Job Title: Student Life Facilitator

Location: Niagara Falls, ON (Onsite)

Reports To: Student Experience Manager

Position Summary

Under the direction of Student Experience Manager, the Student Life Facilitator is responsible for the organizing and delivering Student Life programs at UNF, contributing as part of a team to support a variety of departmental activities. The Student Life Facilitator team plays a pivotal role in creating a vibrant campus environment. The Student Life Facilitator acts as a first point of contact for students reaching out to the Student Success Office, providing friendly, helpful, and informed responses to their queries. Collaborating closely with the Student Success Office team and colleagues across various UNF departments, the Student Life Facilitator provides comprehensive support for students. This includes initiatives that address academic, social, and personal aspects of student life, ensuring a smooth transition, holistic development, and overall success at UNF. Additionally, the Student Life Facilitator actively engages with student leaders, faculty, and external partners to enhance the student experience and promote a thriving campus community.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the UNF programming calendar by designing and implementing programs and activities for both in-person and virtual students that foster engagement and community building.
• Organize events such as workshops, social gatherings, cultural events, and leadership activities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make recommendations for improvements.
• As a key contributor in New Student Orientation (NSO), collaborate with the Student Success Team to create and facilitate a successful onboarding experience for new students.
• Serve as the front-line point of contact for student inquiries, providing prompt and accurate information related to student life, services, and resources.
• Provide front desk services, welcoming students, visitors, and community members to the Student Success Office and directing them as needed.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, encouraging their involvement in activities.
• Provide referrals to specialized units within the Student Success Office and Academic Teams.
• Create materials to promote extra-curricular learning and engagement.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop an integrated approach to support at-risk students and serve as a referral point for students in need.
• Assist students in the club ratification process at the beginning of each term.
• Act as a liaison between clubs and the university administration, advocating for club needs and assisting with conflict resolution when necessary.
• Collaborate closely with Student Success Office colleagues to provide integrated student services, supports, and resources to UNF students.
• Participate in a weekly rotation on the information desk, providing front-line student support, addressing queries and concerns, and making referrals as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Demonstrates effective prioritization and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
• Capable of handling diverse situations, multiple projects, and rapidly changing priorities.
• Exhibits excellent collaboration and partnership development skills, building trust and cooperation with various stakeholders.
• Possesses strong presentation and interpersonal skills, influencing others with empathy and political acumen.
• Maintains a professional manner with tact, diplomacy, and discretion when dealing with colleagues and the public.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills in handling inquiries and resolving issues.
• Displays excellent listening skills, gathering accurate information and evidence.
• Possesses creative problem-solving abilities and exercises sound professional judgment, especially in handling confidential/sensitive matters.
• Demonstrates intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office, with a quick learning ability for new programs

Education and Experience

• Successful completion of a post-secondary degree/diploma in a related field.
• Experience in student life programming, preferably at the post-secondary level
• Additional education and training in student development theory and the field of education an asset.
• Experience working with people in an advisory or customer service role in a busy and multifaceted team, providing confidential, responsive, helpful, and friendly service.
• Experience supporting operations in a college/university environment, large-scale event planning and event coordination.
• Must be able to work several weekends, evenings, and required holidays during New Student Orientation.

Diversity, inclusion and equity

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply.

We recognize that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, please advise to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.