Director of Student Life - UAE Nationals Only

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Ajman University is seeking UAE Nationals Only for the Director of Student Life, a senior leadership role overseeing student life, clubs, leadership programs, and athletics, with responsibility for policy development, budgeting, and digitizing processes such as elections and club formation to support a diverse, inclusive campus and strong student outcomes. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree and at least ten years leading student activities or related functions in higher education, with proven ability to guide a cross-functional team, manage budgets, and collaborate across campus. To apply, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight strategic planning, program assessment, data-driven decision making, and bilingual Arabic-English communication, and show impact on student success and events; provide references and readiness for extended hours and on-site presence.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:

The Director of Student Life ensures the welfare, comfort and needs of students are met by being available for advice and guidance on any matters which arise with their accommodation or during trips.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Leadership and Administration:

• Provide leadership, oversight, and direction for all aspects of student life and student engagement on campus.

• Develop, implement, and assess student life policies, procedures, and initiatives that align with the institution's mission, values, and strategic goals.

• Digitize all processes related to student life; such as student council elections, student club establishment in addition to event-related forms.

• Supervise and mentor Student Life professionals, and provide guidance and support for their professional development.

• Administers budgets, approves legal agreements and resource allocation for student life including Student Activity, Athletics and Leadership program.

• Collaborate with other campus departments, faculty, and staff to ensure a seamless and integrated approach to student life and student engagement.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive leadership development strategy for students that aligns with AU mission, values, and educational goals.

• Design, implement, and evaluate student leadership programs and initiatives, including workshops, trainings, seminars, and other developmental activities.

• Provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction for the unit of athletic, including strategic planning, policy development, and resource allocation.

• Provide supervision, direction and leadership to the OSL staff as well as guidance and support for their professional development.

• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures related to athletic eligibility, compliance with governing bodies, and athletic program management.

• Oversee the budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation for the unit of athletic.

• Represents Ajman University in the meetings with regard to Student Life.

Student Engagement and Programming:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive and diverse range of co-curricular programs, activities, and events that promote student engagement, cultural exchange and leadership locally an internationally.

• Provide support, resources, and guidance for the successful operation and development of student clubs and organizations.

• Provide coaching and mentoring to the Student Council.

• Create and implement programs and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and foster a positive and inclusive campus climate.

• Manage large-scale campus-wide events, such as New Student Orientation, Club Fair , National Day ,Global Day, and other student events.

• Work closely with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that promotes student success, engagement, and personal development.

• develop, implement, and assess programs, services, and initiatives that support the holistic development and well-being of students.

• Assess and reviews all student-initiated activities and events proposals to ensure that they are valuable learning opportunities.

Student Leadership Programs and Activities:

• Develop and oversee a wide range of student leadership programs and activities that cater to diverse student populations, including clubs, organizations, student government, and leadership conferences.

• Plan and execute Peer Leaders, AU Ambassadors programs and initiatives, and ensure alignment with the AU values and policies.

• Provide coaching and mentoring to Peer Leaders, AU Ambassadors to support their leadership development goals.

• Offer leadership training programs that enhance students' leadership skills, knowledge, and capabilities

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to create co-curricular opportunities that foster leadership development, character building, and civic engagement.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of student leadership programs and activities, and make recommendations for improvement based on feedback and assessment.

Athletics Program Development:

• Provide administrative direction and oversight for all sports programs and services that include Intercollegiate, Intramural, Recreation, Fitness, Aquatics, Special Events and Sports Facilities.

• Provide rich and varied Sports, Fitness and Recreational programs that foster the holistic development of students.

• Maintain Athletics, Recreation and Fitness programs that are committed to AU mission and strategic priorities.

• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of coaches and staff, and ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulations.

Recognition and Awards:

• Develop and implement recognition and awards programs that celebrate and acknowledge active student achievements.

• Create and administer selection processes for student awards and recognition programs.

• Coordinate and execute recognition events, ceremonies, and other platforms for showcasing active student successes.

• Collaborate with marketing and communication teams to promote student achievements through various communication channels, such as newsletters, social media, and AU websites.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement assessment and evaluation strategies to measure the effectiveness and impact of student life programs, services, and initiatives.

• Collect and analyze data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

• Prepare reports and presentations to share outcomes and findings with stakeholders, including senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students.

• Use assessment results to inform the development and implementation of evidence-based practices and initiatives that enhance the student experience and promote student success.

• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree and at least ten years management experience in student activities, programs or services, or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties

• Working with young people.

• Working as part of a senior leadership team within an educational institution.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate effectively in Arabic and English, both orally and in writing.

• Program planning and implementation skills.

• Strong interpersonal, communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range in diverse community.

• Excellent organization and time management skills; must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and take initiative to solve problems and complete tasks as they arise.

• Ability to plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.

• Assessment and referral skills.

• Knowledge of academic standards governing student probation, suspension, and/or expulsion.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems.

• Must be flexible in extended working hours.

• Knowledge of student development theory and student personnel administration.

• Knowledge of MS Office and required computer software’s.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment, which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.  The position may entail work after duty hours, on weekends, holidays and in emergency (i.e. may be subject to “on-call” responsibilities). 
• No or very limited physical effort required. 
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk. 

SUPERVISION:

Report to: Dean of Student Services