Manager, Student Life

Position Job Title: Manager, Student Life

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Office)

Reports To: Associate Director, Student Experience

Primary Purpose

The Manager, Student Life plays a key role in fostering an inclusive, engaging, and supportive student experience. This position is responsible for student engagement initiatives, leadership development, residence life, new student transition, and community partnerships. Through strategic programming and student-centered services, the Manager enhances campus life, promotes student success, and contributes to retention efforts.

Specific Responsibilities

The Manager, Student Life, is responsible for the operations of the Student Life Department within the Student Success Office, including areas related to student life such as orientation and transition, housing and residence life, and student engagement.

Student Engagement, Leadership & Co-Curricular Development

• Envision, develop, and implement new programs, initiatives, strategies, and events that foster student engagement, leadership, and involvement in campus life.
• Oversee the development and implementation of effective student engagement programming including but not limited to student leadership, peer mentorship, Co-Curricular Record, New Student Orientation, student events, residence life and housing, and Student Council.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership in the development of events, activities, and programs that enhance and build UNF student culture and foster a strong sense of community.
• Ensure that student needs are centered in program development by gathering meaningful information and feedback from the University’s constituent groups.

Housing and Residence Life

• Oversee all aspects of the UNF Managed Residences, including daily operation, contracts, allocations, programming, conduct, and after-hours tenant support.
• Develop and implement incident response and case management strategies, and procedures, for managing incidents and their follow up in residence. Establish procedures and ensure cases are effectively managed and appropriate referrals to campus partners are made.
• On referral from the Residence Life Coordinator manage high-level student conduct cases in residence. Conduct risk assessments. Advise the Associate Director, Student Experience on complex incidents and action plans to resolve them.
• Develop and support staff initiatives to support off-campus housing supports and resources.
• Envision, develop, and implement new initiatives that support student adjustment and relocation, including family care, peer mentorship and first-year engagement programs.

New Student Orientation & Transition

• Provide strategic leadership for orientation and transition initiatives, supporting staff with curriculum development and learning objectives based on data, current research, student development theory and best practices, for orientation and transition programs.
• Liaise and manage complex relationships with campus partners (including recruitment and admissions, Student Services, and academic departments) related to orientation programs, student engagement, and continued collaboration.

Student Support & Community Development

• Foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment that prioritizes student well-being and engagement.
• Act as a key resource for students seeking involvement opportunities and campus support services.
• Assist in crisis response and student support initiatives as needed.
• Work closely with Student Services, Academic Leads, Facilities, and other departments to align student life initiatives with institutional goals.
• Establish partnerships with community organizations to expand student volunteerism and civic engagement.
• Lead the Student Benefit Program, developing and promoting student discount partnerships.
• Available daily to students, during posted office hours and on call 24 hours a day to Residence Life and student staff, seven days a week for escalated residence emergencies.

Area Leadership

• Facilitate a positive working environment that centres on employee well-being and growth, and encourages a high level of performance, innovation, and creativity within the team.
• Plans, supervises, and directs the activities of employees in the team.
• Facilitates the resolution of conflicts by responding to student or employee issues in a timely, fair, and equitable manner.
• Encourages high morale and high-quality student services through a respectful and equitable leadership style which inspires staff to strive for the achievement of ongoing student success.
• Manages budgets, tracks expenditures, and assess program effectiveness.
• Maintains continuous professional development for themselves and staff through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, identifying professional development opportunities, and attending training, conferences and/or courses.
• Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Position Requirements

Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience in project management and strategic planning.
• Ability to navigate multiple projects and staff management with efficiency.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, presentation skills, and the ability to tailor communication to different audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of individuals and teams, including students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Proficiency in event planning, project management, and stakeholder coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, organizing, and executing events, workshops, and community outreach programs.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and marketing tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Exhibits excellent collaboration and partnership development skills, building trust and cooperation with various stakeholders.
• Possesses strong presentation and interpersonal skills, influencing others with empathy and political acumen.
• Possesses creative problem-solving abilities and exercises sound professional judgment, especially in handling confidential/sensitive matters.
• Demonstrates intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office, with a quick learning ability for new programs.
• Maintains flexibility and willingness to work outside regular business hours to meet organizational needs.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of three to four years of related experience in student affairs and student services or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of student development and best practices in student engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
• Knowledge of relevant legal and ethical issues in higher education.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for student success, well-being, and creating a positive educational environment.