Manager of Student Affairs

Company: Six Nations Polytechnic

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

For more information, visit www.snpolytechnic.com

Function & Overview

Reporting to the Registrar and Director of Student Affairs, the Manager of Student Affairs develops, implements, and embodies a Student Success Plan that is informed by the Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) mission, vision, and values. An effective Student Affairs approach will be informed by academic success and support strategies, and by policies that consider Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM), supporting the student experience throughout the academic lifecycle, which includes Trades, Colleges, University, and Lifelong Learning. The Manager of Student Affairs is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values and operating policies of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) while fostering positive relations with staff, students, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinǫshǫ:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ga’nigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).

Duties

The duties of the Manager of Student Affairs – include, without limitation:

Development and Vision 

• Supporting improved academic and program outcomes, as correlated with increased retention;
• Increasing student engagement with SNP by fostering a vibrant school spirit that is nurtured in all interactions and by delivering meaningful co-curricular activities;
• Ensuring a student focused approach to all services, as informed by SNP student needs and best practice guidelines;
• Representing SNP and SNP student interests with a variety of stakeholders, maintaining positive and collaborative relationships;
• Developing KPIs to document Student Affairs initiatives and measuring outcomes (recruitment, retention, student evaluations);
• Developing a student advising approach that effectively integrates all aspects of the student experience;
• Refining academic review process and communication, including academic standing, potential graduates, etc.;

Student Supports, Services, and Accommodations

• Developing and implementing an SNP strategy to address student accommodations via policy, procedures and resources, providing consideration for the unique needs and cultural practices of Indigenous learners;
• Facilitating a collaborative approach with sectoral experts and/or partners to determine appropriate learning accommodation needs;
• Improving awareness, processes and communication of academic and/or program requirements, including absence reporting, missed work, grade appeals, extenuating circumstances, etc.;
• Collaborating across units and services, both internally and externally, to increase positive student outcomes (e.g., Academic Programs, Achievement Centre, Contact North, etc.);
• Developing and implementing academic skills support services, such as, online modules, handouts, email/blog, workshops, etc.;
• Identifying and developing strategies to reduce barriers to the participation and success of Indigenous learners;
• Developing a culturally based and inclusive approach to student wellness rooted in community and SNP values;
• Ensuring students have access to counselling, health/wellness support and education, including mental health, safe campus, sexual violence response, and continued consideration of how SNP will continue to promote student wellness indicators;
• Obtaining and responding to student feedback to ensure an improved student experience;
• Maintaining a database of community, and extended resources and supports for students, providing referrals where applicable;
• Facilitating opportunities to connect learning to expanded outcomes, including career and education;
• Facilitating the ongoing development of, and manage the delivery of, student orientation activities including a comprehensive first year student experience program;
• Overseeing and managing the Student Rights and Responsibilities programming and activities, including managing student behavioural issues and conduct, and facilitating progressive discipline where appropriate and/or required;
• Collaborating on experiential opportunities and the co-curricular record to document SNP learning outcomes, achievements, and how these can be connected more broadly;
• Developing policies and procedures that align with various quality assurance standards (i.e., PEQAB, WINHEC, IAESC, etc.);
• Ensuring all Student Affairs activities are managed in compliance with Human Rights legislation, including integrity, respect, inclusion, and equity;
• Facilitating an early identification and response to support to students in difficulty prior to escalation;
• Engaging with legal counsel on appropriate courses of action in the case of student human rights issues;
• Enhancing and reviewing policy, process, and communication (to faculty, staff and students), including increased awareness of expectations and responsibilities of students in all programs;
• Supporting staff through communication during student conduct and discipline concerns, in adherence to confidentiality requirements;

Leadership & General Administration

• Leading and developing SNP’s Student Affairs strategy to support the growth of the organization;
• Working cooperatively with all departments and SNP Leadership, providing regular reporting on activities and outcomes related to SNP student services;
• Contributing to and collaborating on organization wide initiatives in support of SNP strategic goals and objectives;
• Supervising the daily operations of the Student Affairs department and all SA staff, and also, conduct ongoing assessment of staffing needs, analyzing department outputs, conducting annual Performance Reviews, providing ongoing coaching, etc.;
• Developing an annual workplan and budget for Student Affairs activities, including assisting in the development of individualized workplans for all SA staff;
• Identifying and providing development opportunities for SA staff both as a group and individually; and
• Other related duties, as required.

Qualifications 

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary degree in related field of study; Graduate degree preferred;
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience working in a student services capacity; and
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing a departmental budget, student centered activities, and a team of staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A general and current knowledge of Hodinǫshǫ:nih history, culture, values, contemporary issues, community priorities, and stakeholders;
• Advanced knowledge of Human Rights legislation as it pertains to postsecondary students and educational institutions;
• Experience navigating complex student issues, including behavioural issues;
• Knowledge of Student Development Theory and its application in Student Services;
• Familiarity with the postsecondary education sector in Ontario, especially the regulatory environment; knowledge of the Indigenous Institutes sector considered a particular asset;
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on written expression (i.e., faultless spelling and grammar, and professional style);
• Sound interpersonal skills including communication, organization, negotiation, confidentiality, and professional judgement;
• Demonstrated competencies in strategic thinking, coordination, analysis, policy development, and change management;
• Ability and willingness to undertake additional training and professional development;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage schedules, portfolios, and timelines, to meet demanding deadlines;
• Capacity to work both independently and in a team setting, demonstrating Hodinǫshǫ:nih values of Ga`nigohi:yo:; and
• Demonstrated familiarity with standard desktop computing programs, including spreadsheets, word processing, and database applications, on the Windows 2010 (or later) operating system.

At Six Nations Polytechnic, we are committed to diversity and inclusion as we continue and expand our efforts to become a more inclusive, safe and respectful workplace. Human Resources will accommodate any needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Recruitment processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, as may be requested.

Applicants from Six Nations and other Indigenous communities will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community.

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Job Type: Permanent

Benefits:

• Company registered pension plan
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid sick and personal time

Schedule:

• 7.5 hours shifts
• 37.5 hours/week