Job Description

Description

Residence Services

within

Ancillary Services

is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief

Specialist, Community Development and Student Engagement

for approximately 12 months.


Reporting to the Manager, Residence Education and Operations, the Specialist, Community Development and Student Engagement is responsible for executing and overseeing the implementation of Residence programming to achieve learning outcomes conducive for a positive and educational living experience. The Specialist will support student success by providing data-driven recommendations for initiatives within Residence Life.


Strong collaboration, communication, and project management skills are essential to this role. The Specialist, Community Development and Student Engagement, will work closely with the Residence Experience Team, members of Ancillary Services, and campus partners. The Specialist provides leadership to senior and specialized student leaders and ensures that Residence initiatives are consistent between different teams. The Specialist must be able to complete tasks independently and manage competing priorities in a timely manner.


Due to the nature of Residence Experience operations, some early morning, late evening, overnight, weekend and holiday work is required. Workloads are heavier at peak periods, especially mid-March through mid-April and mid-August through mid-September.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):


Senior Community Ambassador (SCA) Supervision 20%

Assists the Specialist of Residence Training, Assessment, and Hiring with the development of a two-day SCA training program to be delivered at the beginning of the academic year. Collaborates with the Specialist of Residence Training, Assessment, and Hiring to research and facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for SCAs. Co-facilitates bi-weekly team meetings with SCAs to ensure CA programming is meeting the learning outcomes in the Residence Programming Model. Supports the Residence Life Coordinators to regularly audit program proposals and approvals to ensure consistency between SCAs and across residence teams.

Programming Development and Maintenance 70%

Creates and maintains a comprehensive Residence Programming Model to follow the student life cycle, trends observed by residents, learning outcomes, the Residence Services vision, and UCalgary strategic priorities. Leads the planning of large-scale Residence-wide events during two Orientation/Welcome Weeks (Fall and Winter) and during the Summer Event Series. Assigns tasks to Residence Life Coordinators to ensure all programs have appropriate support. Provides strategic advice to the Manager, Residence Education and Operations on community programming and events. Monitors programming initiatives across Residence to ensure consistency and high quality. Creates and maintains scripts and agendas for Residence Floor/Community Meetings in collaboration with the building Residence Life Coordinators. Works with the Ancillary Services Marketing Team for large-scale marketing initiatives and provides guidance for maximum student engagement. Collects information for the Residence Buzz email newsletter. Provides guidance for community, building-wide, and Residence-wide programming and events. Maintains virtual and physical programming calendar to keep residents informed of Residence and campus-wide events and initiatives. Stocks and ensures cleanliness and organization of the programming Resource Rooms. Leads Residence-wide programming on the Last Day of Classes in April. Regularly audits post-program reflections and assessments. Generates a tri-annual report for the Director, Residence Services with data on student engagement and feedback. Liaises regularly with campus partners (Office of Institutional Commitments, Athletics and Recreation, Student Wellness Services, and more) to ensure University strategic priorities are implemented in the Residence Programming Model. Implements programs that build long-lasting legacy and increase Residence pride and UCalgary spirit. Works with the StarRez platform to generate and analyze programming data reports. Works with platforms, departments, and processes related to event management and UCalgary Health and Safety (Better Impact, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, photo releases, etc.). Provides training to Residence Experience Team members on Residence programming and projects. Co-leads Eco Move-Out with Residence Housekeeping, coordinates team leads and volunteers, and reports on the data to the Director, Residence Services. Leads Working Groups and provides SCAs and Residence Life Coordinators guidance for Residence-wide programming.

Other Tasks as Required: 10%


May be required to perform other tasks as assigned by the Manager, Residence Education and Operations. Tasks may include assisting during move-in/out, etc.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Undergraduate degree required, with a concentration in a related field strongly preferred; a combination of education and experience may be considered. At least two years of experience as a resident advisor / community advisor in higher education residence is required. At least one year of experience in a senior resident advisor / community advisor in higher education housing is preferred. Professional and/or graduate degree in a related field preferred. Experience working in a campus residence environment is required. Demonstrates experience in relevant topics related to postsecondary education, such as suicide intervention, sexual violence prevention, mental health promotion, harm reduction promotion, sustainability, equity, inclusion, and diversity principles, etc. Must demonstrate experience in staff supervision, leadership and conflict management skills. Performs a wide range of duties, often in parallel, and must be able to exercise good judgment in setting priorities and balancing deadlines. Demonstrated experience managing objectives that may only be achieved gradually, after revisiting tasks or reengaging other stakeholders multiple times. Demonstrated highly effective verbal, written and cross-cultural communication skills. Demonstrated highly effective documentation, organizational and administrative skills. Demonstrated highly effective computer skills and an aptitude for quickly adapting to make the best use of new software.
Demonstrated aptitude for managing ambiguity and adapting to change.

Application Deadline:

October 22, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.


This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the

Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.


For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.