SUS Election: Vice President External

UFV Student Union Society; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A university student representation organization is seeking a Vice President External to advocate for student interests at multiple governmental levels. This role involves collaboration with organizations and participation in various committees within the university. Candidates must be current students enrolled in courses at UFV, showcasing strong communication skills and a commitment to student advocacy. The position offers a pay rate of $22.00/hr, including paid vacation and a winter break, requiring a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Paid winter break

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in varied environments.
• Familiarity with UFV academic and administrative policies.
• Prior experience in student advocacy campaigns is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for UFV students at various governmental levels.
• Represent SUS on university committees regarding student issues.
• Manage and develop advocacy campaigns for student interests.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Ability to adapt and react to changing goals

Professional work ethic

Personable nature

Education

Current student of UFV enrolled in at least one for-credit course

Job description

The University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society (SUS) is a BC Not‑For‑Profit Society representing and serving UFV students. The Society manages the Student Union Building and facilitates services such as the UFV U‑PASS, food services, and the student health and dental plan. SUS also provides support to an active community by organising events and provides wellness and developmental programming. As the official representative body of UFV students, our mission is to be an inclusive community that provides high‑quality, accessible programs and services. We are the unified voice advocating on behalf of student interests in the UFV community, ensuring each student has opportunities to thrive.

Work Schedule: Minimum of 30 hours per week

Reporting to: Board of Directors

Location: Abbotsford Campus

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Vice President External is a public-facing role involved in student advocacy and policy development within UFV. This role is SUS’s representative to the municipal, provincial, and federal government and collaborates directly with various partners in advocacy organizations and at UFV. In the role of an advocate for the interests of UFV students, the Vice President External also sits on various committees within UFV pertaining to academic, governmental, and career development issues. The position must be filled by a current student of UFV who will be enrolled in at least one for‑credit course in the Fall and Winter semesters.

Note: This is an intensive and demanding role, which requires complete commitment for the entire term of office, and may require travel time away from home and classes. It is strongly recommended not to take more than 1‑2 classes (3‑6 credits) per semester.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL

The Vice President External has responsibility for a variety of functions, including but not limited to the following:

• Representing SUS on various University committees connected with academic, career development, or governmental policy issues;
• Representing SUS to national and provincial student advocacy groups, government officials, and local community groups regarding student issues;
• Acting as a liaison between SUS and the UFV Provost & Vice President Academic and other academic staff;
• Maintaining awareness of current issues and developments regarding academic and non‑academic matters relevant to SUS, both at UFV and in the larger post‑secondary environment;
• Managing the consultation and development of advocacy campaigns;
• Managing and serving as the project lead and default host to the Know Your Rights video Series;
• Ensuring that students have an avenue to address any concerns they might have during their post‑secondary career;
• Researching new emerging university pedagogical approaches, university governance issues, student financial aid strategies, and community issues affecting students, and recommending policy positions to be considered by the Executive and Board;
• Advocating for transparency and reduction of tuition and student fees where appropriate and the appropriate allocation of university resources to best serve student’s academic and career development;
• Advocating on behalf of the specific interests of international students and Indigenous university students to UFV and the various levels of government;
• Serving as an active member on the national student advocacy group, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA);
• Researching provincial student issues and provincial advocacy opportunities, and taking part in provincial advocacy initiatives;
• Representing the interests of students at all times, with specific responsibility for non‑academic issues of UFV and;

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Performing other duties, as may be required for the Society to fulfill its values, mission, vision, and goals within the strategic plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE

The Vice President External, in conjunction with other Executives, holds responsibility for a variety of functions, including but not limited to the following:

• Represent the interests of students at all times, with specific responsibility for non‑academic issues of UFV;
• Uphold the Society’s bylaws and other governing documents;
• Ensure adequate student representation in the decision‑making processes of UFV;
• Ensure compliance of the policy, bylaw, and other governing legislation of the Society;
• Develop an Executive Goal Plan in accordance with the SUS Strategic Plan and the approved SUS Annual Budget, ensure approval from the Board and the completion of all goal plan items;
• Provide a detailed report of monthly activities to the Board at each Board meeting, including all significant information which may affect the Society operations or its Membership, and all portfolios under the Executive’s position;
• Present an annual end‑of‑term report to the Board and Membership before leaving office;
• Sit on the Executive Committee and attend all Weekly Executive Meetings;
• Continually review strategic and other Executive plans of the Society, ensure completion of benchmarks, provide updates and revise as appropriate;
• Act as a signatory for the Society on designated official documents, contracts, and other matters;
• Keep updated on the goals, concerns, and needs of the Membership, including educational trends and other matters which may affect the Membership in the future;
• Maintain, develop, foster relationships with UFV and other partners in the post‑secondary education community;
• Perform critical analysis of UFV, or other institutions involved in post‑secondary education;
• Transition the incoming Executive in accordance with relevant governing policy and procedures;
• Work alongside the Operations team to contribute to the activities and programs of the Society and;
• Contribute to and support the continuous growth and improvement of the Society.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of resources available for UFV students, such as myCampusLife, Co‑Curriculum record, academic success centre, PRLC, Food Bank and other organization and services that aid students well being, engagement and promote campus experience at UFV;
• Professional work ethic, exercising good judgment, initiative, and a high degree of professionalism;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to adapt and react to changing goals and environments;
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills;
• Willingness to learn and develop professional skills;
• Ability to work both independently and co‑operatively as part of a team, and in non‑traditional work environments and schedules;
• Consistent work ethic throughout the entire year, and committed to remaining in the position for the entire year and;
• Familiarity with UFV academic and administrative policies and procedures;
• Prior experience in advocacy campaigns particularly those supporting university students;
• Personable nature, able to interact with many different character types;
• A working knowledge of the functioning of the relationship between the provincial and federal governments and;
• Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

COMPENSATION

$22.00/hr, with 72 hours of paid vacation and a paid winter break.

CLOSING DATE

Applications will be accepted online through this online platform until Thursday January 29 at 11:59PM. Alternatively, students may submit hard copies of all required documents to the Electoral Officer in Room S2101 (Abbotsford Campus) by the latest Friday January 23 12:00PM. Submissions that are incomplete or that are received past due dates/times will not be accepted.

IMPORTANT NOTE

• All Candidates Meeting (Info Session) - Friday January 30 10:00AM-11:30AM
  Room s2103 SUB Hub (Abbotsford Campus)
• Content Day-Photo/Filming - Wednesday February 4 or Thursday February 5
  Room s3103 Boardroom (Abbotsford Campus)
  Marketing will be doing Photo/Filming days on February 4 and 5. All applicants must prebook a timeslot through the following link by February 2 at 11:59PM. We recommend everyone dress business casual. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from being able to attend this important day, please email [e-mail] before February 2 11:59PM. More info will be provided at the All Candidates Meeting (Info Session) on Friday January 30 at 10:00AM.
• UFV Chilliwack (CEP) Tabling - Wednesday February 11 11:45AM-1:15PM
  East Atrium Building A (Chilliwack Campus CEP)
• UFV Abbotsford Debate - Thursday February 12 10:00AM-12:00PM
  Room s1116 Evered Hall (Abbotsford Campus)
• UFV Abbotsford Question and Answer Session - Monday February 23 4:00PM-6:00PM
  Room s2103 SUB Hub (Abbotsford Campus)
• Ratification Meeting - Friday March 6 11:00AM-12:00PM
  Room s3103 Boardroom (Abbotsford Campus)

*Successful applicants must also adhere to deadlines and rules listed in the Nomination Package.

HOW TO APPLY

Using the link below, nominees must download, fill out and resubmit the 1) Nomination Package through this application. Additionally, they must write a 2) Candidate Statement and also submit it through this online application. If applicable (read nomination package), please submit your 3) UFV Faculty Member's Letter of Recommendation (~500 Words) through this online application as well. Alternatively, students may submit hard copies of all required documents to the Electoral Officer in Room S2101 (Abbotsford Campus) by the latest Friday January 23 12:00PM. Submissions that are incomplete or that are received past due dates/times will not be accepted.

All requirements as determined by SUS's bylaws, policies, and procedures must be met in order to proceed with the elections process. For more information, visit www.ufvsus.ca/elections. Additionally, visit https://ufvsus.ca/bylaws-policies and read the four documents under the heading “Elections”.

Candidate Statement Info

Candidate Statement Info: This is a document: “where the candidate shall be permitted to provide a statement on their views on matters rightfully falling under the jurisdiction of their desired position”. A Photo of the Candidate may be used in this. For examples go to https://ufvsus.ca/archives. Expand the administrations and look for Candidate Statements. No logos or association with UFV, SUS or other groups is allowed in this. You may only reference other groups if including them in your previous experience. Phrases such as “UFV SUS Election”, “SUS Election” “UFV Student Union Society (Position Running For)” are allowed to appear in the Candidate Statement. The Candidate Statement is individually created. Copying another’s is not permitted. Throughout the election, this initial Candidate Statement is considered one’s platform and must not change.

The UFV Student Union Society is proudly committed to creating a diverse environment. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.