Job Description

Director, Student Affairs

(

Permanent, full-time)

Benefits:

Extended health, dental, life insurance, long term disability, pension, vacation, tuition benefit, travel medical coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program

Work Location:

On campus with opportunity of 2 days/week remote

POSITION PROFILE

Reporting to the Vice President Academic and Dean, the Director, Student Affairs provides overall leadership for the development and delivery of strategic activities that enhance student experience and the well-being of students academically co-registered at St. Jerome's University and/or living in residence. The Director, Student Affairs oversees a dynamic student affairs team that is responsible for mission-aligned activities that include academic advising; residence life; student development advising; student mental health and wellbeing initiatives focusing on "whole person" wellness; local, national, and international service learning programs; and student leadership development. Through the planning and execution of Student Affairs priorities, the Director realizes the student-centred mandate of "Educating the Whole Person" and embodies the St. Jerome's Student Affairs program's values of community, trust, lifelong learning, student development, and equity, diversity, and belonging.

The Director, Student Affairs is an exceptional relationship builder and is passionate about leading others by example. They advocate for students, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, and are a visionary leader dedicated to the development of co-curricular and other student-centred programming that enhances the student experience.

About St. Jerome's University

At. St. Jerome's University, we embrace and celebrate the philosophy of educating the whole person - intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our commitment to academic excellence and to the integration of knowledge, research, and experiential learning allows us to inspire learning and discovery not only in our students but also in those with whom we interact. The University's mission focuses on preparing leaders who are conscious of the diversity, complexity and richness of the human experience and are formed here to contribute thoughtfully, creatively and positively to the common good of society. We foster a respectful, inclusive community that is centered on the well-being of our students, staff, and faculty, and the promotion of the common good, consistent with the ideals of the contemporary Roman Catholic Church.

How will you contribute as the Director, Student Affairs?

Provide leadership and vision for the creation and implementation of strategic plans for the Student Affairs department that are nested within the University Strategic Plan and the Vice President Academic and Dean's Office Academic Plan Manage team of student affairs staff, including providing mentorship, supporting development, and conducting performance evaluations Review, maintain, and evaluate the budget for student affairs, and direct funds and expenditures relating to services and programs Assess the effectiveness of student affairs programming and ensure that the institution understands and adapts best practices in the sector Explore and integrate strategies that reduce barriers and inequities for students to access student resources, services, and support, especially those in equity deserving groups Provide leadership in the creation, execution, and evaluation of all student experience, co-curricular programs, outreach, and service learning programs Strategically align the work of various student leader, student staff, and student government groups with the overall direction of the student experience Develop the program outcomes for student affairs, monitor assessment of those outcomes, and develop plans of action for improvement based on the assessments Develop, implement, monitor, and revise policies and procedures relating to student affairs Lead and manage all aspects of student engagement and success, in collaboration with other student service departments Work with students, staff and other stakeholders to resolve student issues as they pertain to student programs and services

As a successful Director, Student Affairs, you possess:

A Masters degree in a relevant discipline required; a doctoral degree or coursework towards a doctoral degree preferred with strong preference for degrees with a focus on Student Affairs or Educational Leadership.

5+ years of experience in at least one of the functional areas of student services represented in Student Affairs at St. Jerome's (i.e. Residential Life, Service Learning, Academic Advising, Student Wellness, Student Leadership Development) is required; experience in more than one area preferred.

3+ years of experience in higher education administration displaying progressive leadership experience

3+ years of experience managing and supervising a team of professional staff, with preference for supervision of a multi-unit department

Demonstrated experience working successfully with students, supporters, faculty, staff, and administrators

Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment

Experience in project management, program development, and managing multiple priorities

Demonstrated competence in strategic planning and collaborating on strategic initiatives with

multiple stakeholders

Demonstrated budgetary and financial understanding

Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, and confidentiality

Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills

Demonstrated experience in contributing to an inclusive campus environment

Equity, diversity and inclusivity training and experience an asset

Ability to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check

The Way We Work & Live

At St. Jerome's, we embrace the Catholic philosophy of attending to the needs of our students as 'whole people' through education and formation, and this philosophy extends to the way we work with our employees. We strive to foster a culture where everyone feels welcome, supported, and can flourish personally and professionally.

St. Jerome's University is a Catholic University that welcomes people from all religious, cultural and socio-demographic backgrounds who embrace our mission and the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility as central to the mission of a Catholic university.

We acknowledge, with respect, that St. Jerome's University and the University of Waterloo reside and operate on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our University is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land Frederick Haldimand granted to the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations of the Grand River in 1784 that includes 10 kilometers on both sides of the Grand River and extends from its source to Lake Erie.

We give thanks for the privilege to work and live on this land, and we are committed to building respectful relationships with Indigenous people and communities, to enhance our knowledge, and learn how we can have an active role in reconciliation.

To Apply: Please send your application by Monday, August 4th, 2025, Attention: Dr. Carol Ann MacGregor, Vice President Academic and Dean

The University respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity. Applications from all qualified individuals are encouraged.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $100,324.00-$122,701.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-08-04