Director, Student Services and Wellness

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community?

 

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Director, Student Services and Wellness to provide a high level of service in support of the implementation of the strategic enrollment management goals.  Reporting to the Dean of Students, this role leads a team focused on student engagement, retention, wellness, learning assistance resources, academic accommodations, advising, as well as dedicated support for students at risk, Indigenous students, and international students.

 

The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.

 

This is a full-time permanent position starting as soon as possible. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.

 

Why AUArts?

 

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.

 

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.

 

The Opportunity

 

#2425-AU-MP-07

 

As a member of the Student Affairs leadership team, this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles.  Key leadership initiatives include oversight of the Lodgepole Center, 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.
• Manage non-academic misconduct student matters.

 

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.

  

Qualifications:

 

The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of

success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.

 

• 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

 

Competencies:

 

AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization.  Responsibilities of leaders include the following: 

 

Healthy Spaces 

• Create and maintain a respectful working environment. 

• Lead by example creating respectful dialogue standards. 
• Champion expectations related to physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. 

 

Active Inclusion 

• Create and maintain an environment of active inclusion. 

• Lead by example implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles. 
• Champion Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity and inclusion programs, policies, and communications. 

 

Creative Innovation 

• Evaluate current practices and propose innovative solutions. 

• Lead implementation of projects with a change management focus.  
• Champion change and actively support new initiatives. 

 

Collaborative Practice 

• Create and maintain active collaboration within and between teams. 

• Lead by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization.  
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders. 

 

Strategic Leadership 

• Create and implement operational plans, reviews, and projects.  

• Ensure policy, budgetary and legislative compliance within department. 
• Champion employee engagement by establishing and expanding best practices, employee development and continuous learning. 

 

What We Offer

 

• Comprehensive benefits package including pension and health spending account
• Annual vacation accrual starting at 24 days, 9 Flex 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 skills, education and experience.

 

How to Apply

 

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document and include:

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume

 

Candidates will be required to create an account to submit an application. Please visit our Application FAQ's page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Please upload your single document to the “Resume” section – do not upload any documents to the “Cover Letter” section.

 

The deadline to apply is September 15, 2024. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.

 

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.

 

We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

 

We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.

 

We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact hr@auarts.ca. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada.

 

The collection of personal information is for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment as authorized by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act, section 33(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your information, please contact our FOIP Coordinator at foip@auarts.ca.