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Job Description / Duties

Director, Residence Life

From “the little college by the sea” to a leading, research-intensive university: Dalhousie University’s first 200 years have seen it transform from a local centre of learning to an institution with global impact. Now, at the dawn of its third century, Dalhousie is more relevant, more connected and more vibrant than ever. The university attracts more than 19,000 high-achieving, motivated and engaged students from around the world to its campuses. With 6,000 faculty and staff, Dalhousie brings together the brightest minds with diverse backgrounds and perspectives and enables them to push the boundaries of knowledge.

The Director, Residence Life works collaboratively within the division of Student Affairs and with institutional partners to support student success and enhance the student experience through oversight of Residence Life on Dalhousie’s Halifax campuses. This includes oversight of the Code of Student Conduct and both human resources and financial management for the division of Residence Life. The Director also assists with Residence Life on the Truro Campus through consultation with Ancillary Services. The new Director will champion transformative change and use data, research and industry informed evidence to develop innovative and inclusive programs and support services for students aligned with the emerging needs of the residence student population.

As the ideal candidate, you come to the role with a Master’s degree in a relevant field, plus a minimum of five years of related experience. Experience directly in Student Affairs and Residence Life would be considered a strong asset. Exceptional team management skills will be critical to success in this role as will a successful record of experience building capacity and fostering individual, team and organizational development. The ideal candidate thinks and acts strategically, develops long-term plans to achieve desired outcomes, links daily work to long-term vision and is accountable for results. An understanding of how to work successfully within the university environment and demonstrated continuous learning in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion will allow the ideal candidate to build strong relationships across our diverse community.

Dalhousie recognizes that career paths can be diverse, and that career interruptions may occur. Applicants are encouraged to include, in their cover letter or resume, an explanation of how alternate career experience garnered through professional, volunteer or community work may have provided them with the necessary experience to excel in this role. Candidates are also encouraged to address any career interruptions in their application.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Master’s degree in relevant field such as Student Affairs, Social Work, Health & Wellness, plus a minimum of five years’ related experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience) is required. Experience in Student Affairs and Residence Life considered a strong asset. Exceptional personnel management is critical. Experience in building capacity and fostering individual, team and organizational development is required. Proven ability to build and support high-performing teams is key to this role. Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically and develop long-term plans to achieve desired outcomes and linking daily work to long-term vision. Demonstrated ability to manage accountability for performance and results. Includes taking ownership and accountability for delivering the right results in the right way and improving individual, team and organizational contribution. Experience in assessment, establishing metrics and reporting considered a strong asset. Proven leadership competence in equity, diversity and inclusion.

Additional Information

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

- Thinking and Acting Strategically
- Relationship Building
- Resource & Process Management
- Accountability for Performance & Results
- Change & Innovation

Salary: $78,335 - $105,981 per annum

Contact Information

To be considered, please submit your application through this link https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/5151 by February 2, 2021. For more information, please contact Laura Godsoe at laura.godsoe@dal.ca

Employer Profile

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a competitive salary, defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.