Residence Life Manager

Post Details

Full time

Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 14 July 2024.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role will require a Basic Disclosure check. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 1251.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Accommodation Services, the Residence Life Manager (RLM) will be responsible for the ongoing development and delivery of a Residence Life programme that supports holistic student success in accommodation. This includes supporting both residents living within university accommodation, as well as liaising with community partners, such as Community Councils, to advocate and support off-campus University of Stirling students. The role will support student’s transition into and out of university accommodation, as well as be responsible for the day-to-day management of community development, programming and activities, student conduct investigations and welfare support. To assist in the delivery of the Residence Life programme, the role holder will manage a team of Residence Assistants, year-round, that provide proactive, responsive, and student focussed community engagement, support, and developmental opportunities.

An important part of the role will involve liaising with colleagues outside of Accommodation Services to build strong relationships, develop collaborative programmes and communications, and ensure that service delivery is as seamless as possible. Internally, the RLM will collaborate on developing and improving services that enrich students’ residence experience and satisfaction.

The business operates 24/7 and is both fast paced and demanding, requiring you to manage multiple activities and priorities simultaneously at times. As a front-line role within the department, the role holder will be responsible for providing excellent service and support to residents, with the requirement to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation year-round, and to be available for weekends and evening work as required.

Additional Information/Special Conditions

• It is a requirement of this role that working hours are flexible to meet the demands of the business i.e. at times working 5 days over 7 to ensure regular contact and supervision is provided to night shift and weekend staff. This includes providing cover within clusters and participating in a weekend and back shift rota
• The Residence Life Manager is required to manage and participate in activities relating to student arrival and departure weekends as well as open and applicant days (these can vary depending on semester dates)
• There is a requirement to participate in a year-round out of hours on call rota to provide advice, assistance and attend on site if required

Description of Duties

Community Relations & Development

• Developing a series of diverse active and passive programming activities across the resident lifecycle
• Contributing to the BeConnected programme and working closely with campus partners to develop bespoke events

Resident Behaviour and Wellness

• To respond and action matters of student welfare and discipline in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures, collaborating with colleagues, signposting and referring students to other services as appropriate
• To be responsible for the day-to-day action on assigned cases, ensuring wrap-around supports and actions are taken to support resolving concerns, incidents, complaints, and issues that arise in residence

Admin and Finance

• Oversee and manage the Residence Life fund, ensuring that budgets are adhered to
• Assist the Deputy Director and Director of Accommodation Services in the forecasting of funds required to grow and sustain the Residence Life function

Human Resources

• To manage a team of Residence Assistant staff. This will include 1:1 and team meetings, providing supervision, coaching and managing performance and output
• To plan Resident Assistant appreciation and team building activities throughout the year to support staff satisfaction and retention

Essential Criteria

• Educated to HNC level or equivalent relevant experience (in addition to the experience noted below)
• Demonstrable experience working with students in a pastoral/welfare capacity
• Extensive experience working in a managerial role within a large, complex organisation, e.g. within the hospitality/student industry or other customer facing industry
• Experience of organising and delivering events
• Experience and application of conflict, mediation, and dispute resolution strategies
• Excellent crisis management and problem-solving skills
• Experience of managing large groups of operational staff to build effective teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of communicating effectively to a wide variety of customers, staff, students and stakeholders
• Experience of reviewing and developing services that enhance customer service
• Experience and competence in using a variety of MS Office systems (advanced excel and sharepoint skills)
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to motivate and coach staff

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of managing multi-site locations
• Good understanding of student development theory and its application to student accommodation
• Knowledge and understanding of tenancy agreements
• Strong knowledge and application of first-aid, mental health first-aid, and suicide intervention practices
• Willingness to attend and participate in relevant training to ensure that high operational and safety standards are always maintained
• Responsiveness to satisfying the proper demands of customers and colleagues; to exercise good inter-personal skills; and to use good judgement
• Experience of using an Accommodation Management System or other relevant booking system

For further information, including a full description of duties, essential criteria and details on how to apply, please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.