIC) seeks to facilitate dialogue, education, and engagement on all matters related to equity, identity, and anti-oppression. The SIC (External) strives to foster a safer space for students, to connect students with resources, and to engage with and promote social justice and human rights issues on campus. The position requires a significant professional and personal commitment and requires an individual to be an educator, advocate, and facilitator.

The Commissioner of Social Issues - External, 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.

Time Commitment, Eligibility and Remuneration

• Full-time, approximately 30 hours / week, 12-month term from May1st - April 30th
• Upon being hired, all incoming managerial staff are required to complete Transition Training with the corresponding outgoing employee, as well as conduct interviews for their respective staff. These activities both take place in March and April. The Transition Training will require approximately 30 hours. Time required to interview staff is estimated to be 10 hours. Please note that these are estimates to be used as a guide only for scheduling purposes.
• Incoming employees will be paid at Ontario Minimum Wage (plus 4 vacation pay) for hours scheduled and worked for Transition Training and interviewing.
• All full-time AMS staff must be enrolled in at least 3.0 credit units in both the Fall and Winter semesters both at the time that they apply and for the duration of their term and have paid the full slate of AMS mandatory fees including the AMS Membership Fee
• Accountability
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Economical
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Time Management
• Cultural Sensitivity

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of all issues related to identity, equity, and anti-oppression and advocate for students and groups on campus who have been historically marginalized and disenfranchised
• Serve as an AMS Harassment, Discrimination and Violence Advisor
• Chair Equity Caucus and maintain regular communication with AMS member societies regarding matters related to anti-oppression, equity, and social issues
• Councils : Academic & Curricular Diversity, Student Retention, and Inclusive Community.
• Serve as a member of the following groups : Senate Educational Equity Committee, Aboriginal Council, Council on Employment Equity, Positive Space Steering Committee, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Working Group, Queen's Mental Health Working Group, UCARE Sub
• Actively consult with student groups and student populations relevant to advocacy initiatives, and work to include their voices in meetings with University stakeholders
• Maintain communication with other campus and community groups with a similar mandate and relevant university offices and administrators to advance the interests of Queen's students (Human Rights & Equity Office, Division of Student Affairs, Four Directions, Yellow House, Student Wellness Services)
• Establish and maintain regular office hours throughout the year
• Attend and fully participate in all in person and virtual meetings including participate in Council Meetings and AMS Assembly in coordination with the VPUA and SIC (External)
• Complete a thorough transition process with the incoming manager that includes one on one meetings and a transition manual
• Maintain consistent communication with all relevant stakeholders, responding to e-mails in a timely manner
• Ensure all student concerns are addressed and handled professionally, resulting in a positive resolution
• Evaluate policies and procedures and provide recommendations for changes to improve efficiency
• Handle employee complaints and incidents, including conflict resolution, accidents, health and safety concerns, work refusals, and investigations
• 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
• Plan and oversee the training of staff and volunteers during the end of summer / September
• Coordinate activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and delegating work accordingly
• Provide informal feedback and coaching to staff on an ongoing basis
• Oversee the hiring of staff
• 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
• 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
• Complete other duties as delegated by the Vice President (University Affairs)

Job Requirements

• Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, and procedures
• Ability to identify measures of performance and actions needed to improve or correct performance
• Ability to initiate and model positive change
• 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
• Operation 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.

Alma Mater Society, Kingston, Ontario, Canada