The Manager, Opportunity and Belonging is a tactical and strategic team leader who provides oversight and direction for The Office of Opportunity and Belonging (O&B). O&B encompasses student support for areas that include health and wellness, accessibility, and student engagement programs and activities and support to facilitate student success and persistence. There is an intentional focus on equity and justice that is embedded in all of the O&B programming. The Manager is responsible for oversight and management of the O&B, including for the personnel, budget, and programmatic evaluation/ assessment. Manager operates as a change-agent providing leadership for health and wellness, counselling, accessibility and student support and initiatives on campus that engage the University community and external partners where needed.
In collaboration with key constituents, the Manager, Opportunity and Belonging will advance the implementation of a strategic plan for health and wellness support, accessibility, international student support that is mission-driven and aligned with the University's overall strategic plan. This leader plays a key role in shaping the campus climate and culture into one that is recognized for demonstrating how health and wellness support, accessibility and an elevated student support model translates into meaningful and transformational experiences and sense of belonging for all students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the Manager will serve as an alternate and designee on committees, supervision, and support of staff in the Dean of Students' unit, as requested. The Manager, Opportunity and Belonging reports to the Dean of Students.
Leadership and Advocacy
- Promotes, supports, participates in initiatives for health and wellness, counselling, accessibility and l student support to positively impact enrollment, student retention, and graduation rates.
- Guided by goals/outcomes and student needs, establishes culturally conscious programming and services for supporting students who are historically underrepresented in higher education. Intentionally integrates such programs to be in alignment with other key University initiatives that support equity, diversity, inclusion and access.
- Supports the the visioning and ongoing development of the EDIA initiatives within the organization.
- In collaboration with Human Resources and the VPAR, coordinates and leads initiatives and training related to the Sexual Violence Prevention Policy.
Supervision
- Supervises professional staff responsible for counselling services and student accommodations.
- Develops and fills positions working with HR, establishes performance goals, and provides timely and accurate performance feedback and coaching.
- Holds staff accountable for their respective roles in counselling, accessibility, international student support, as well as other key departmental and institutional initiatives.
- Provides performance management as required.
Campus and Community Service
- Attend SUNSCAD (Student Union) meetings, providing administrative and leadership development training and support to student leaders and foster meaningful relationships between SUNSCAD and campus constituents.
- Serves on campus committees that focus on student engagement, the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion programming, outreach, and education.
- Interacts with and engages the campus community in building strategic partnerships to elevate the visibility and value of equity in education.
Other Duties
- Ensures appropriate systems/mechanisms are in place for tracking and accounting for student support, including the appropriate disaggregation by relevant demographic variables.
- Stays current in research and national trends on the topics of campus climate and appropriate programs to close equity gaps.
- Oversees multiple budgets within the O&B, ensuring adherence to University budget policies and processes and alignment with mission and goals of the office of O&B.
A bachelors degree in a related discipline, 3 years' professional experience in higher education in the area of counselling, accessibility, student engagement and EDIA combined with 2 years of experience supervising professional staff is required. A graduate degree is a preference. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
Evidence of effective program delivery and event planning is required. Demonstrated commitment to equity outcomes and diversity in a higher education setting is required. Experience working with Faculty and experience conducting program assessment or program evaluation of student learning outcomes for improvement is preferred.
Applications should be sent via the CareerBeacon website. Applications should include a cover letter and detailed CV.
Deadline for applications: The University will begin considering applicants on July 7, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. We appreciate all applicants, however only those selected to move forward in the competition will be contacted.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority in this search. NSCAD university encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, persons with a disability, women, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.
