ABOUT US

The mission of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities is to deliver a comprehensive liberal arts education and to teach our students to become global citizens who think critically and communicate effectively. The Faculty is dedicated to maintaining its international reputation for research excellence and innovative academic programming.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
• Master’s degree or professional designation in Academic or Student Affairs is preferred
• Completion of, or working towards, Canadian Institute of Management Certification is an asset

Experience:

• 5 years of experience working in a university student services environment
• 2 years of experience managing staff and projects
• Experience in strategic planning, implementation, and operationalization is preferred
• Experience in student recruitment, in a university environment an asset
• Experience in implementation and evaluation of student success, recruitment and retention programs, initiatives, resources, and services is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of best practices in building a strong collaborative team and leading people
• Familiarity with techniques for planning, managing and coordinating projects
• Ability to effectively drive and manage change initiatives that align with organizational strategies and/or provide opportunities to increase efficiency
• Ability to establish effective routines for excellent communication with all members of the team to maximize productivity
• Ability to effectively present information, and conduct training sessions and workshops
• Ability to ensure confidentiality and privacy is maintained through the appropriate retention and destruction of information
• Ability to draw on diversity of skills, backgrounds and knowledge of people to achieve more effective results
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization’s strategy and goals
• Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• Ability to promote individual growth by encouraging others to learn new skills and develop themselves
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills to assist high risk students, or students dealing with medical, psychological, or compassionate issues that are affecting academic success
• Demonstrated ability to create rapport and build trusting advising relationships to meet the needs of diverse student populations
• Demonstrated ability to independently apply creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness to daily work
• Knowledge of and ability to manage social media platforms, communication, and enrolment strategies for undergraduate students
• Ability to identify and respond to contentious or politically sensitive issues with discretion
• Ability to quickly re-allocate resources and adjust priorities in response to unexpected events or changing circumstances
• Ability to provide guidance to assist others in solving complex problems
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Influential interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships at all levels of the organization
• Capacity to handle risk and uncertainty, while being decisive in ambiguous situations
• Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach employees to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the leadership team
• Ability to organize and effectively manage financial and human resources needed to achieve results
• Ability to search within and outside the formal boundaries of the organization for innovative ways to improve work
• Project management skills to ensure team roles are clear, milestones are communicated and deadlines are met
• Ability to develop strategies that are in line with the University’s mission and which balance competing priorities
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve unit goals

The Manager, Student Services will lead, develop, implement and monitor activities and outcomes aimed at enhancing student success and experience at Western and in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The role will participate in the development and implementation of strategic plans, programs, policies, and procedures to ensure growth and sustainability of undergraduate and graduate programs in the Faculty. The Manager ensures that activities and resources are effectively aimed towards the continued enhancement of the student experience and reputation of the University and Faculty, developing and implementing assessment plans to ensure that strategic objectives are met, leveraging and advancing best practices in advising within Departments and programs and service delivery models and tools. The role will oversee and manage resources, lead and direct the work of others, and ensure appropriate controls are in place to manage risks. The Manager will coach and train staff and provide comprehensive and strategic consultation on a variety of processes to ensure the University community is served effectively.