Associate Dean, Residence Life

Date Posted: 08/01/2024

Req ID: 39074

Faculty/Division: VP – Operations and Real Estate Partnerships

Department: S&E Student Residences

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Student Residences team at Spaces & Experiences oversees and operates undergraduate and graduate student housing on the St. George campus. Our residences include Chestnut Residence, Oak House, Graduate House, and Knox Residence, as well as Campus One, a residence affiliated with the University. Our residences offer a supportive and dynamic living-learning environment that fosters academic success, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging.

Reporting to the Dean of Residence & Director of Student Life, the Associate Dean, Residence Life is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the residence life program. They oversee a diverse range of programs and initiatives, working to create a seamless connection between students’ academic pursuits and their residential experience. The Associate Dean ensures that residence life programs are enriched with opportunities for intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and social development. This role is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students with diverse identities and lived experiences can thrive and feel valued.

A key responsibility of the Associate Dean is leading, motivating, and coaching a team of residence life professionals and student staff. This includes overseeing recruitment, training, and professional development efforts to ensure that staff members are equipped to meet the diverse needs of our students. The Associate Dean will foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within the team, promoting best practices in residence life and student support services.

The Associate Dean also plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students within residence. This includes developing and implementing crisis management protocols, leading emergency response efforts, and working closely with relevant campus partners. The Associate Dean serves as the primary point of escalation for addressing complex student concerns and conflicts, providing guidance and resources to support student wellbeing.

Additionally, the Associate Dean is tasked with strategic planning and financial management for the residence life portfolio. This involves developing and managing the portfolio’s budget, ensuring alignment with the department’s strategic priorities and goals. The Associate Dean will build partnerships with stakeholders and explore innovative solutions to enhance the residential experience and support student engagement.

The Associate Dean works closely with the Dean to inform key priorities and objectives. They are responsible for developing assessment tools, conducting detailed analyses, preparing reports, and communicating information to internal and external stakeholders.

The Associate Dean must be available to consult on or attend to emergencies and participate in residence activities outside of normal office hours.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree in education, student affairs, social work, and/or leadership preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of six years of experience in residence life, preferably in a leadership or supervisory capacity, at least two of which must have been in a live-in context.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and operations management in residence life, including the development of community development plans and programs.
• Experience in program development and evaluation, with a focus on residence education programs such as living-learning communities, faculty-in-residence, etc.
• Proven experience in policy and standards development, including the creation and implementation of departmental standards, processes, and procedures.
• Previous experience in community management and crisis response, with a focus on supporting student safety and wellbeing.
• Proven experience in budget management and financial analysis, including cost-saving initiatives and financial planning.
• Previous experience in human resources management, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and employee development, preferably in a unionized context.
• Experience in stakeholder relationship management, including maintaining positive relationships with students, staff, faculty, and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, with the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate initiatives within established timelines.
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in a higher education setting.
• Experience in data analysis and reporting, including preparing annual reports and evaluating program effectiveness.

SKILLS:

• Strong strategic planning and operational management skills, with the ability to set priorities and achieve short- and long-term goals.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, capable of motivating and developing a team of diverse professionals.
• Strong counselling and advising skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport, negotiate effectively, and resolve conflicts professionally.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and achieving organizational goals.
• Organizational and time management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and embrace change.
• Technical proficiency in relevant software systems, including StarRez (or similar), Microsoft Office Suite, and other data analysis and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of crisis management and emergency response procedures.
• Proficiency in equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and strategies.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs for students and staff.

Please note:

• This is a term position ending November 2025.

Closing Date: 08/18/2024, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: Salaried

Appointment Type: Ancillary Operations

Schedule: Full-Time, term position ending November 2025

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 — Hiring Zone: $104,818 – $122,290 — Broadband Salary Range: $104,818 – $174,698

Job Category: Facilities/Ancilliary Services

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