Dean, Student Life

The Dean of Student Life is responsible for providing administrative leadership to the Department of Student Life by envisioning, articulating and enabling student services and activities that promote personal growth, social development and student welfare, as well as overseeing personnel, and managing resources that support the ongoing work of Student Life. Student Life encompasses Community Life, Athletics and Campus Recreation, and Spiritual Life. The Dean is responsible for the overall planning, administration, and evaluation of programs in Student Life. The Dean is accountable for the alignment of Student Life initiatives with the institutional vision and mission. The Dean works in close collaboration with the academic Deans, the Executive Director of Enrolment Management and Registrar, and the Director of Campus Services.   

Duties and Responsibilities

Institution

• Support Ambrose’s mandate that students grow and mature in all aspects of their lives, through the provision of services that support community life, spiritual life, and recreational activities and athletics.
• Serve as an integral member of the institution’s governance structure.
• Collaborate with other departments to advance the objectives and vision of Student Life.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of institutional policies and procedures with Student Life initiatives.
• In accordance with Ambrose’s strategic goals and regulatory requirements, develop, implement, monitor, and review tactical and operational plans, procedures, systems, and supports related to student life activities.
• Maintain external relationships and memberships with relevant agencies and organizations.

Operational

• Recruit, supervise, and coordinate the work of Student Life’s staff.
• Provide daily supervision to the administrative assistant.
• Ensure strong communication, team development, and effective partnerships with other departments (e.g., Campus Services, Enrolment Management and Registrar).
• Develop and oversee non-academic student This includes policies for student accountability to the Community Standards.
• Serve as the crisis manager in emergency situations related to Student Life activities.
• Investigate breaches of the Community Standards.
• Responsible for overseeing mental health initiatives including arranging for on-campus counselling services.
• Oversee training of staff in wellness certification/training (e.g., first responder, Safe Talk, gender-based violence training).
• Promote student wellness initiatives across campus.
• Responsible for securing and reporting on Student Life grants.
• Serve on appropriate committees as assigned, including Provost’s Council, and General Faculties Council.

Community Life

• Oversee the provision of a variety of programs and services that enhance student wellbeing, aimed at supporting students in their development during the course of their studies from a wholistic perspective.
• Provide support to the Director of Community Life to provide student support services for undergraduate and Seminary students including support to the Ambrose Student Council (ASC), commuter student services, international student supports, residence life services, student leaders of various Student Life initiatives, Ambrose orientation, and co-curricular events.  
• Provide direction to the selection of valedictorians for graduation.
• Manage student conduct and judicial affairs (in collaboration with Academics, Security and Facilities).
• Oversee development of budget and operational aspects in collaboration with Director.

Athletics and Campus Recreation

• Support intervarsity competition and recreational opportunities.
• Provide support to the Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation.
• Oversee development of budget and operational aspects in collaboration with Director.

Spiritual Life

• Support the Campus Pastor(s) in fostering spiritual life on campus, specifically focusing on students’ spiritual development through mentorship, corporate worship, and pastoral care.
• In collaboration with the Music department and Campus Pastors, oversee a chapel program.
• Provide resources to support the implementation of co-Curricular activities related to spiritual development (e.g., Deeper Life Day, Day of Prayer, etc.)
• Oversee development of budget and operational aspects in collaboration with Director.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Graduate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of five years of leadership experience in a post-secondary institution.
• Experience in planning, implementing, evaluating, and advocating for a wide range of programs and services.

Skills

• Able to build and maintain an effective team.
• Proven budget, financial management, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated intercultural comprtency.
• Able to foster relationships with a diverse multicultural student, faculty, and staff population.
• Able to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Able to organize, set priorities, and multi-task under tight timelines and stressful situations.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Able to engage in crisis situations involving mental health, spiritual health or personal safety.

Personal Characteristics

• Be in agreement with Ambrose’s values, mission, vision, and statements of faith.
• Must have a quality of spirit that will be reflected in a growing relationship with God and interpersonal relationships.
• Sensitive and able to work with a diversity of people and cultural groups.

Other

• Has a knowledge of post-secondary issues, legislation, reporting and regulatory requiements.
• Able to work evenings and weekends.

Administrative Information Related to the Position
The position is a full-time management position that does not carry faculty rank or tenure status. 

Personal adherence to the Christian faith is a bona fide occupational requirement. All faculty and senior administrators at Ambrose University are required to sign a doctrinal statement and adhere to lifestyle expectations. Appointment as a Dean will only be made after the receipt of official academic transcripts and the completion of a police check.

Deans are reviewed annually by the VPA and are subject to a global assessment on a biennial basis. 

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

To apply, please forward a curriculum vitae and cover letter Attention to hr@ambrose.edu indicating Dean of Student Life in the subject line. Salary expectations are available upon request. Review of applications will begin immediately. Only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.