Manager- Residence Education

Job Summary:

As a member of the Student Residential Life Department, the inaugural Manager for Residence Education is responsible for the establishment of an American-style Residence Life program. This goal will be realized through the development of student shared governance (residence hall council), developing a para-professional student-staff resident assistant program (“Community Development Assistants”), providing crisis management, and supporting the development of educational programming in the halls. This position is of critical support to student retention by helping to improve the student experience in the halls. The Manager and her/his team are responsible for a residence life program serving students in residence halls. The manager will have primary responsibility for adjudicating conflict resolution cases in the halls and collateral responsibilities with campus-wide conduct cases with the Office of Student Affairs. The manager also collaborates very closely with the Assistant Manager for Student Residential Life who is responsible for operations and facilities.

Job Description:

Manager- Residence Education

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

General information about institution

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sands dunes, and the many historical sites.

AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities. AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

Job Purpose & Responsibilities

As a member of the Student Residential Life Department, the inaugural Manager for Residence Education is responsible for the establishment of an American-style Residence Life program. This goal will be realized through the development of student shared governance (residence hall council), developing a para-professional student-staff resident assistant program (“Community Development Assistants”), providing crisis management, and supporting the development of educational programming in the halls. This position is of critical support to student retention by helping to improve the student experience in the halls. The Manager and her/his team are responsible for a residence life program serving students in residence halls. The manager will have primary responsibility for adjudicating conflict resolution cases in the halls and collateral responsibilities with campus-wide conduct cases with the Office of Student Affairs. The manager also collaborates very closely with the Assistant Manager for Student Residential Life who is responsible for operations and facilities.

Minimum Qualification and Education

Essential: Master’s Degree

Desirable: Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Counseling or closely related field strongly preferred. Membership and experience with ACUHO-I, NASPA, and ACPA.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to use and leverage technology and platforms for information and administrative management in support of problem-solving and decision-making.
• Knowledgeable with proven experience working with a diverse group of individuals and a demonstrated ability to provide leadership in enhancing an atmosphere promoting diversity and inclusion. Strong working knowledge of issues of social equity and inclusion, and a track record including student-centered leadership abilities and ability to lead and influence a diverse group of colleagues and students.
• Demonstrated ability to train/mentor full-time staff and student leaders. Must be a dynamic, creative, innovative, and collaborative leader who can sustain current services, develop new initiatives, manage a complex organization, and understand the comprehensive interconnections among members of the AURAK community.
• A professional who possesses strong verbal and written communication skills and who communicates in a timely manner, with appropriate frequency, and with the appropriate discretion.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing resources and budgets to deliver on operations/services.

Work Experience

• Essential: 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a residential life capacity.
• Desirable: Experience working at an American university with a mature American-style residence life program.

Language proficiency required

English fluency is required, and Arabic language skills would be beneficial.

Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Professional Ethics and Integrity
• Problem-solving
• Time Management
• Teamwork

Reporting line

Associate Provost for Student Affairs