Senior Director, Student Engagement, Retention + Success
/Organization:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Deadline:
Feb. 7, 2025
Organization Description:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a school of students, faculty, thinkers and makers unlike any other. Established in 1925, we are the only specialized, accredited, public, post-secondary university in British Columbia solely devoted to education and research in the creative sector and its associated knowledge economy. We merge research, critical theory and studio practice in an interdisciplinary environment, strengthening our work by the integration of our personal and professional practices. Our strategy, facilities, partnerships and resources are intentionally student-centred to foster dialogue, expression and open connections in support of the next generation of creative and cultural leaders.
Website:
Job Description:
Permanent Full-Time Excluded Position
8:30am to 4:30pm / Monday to Friday
The Senior Director is accountable for the management and operation of key service areas within Student Services including, Student Accessibility Services, Career and Work Integrated Learning, and International Advising, and is responsible for the recruitment, hiring, management, mentorship, and performance review of personnel in those service areas. The Senior Director is accountable for maintaining a current awareness of legislation, regulations and policy impacting assigned areas of responsibility.
The Senior Director also supervises the Program Manager of Violence Reduction + Incident Response and supports assessments and responses to high-risk student behaviour, including misconduct and issues impacting student wellbeing. The Senior Director is responsible for the development, recommendation and implementation of policies and procedures related to student misconduct.
The Senior Director serves as a member of the senior leadership team within Student Services. In collaboration with the Vice-Provost and other leaders and subject matter leads in the Department, the Senior Director is accountable for ensuring that ECU administrators, staff, and faculty, have regular and engaging opportunities to gain knowledgeable and understanding of matters that impact student engagement and success.
Benefits of Joining the Emily Carr community:
• Enrollment in a comprehensive benefits package, including Dental Coverage, Extended Health, Disability Coverage and Life Insurance.
• Membership in the College Pension Plan.
• Competitive vacation and Professional Development benefits.
Responsibilities:
1. In alignment with ECU’s strategic plan, provide leadership and strategic direction to support domestic and international student engagement, retention, and success.
2. Ensure data driving decision making for all student support programming in support of ECU’s Strategic Enrolment Management and student retention goals.
3. Manage and support staff in the key service areas assigned, including Accessibility Services, Career Integrated Learning, International Student Advising and Violence Reduction and Incident Response.
4. Provide expertise and direction for the development and continual improvement of programs, services, polices, and practices in each of the assigned areas of responsibility. Ensure considerations and principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation are integrated into programming, supports, and services.
5. Assess, develop, and deliver programs and activities that support students’ entry and transition to ECU.
6. Collaborate with internal partners such as the Student Union, administrative departments, Deans, International and Indigenous services, Foundation and Master's programs, to ensure smooth transition of students and to continually improve supports and services to students.
7. Develop and implement systems to regularly evaluate the success of programs and services across the assigned service areas and incorporate relevant feedback.
8. Analyze and report on data and feedback received. Compile and submit statistical and other reports required by ECU, Government or by ECU’s governing bodies.
9. Serve as Chair of the ECU Threat Assessment Team. Working closely with the Program Manager Violence Reduction and Incident Response, support the triage, intervention, and response to complex cases.
10. Support the development and regular review of policies and procedures related to non-academic student misconduct in compliance with the University Act and the powers and responsibilities of ECU’s governing bodies, and ensure processes reflect the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice.
11. Provide training and support to adjudicators of student disciplinary matters on process for investigations and adjudication. Manage the student discipline process and may lead investigations into violations of the student code of conduct or other student conduct policies and prepare documentation for adjudicators or decision makers.
12. Participate in budget planning and resource allocation within Student Services and manage the budget for Engagement and student safety initiatives.
13. Support an understanding within the Department and broader ECU community, of Indigenous student experiences, reconciliation, and Indigenization efforts in Canada.
14. Collaborate with the ECU Student Union and other ECU community partners to provide complementary services and events and to implement opportunities and activities that foster a positive student experience and sense of belonging.
15. Work with ECU partners to create processes and practices that maximize opportunities for early resolution of student concerns and complaints.
16. Foster a culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) for all those who attend the University for work or study by remaining current in JEDI trends that impact Student Services and University life. Makes recommendations to the Vice-Provost, Students on how to enhance Student Services in this regard.
17. Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications:
• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of successful leadership in student services at a management level, in a public post-secondary environment.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience providing student-centered support and programming with a holistic approach.
• Experience with the development and delivery of student support programs, through a collaborative, respectful and consultative approach.
• Knowledge of art, design, and media arts education, an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing student experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in ECU’s executive competencies including change leadership, collaboration, decision-making, judement, problem solving and people leadership.
• Understanding of community engagement with commitment to enhancing student services and programs.
• Skill in needs assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead dynamic teams of employees and work effectively with a broad range of interested parties.
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience with the assessment, triage, and case management of threats of violence and safety concerns.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven judgment and sensitivity in dealing with vulnerable students and non-academic misconduct files.
• Organizational skills and a proven ability to prioritize and work in a high-volume environment with firm deadlines.
• Collaborative leadership around policy review and development.
• Proven ability to provide supervision and employee support and training.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
How to Apply:
To apply for this job, please visit https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. Competition closes on Friday, 7 February 2025.
Emily Carr University especially invites those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized. These include women, persons with diverse gender expressions and identities, persons of all sexual orientations, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Indigenous persons. All qualified people are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.
Remuneration:
$122,418 to $163,224 per annum
Contact Name: Human Resources
Contact Email: hr@ecuad.ca
Contact Phone: (604) 844-3824
