Manager, Student Experience, Student's Affairs and Services at Aga Khan University (AKU)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Services, the incumbent will be charged with responsibilities akin to a Dean of Students and will serve on the East Africa Academic Executive Committee.

This is an important leadership position and will drive the implementation of the student experience policies and strategies in addition to supporting the implementation of student outreach and orientation programmes across all programmes and entities in Kenya. The incumbent will manage extracurricular student-related programmes, identify the development needs of students, maintain a productive learning environment, and stay up to date on important student affairs.

The office will provide vision, leadership, and strong strategic direction to enhance the overall quality of the students’ experience.

 Responsibilities

The position holder will be required to:

• develop a broad portfolio of services that supports students in Kenya,
• ensure that students are provided with support and activities that will promote students’ social, cultural, and recreational life, build community, and provide opportunities for leadership development,
• working directly with other stakeholders across the University in Kenya, have a complete understanding of the student experience through student voice feedback channels and analysis of student data. The incumbent will ensure students are well informed and relevant stakeholders are notified of the student experience through an up-to-date communications strategy,
• lead key student experience projects, utilizing data to monitor and evaluate the activity and impact of the service and make strategic recommendations for change,
• work closely with the academic administration to identify student cohorts requiring assistance and support and pro-actively organize and ensure delivery of the required support,
• manage the onboarding of International Students and provide the required support needed to settle into the University community,
• work with the facilities office to review, coordinate and assign use of learning spaces for academic purposes within the University Centre and facilities and venues for cultural and other event programming,
• serve as a role model for students; ensure compliance with the University’s Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures; and manage the unit’s budget and other administrative functions,

Requirements

The ideal candidate will:

• possess a post-graduate degree
• have at least 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role
• have good knowledge of the Higher Education Sector and its administration/transferable skills and an understanding of a dynamic, diverse university environment,
• have experience in developing and maintaining an excellent student experience,
• be a strong communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, parents and staff,
• have previous experience managing a high-volume workload requiring speed and accuracy with variable and often demanding timescales, with attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure
• have extensive knowledge and experience in:
  • developing programmes and proposals for student activities,
  • project management delivery, planning and prioritizing work and organizing small projects,
  • data analysis, evaluation and of using data when influencing decision making,
  • building relationships, internally and externally to provide an excellent student experience,
  • building and managing a team,
  • working in a mentoring, counselling, and supportive role,
  • preparing and delivering workshops.

Closing date: 10 May 2022