Area Manager, Student Groups

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The Internal deadline is July 10, 2025 at 11:59pm

Job Description:

The Manager, Student Groups, position is directly accountable to the Director, Student Engagement for the achievement of the long-range strategic planning as well as the day-to-day implementation of all Student Group’s Operations ranging from cultural, social, spiritual, educational, social service, social enterprise, equity services, and community building. The role of the Manager, Student Groups in the student association is to manage the Clubs team and the Services team to continue to enhance student life at the University of Waterloo’s 4 Campus locations. They will work closely with other members of the organization’s management and leadership team to ensure programs offered to students are contributing to the vibrant student experience and the wellness of our campus community. This position is responsible for effectively managing staff and volunteers, processes, student assets, and programs involved in the provision of outstanding student experiences. Furthermore, this influential position, plays an integral role in nurturing a vibrant and inclusive campus culture, enriching the student experience, and reinforcing the student association's commitment to student empowerment and engagement.

The Manager of Community + Events holds a pivotal role, acting as the driving force behind the vibrant campus atmosphere and unforgettable student experiences through building a sense of belonging for our entire membership. By taking charge of all major special events and productions, they leave an indelible mark on the campus community, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Their unwavering commitment to maintaining positive working relations with student societies and groups fosters an environment of collaboration and support, empowering student-driven initiatives to flourish.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Planning and Leadership

Overall responsibility to lead and manage the Student Group’s portfolio, including but not limited to:

• Develop and implement strategies to maximize engagement in all student programs that students demand.
• Develop a 1-2-year operational plan, outlining strategic objectives and priorities to guide the department's growth and development to best support Student Groups.
• Develop, implement, assess and manage respective programs and identify and act on areas of improvement within operations.
• Leads a team of professionals in the development, delivery and evaluation of student life programs and services designed to increase students’ sense of belonging and improve their overall student experience and student life. This includes student leadership training and development, peer mentorship, large (+2000 people) and small-scale community events, etc.
• Oversee the management and evaluation of key high-level events for the organization that supports student life and community building.
• Lead their teams through conducting termly evaluations, gather feedback from stakeholders, and prepare comprehensive reports to measure portfolio’s success and identify areas for improvement. Develop strategic plan proposals that support implementing program changes and net benefit to stakeholders.
• Integrate DEI principles and practices within Student Groups programs & initiatives, ensuring inclusivity and representation in all aspects of the work.
• Ensure adherence to relevant policies and procedures, overseeing their implementation and management within the community and events management process.
• Lead the planning and execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and vision and goals from our Long-Range Plan.

Operations and Risk Management

Overall responsibility of the day-to-day operations of all areas of student group programing, including:

• Responsible for a team of program managers that manage +10 campus services, +5000 annual events, +300 unique student groups, and supports ongoing change management philosophies.
• Responsible for maintaining and developing all major processes, resources and workflows for this area.
• Support the Director and Senior Leadership Team in the development policies while providing guidance and supervision over all the individual programs and portfolios.
• Implementing strong policies for items such as but not exclusive to: events, inter-university collaborations, travel, outdoor activities (lightening, heat), purchasing, etc
• Regularly assess the progress and effectiveness of strategic initiatives, using key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to secure resources, funding, and support for new initiatives and strategic projects.
• Staying abreast of current industry standards within Student Services, Provincial Health and Safety regulations, as well as University standards that the department is required to comply with.
• Identifying and managing health and safety priorities and requirements within all recreation program areas.
• Lead the development and implement Emergency Action Plans for day-to-day operations as well as large-scale events. Work with staff to communicate and execute within the operations.
• Interpret, review and assist in the development of safety policies and risk mitigation in order to provide a safe environment for all participants.
• Risk Assessment, Evaluation, and Mitigation: Identify and assess financial risks, and activity-based risk conducting thorough evaluations to develop risk mitigation strategies and safeguard the organization's liability.
• Emergency Response Training: Develop and conduct emergency response training for their teams and organizations, ensuring readiness to handle emergency crises or unforeseen events effectively.

Relationships and Collaboration

Provides leadership for and facilitation of collaboration across departmental portfolios, working directly with program managers, marketing, facilities, accounting, student staff, and leadership

• Collaborate with the +1000 Student leaders and staff to develop vibrant communities and enrich the student experience through meaningful engagement and support.
• Cultivate and leverage positive relationships with external stakeholders, both on and off-campus, to enhance opportunities and resources available to the student community.
• Cultivate and leverage positive relationships with University of Waterloo partners such as: space and resource management, faculty managers, plant operations, region of waterloo public health, safety office to enhance opportunities and resources available to the student community. Continuously seek ways to enhance the member experience, proactively identifying and implementing improvements to meet the evolving needs and preferences of the student body.

Staff Management.

• Oversee the performance management process, including setting clear performance goals, conducting evaluations, and providing feedback to support staff growth. Develop and implement training programs to enhance staff skills and capabilities.
• Efficiently allocate staff resources to ensure adequate coverage and optimal performance in various departments and projects.
• Recruit, onboard, and manage part-time staff and volunteers, providing guidance, support, and recognition for their contributions to the organization.
• Promote a positive work environment and employee wellbeing, addressing staff concerns and providing necessary support to foster job satisfaction and productivity.
• Support and lead full-time and part-time employee development within their team.

Financial and Asset Management

• Developing and managing an annual financial plan of +2M
• Develop and maintain accurate financial forecasts, monitoring budget performance and reconciling financial data to ensure fiscal discipline and accountability.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of annual budgets, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to align financial plans with organizational objectives.
• Monitor and control expenses, optimizing resource allocation to ensure efficient financial operations and cost-effectiveness.
• Create annual financial forecasts strategies that are data informed and aligned with industry best practices regarding the fiscal planning and resource allocation for the department.
• Develop and implement resource management plans.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Post-Secondary degree in related field and/or relevant experience required.
• Master’s degree is preferred..

Experience

• 5+ Years in program or event management experience in a nonprofit or post-secondary environment. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working within member-driven non-profit or student-centric organizations.
• Significant experience managing/leading a team in a student service/post-secondary environment; experience with program development and implementation required.
• Demonstrated strategic manager with successful experience designing programs and support for communities/member organizations.
• Program/project management experience
• 3+ years of experience managing/leading professional staff within a student service required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to build positive relationships, collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and communicate clearly and persuasively with student groups, colleagues, and external partners.
• Creativity: Strong creative and innovative mindset, capable of conceptualizing and delivering unique and engaging event experiences that resonate with the campus community.
• Management: In-depth understanding of safety protocols and financial risk mitigation, with the skills to proactively identify potential risks and implement effective measures for student safety and event sustainability.
• Resource Management: Skill in optimizing resources, including budgets, staffing, and logistical arrangements, to achieve cost-effective event delivery without compromising on quality.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Knowledge of inclusive event planning, ensuring that events cater to diverse student interests and backgrounds, promoting a sense of belonging for all attendees.
• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills to inspire and guide a team, fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment that drives excellence in event planning and execution.
• Community Engagement: A deep understanding of student needs and interests, with the ability to proactively engage and involve the campus community in event planning and participation, cultivating a sense of ownership and enthusiasm.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural, language, political, socio-economic, and other relevant factors in areas associated with a diverse student population
• Evenings and weekends required. This role supports event production so long hours on your feet and lifting up to 50 lbs is required
• Valid Ontario G Driver’s License with a clean driving record and ability to safely operate organizational vehicles as required for work-related tasks.
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR Level C Certification with the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations; additional safety certifications considered an asset

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.