Deputy Head of Student Life at M-PESA Foundation Academy

OVERALL ROLE PURPOSE:

The Deputy Head of Student Life is responsible for managing Student Life activities within the Academy, under the oversight of the Head of Student Life, as planned within the programs for extra-curricular activities, student wellbeing, and boarding life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic

• Manage the implementation of Student Life's strategic objectives and initiatives.
• Support with the development and implementation of Student Life policies, procedures and processes and monitor compliance of subordinates.
• To keep up to date with legislation, guidance, and updates to rules and best practice aligned to Ministry of education/TSC guidelines
• To be a teaching member of Faculty (approximately 8 hours teaching per week)

The operational - extracurricular program

• Along with the Head of Student Life and Head of Academics, to help design and deliver the student orientation programs within the Academy
• Monitor the implementation of extra-curricular student programs and events.
• Along with the HSL, to coordinate special events at the Academy where student participation is needed e.g., Anniversaries, Form one welcoming party, closing assemblies, Talent shows, etc.
• To sit on the Teaching & Learning Senior Management Team

Operational - student well-being

• Liaise between student issues and counseling team to further develop programs to help the student in their overall experience as needs change
• A member of student Discipline Committee
• To liaise with other Faculty staff to regularly review the student code of conduct and to familiarise residential team on the Behaviour for Learning policy to ensure its exercise within the boarding life of students
• Provide support and guidance to the Student Council and other student groups/clubs as and when needed.
• Along with the HSL, to regularly meet with Counselling Department to monitor student issues and safeguarding concerns
• Along with the HSL, to regularly meet with Clinic Department to monitor student issues and safeguarding concerns

Operational - Boarding life

• Oversee the effective and efficient collaboration between Student Life and Faculty.
• To assist HSL to collate and communicate the annual Student Life calendar in a timely manner in collaboration with Faculty department and communicate the same with students and the entire staff body
• Effectively manage a strong Residential Life program developing a co-curricular, living/learning community in the Residence
• Offer guidance on emergency or crisis situations appropriately as they arise or escalated for immediate attention
• In collaboration with the head of Academics administers Academy-wide co-curriculum events, including the forecasting, planning, developing, promoting, and evaluation of programs and services that are focused on providing a diverse student body with opportunities for personal growth and leadership development
• Contribute as a key player to the School's management team in its planning, implementation, monitoring, and review of strategic and operational plans, liaising with other managers as appropriate, taking the lead for taught programs

People Management

• Provide professional development support and perform periodic performance appraisals for direct subordinates based on the Academy’s Performance Management System.
• Coach and mentor subordinates on a regular basis.
• Contribute in an effective and efficient manner to the recruitment and development of student life staff
• Any other added task in line with their role by their direct manager.

Academic Qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education or equivalent, a Master degree in Education is an added advantage
• At least 5 years in a similar role at a reputable institution;
• MUST be TSC Registered
• Understanding and experience in applying student development and learning outcomes theories;
• Conflict management and resolution skills, and maintain a strong philosophical base for student activities;
• Ability to think on once feet and provide practical solutions to emerging unforeseen challenges;
• Demonstrated superior organization skills;
• First-aid certified; and
• Passion for young people and their character development.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.