Director, Student Services & Wellness
Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility and in building community?
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for an engaging and innovative director, student services & wellness to provide a high level of service in support of the implementation of the strategic enrolment management goals. Reporting to the dean of students, this role leads a team focused on student engagement, retention, wellness, learning assistance resources, academic accommodations and advising as well as dedicated support for students at risk, Indigenous students and international students.
This is a permanent, full-time position and hours of work are 35 hours per week.
Why AUArts?
Alberta University of the Arts rests on the traditional Treaty 7 Territories of the Blackfoot people and in the spirit of our collective effort to promote reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional territories and oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes Siksika, Piikani and Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley), Metis Nation Region III, and all those who make their homes in the Treaty 7 Region of Southern Alberta.
AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently.
The Alberta University of the Arts offers its 1,100 students studio-based programming that leads to a bachelor of fine Arts in one of nine disciplines, a bachelor of design in one of two, and an MFA in Craft Media. It has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and will soon be celebrating its centennial.
The Opportunity
Competition: #2223-JA-MP-16
As a member of the student affairs leadership team, this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships and enrolment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include oversight of the Lodgepole Centre, the Tutoring & Writing Centre, Student Academic Advising, Learning Assistance services, and international student advising and exchange programs. The director will serve as the liaison for the Elders Council and the AUArts Students’ Association supporting student interests, promoting inclusion, diversity and, overall, ensuring a quality student experience.
Key Responsibilities
Operational & Budgetary Management
- Oversee the human and financial resources of the student services portfolio including managing applicable budgets and grants.
- Manage a team of diverse positions, including departmental planning, workforce planning/recruitment, setting goals, conducting performance appraisals, mentoring and coaching.
- Provide direction to the team regarding organizational goals and initiatives including equity, diversity & inclusion.
Program & Service Direction:
- Provide both strategic and tactical direction of programs and services including the Lodgepole Centre, Student Accommodation, Orientation and Welcome Back programming, International Exchange, Tutoring & Writing Centre, and other events/activities to support student engagement.
- Monitor programs and services, providing recommendations for process or service improvement and leading the implementation.
- Evaluate and design policies, procedures & guidelines related to student conduct, behaviour, wellness and accessibility.
- Manage both internal and external reporting, including provincial grant funding support.
Community & Student Liaison:
- Build collaborative and productive relationships with internal and external partners.
- Act as the liaison with the AUArts Elders Council, representing the organization and leading the partnership of events, activities and collaborations.
- Liaise with the AUArts Student Association to target student services and partner on events/activities, with a focus on engagement of a diverse student population.
- Support the development of the mental health programming plan and reporting as per grant funding.
- Represent Student Affairs on various committees, taking an active leadership role to recommend and/or implement committee actions.
The successful candidate will have:
- Graduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- 8-10 years’ experience in supporting student services and wellness, or equivalent.
- 5 years’ experience in a leadership role within a post-secondary institution.
- Demonstrated experience building effective teams and collaborative relationships.
- Demonstrated experience supporting students and ensuring a quality student experience.
- Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies and procedures.
- Proficiency in operational and financial management.
- Demonstrated accomplishment in enhancing student experience, recruitment and retention is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience liaising with Indigenous Elders, Councils or organizations is an asset.
What We Offer:
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension and health spending account.
- Annual vacation starting at 24 days, Personal days and other types of leave.
- Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31.
- Flexible / hybrid work arrangements.
- The starting annual salary will be dependent upon the candidate’s skills, education, and experience.
How to Apply
For more information and to apply visit auarts.ca.
Applications must include the following in a single PDF document:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Please upload your single document to the Resume section — do not upload any documents to the Cover Letter section.
You will be required to create an account in order to submit your application. Please visit our Application FAQs page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Further information about AUArts is available by visiting auarts.ca.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversity of the university. We encourage expressions of interest from all qualified applicants for consideration for this or other suitable vacancies although applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
