SIA - Deputy Speaker (h)

Job summary

The Deputy Speaker mediates student government proceedings, enforces rules of order, and chairs assembly meetings in the absence of the Speaker. They also assist in producing meeting minutes, supporting student leaders, and fostering productive debate within the AMS Assembly.

Job details

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. Deputy Speaker The AMS Assembly will elect two students; one as a speaker and one as a deputy speaker. The Deputy Speaker will be expected to assume the roles of the speaker when the speaker is not available. The Deputy Speaker will chair at least one assembly session per term. Job Summary The AMS Deputy Speaker is a crucial governance role elected by the AMS Assembly to mediate student government proceedings and ensure meetings run efficiently. They assume the Chair in the absence of the Assembly Speaker and assist in enforcing the rules of order during debates at the discretion of the CGO or Secretariat. Overall, their responsibilities include maintaining Assembly order when directed, supporting the development of Assembly packages or reports, producing meeting minutes alongside the CGO, supporting student leaders, and fostering debate. The Deputy Speaker plays a supporting role for the CGO and Assembly Speaker and is a great opportunity for lower years to begin their journey with AMS Student Governance. Job Requirements Sound Analytical thinking Planning Prioritization and execution skills Clear communication Procedural Knowledge Collaboration Conflict Resolution Time management Job Competencies Communication Organization Ownership Attention to Detail Cultural Sensitivity Adaptability Job Duties Attend all training sessions to become familiar with the assembly policy and AMS Constitution. Chair all meetings of assembly, and enforce the Assembly Rules of order Report directly to the Chief Governance Officer and be available for a brief 30 minutes before the start of assembly; unless otherwise communicated. Participate in feedback discussions to assess risk, and devise a strategy to ensure the AMS assembly remains a welcome and safe space for all. Respect and adhere to all company policies, procedures and ethical standards. Maintain timely communication with your direct supervisor Work Conditions Interactions with the Internal Affairs Office, and AMS Assembly Members (Faculty Society Representatives, Rector’s Office, SGPS, ResSoc, etc.). In-person duties required once a month during AMS Assembly that potentially run into the night (dates for the 2026-2027 term can be found on Governance > AMS Assembly). 72-hour remote duties required leading up to AMS Assembly as well as after. Hiring Please note that this position is hired in accordance with the procedures outlined in the AMS Assembly Policy. All written responses will be included in a package that is made publicly available to Assembly in September. Candidates will be invited to speak to the assembly about why they want to have this role. Assembly will elect the Speaker based on the in-person presentation and written responses. There will be no interviews for this position. 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.

What you’ll do

The Deputy Speaker mediates student government proceedings, enforces rules of order, and chairs assembly meetings in the absence of the Speaker. They also assist in producing meeting minutes, supporting student leaders, and fostering productive debate within the AMS Assembly.

Requirements

Candidates should possess strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, along with the ability to manage time and resolve conflicts effectively. Familiarity with assembly policies and the AMS Constitution is required, and the role is open to students looking to begin their journey in student governance.

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• adaptability · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Planning · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Prioritization · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Analytical thinking
• Planning
• Prioritization
• Communication
• Procedural knowledge
• Collaboration
• Conflict resolution
• Time management
• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Cultural sensitivity
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Advocacy
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Management
• Debating
• Conflict Resolution
• Governance
• Taking Meeting Minutes
• Time Management
• Internal Affairs
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Education
• Social Services
• Speaker
• Unclassified Specialized Occupation