As partners in learning, Student Affairs departments collaborate, communicate, coordinate, and co-create accessible programs and services with colleagues across campus, including Faculty and Program stakeholders. Dedicated to the success of the whole student, Student Affairs units integrate seamlessly to provide a welcoming and inclusive space that supports students' well-being and sense of belonging. This foundation of support fosters transformation and growth, enhancing student life and engagement beyond the classroom to enhance their academic experience.
As part of the Equity, Access and Belonging Office within Student Affairs, the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) supports and champions the holistic (academic, personal and professional) success and overall wellbeing of Black/African descent students and fosters a positive Black student and student-athlete experience. Through the centre, Black students are connected to programs, people and resources to help nurture their academic and personal growth. We are hiring for a continuing Senior Manager role to lead the Black Student Success Centre.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director, Equity, Access and Belonging, the Senior Manager, Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) oversees the strategic direction of the Black Student Success Centre and manages a team of student services professionals to support the holistic (academic, personal and professional) success and overall well-being of students of Black/ African descent and fostering a positive Black student/ athlete experience. In partnership with relevant campus and community partners, the role oversees the provision of student supports and programming that aim to foster a sense of inclusion and safety among Black students, while promoting their holistic health and well-being, their personal growth and development and supporting the achievement of their career and academic goals and aspirations
Accountabilities
Develop, update, monitor and report on the strategic plan for the Black Student Success Centre ensuring alignment with departmental and institutional priorities
Develop programming, policies, and standard operating procedures for the Black Student Success Centre
Manage the budget and day-to-day operations of the Black Student Success Centre, including identifying external sources of funding to support the Centre’s activities and continued growth
Oversee the holistic support and advising for students who identify as Black/ African descent. provided by the Black Student Wellness Counsellor, Outreach and Transition coordinator and Career Development and relationship manager
Develop, and oversee the implementation and evaluation of programs and strategies to enhance Black student success and holistic wellness, including, but not limited to, mental health and wellbeing, career and financial planning programs, and resources.
Coordinate service and support in emergency situations in accordance with University policies and protocols for students who may be experiencing mental health distress which may intersect with racial harassment or discrimination.
Advise on the development and implementation of outreach campaigns for prospective and current students and athletes of Black/African descent, supporting information and welcome sessions.
Oversee the implementation of first-year orientation and transition programs for student of Black/African descent.
Manage the coordination and growth of the Black Student Mentoring Program.
Develop presentations and train units across the University on supporting Black student success
Facilitate conversations about Black Student Success amongst key stakeholders and provide information on challenges, intercultural competency knowledge and advise re: best practice in securing a culture of continuous process and service improvements with Black students in mind.
Oversee the Centre’s event planning, including the annual flagship Black Graduation celebration ceremony
Support the Black Wellness Counsellor to promote the well-being of Black students and engage students in addressing mental health challenges and embracing a self-care approach in partnership with the Student Wellness Centre.
Build a support network for Black students and promote a shared responsibility for Black student success through collaboration with other student support providers at the University, including Faculty.
Monitor trends relating to Black/ African student concerns’ and identify knowledge and service gaps within the University to enhance services and information supports to reduce challenges to Black students where possible.
Consult with relevant professionals and others within and outside the University community regarding the goals of academic success, personal growth and career expectations.
Develop relationships and liaise with partners across the University and in the local community
Build an awareness of and develop positive relationships with support services provided by internal departments in order to create effective referral pathways to ensure Black students are accessing available support
Liaise with relevant partners to promote positive Black student-athlete experiences.
Manage the communications strategy to ensure a student awareness of educational and work study opportunities such as internships, study abroad programs, research seminars and conference opportunities as well as scholarships, bursaries and other funding options for post-secondary students of Black/African descent.
Support staff to assist current Black students with admissions, scholarship and awards applications.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with Black/African descent communities and educational organizations
Oversee the Centre’s communication strategy to ensure the website and social media sites are up to date and reflect both the Centre and University’s values
Compile and maintain records for annual reports and presentations of supports and programming provided.
Ensure systems are in place to manage confidential information for students and abide by privacy legislation while adhering to University’s policies and protocols.
Write a variety of documents such as correspondence, reports, and procedure manuals.
Collaborate with key stakeholders across the University to develop and update resources, information, workshops and services.
Stay abreast of current research and strategies relating to best practices in supporting Black student success.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
Experience: Requires 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in higher education, student services, equity and inclusion, or community-based programming.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in Black student success, equity, inclusion, anti-Black racism, and culturally responsive student support in a post-secondary environment.
- Strong experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation, particularly programs that support student engagement, retention, wellness, and success.
- Proven ability to provide strategic leadership and manage the day-to-day operations of a student support centre or similar service area.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, and supporting staff, with the ability to foster collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Strong understanding of holistic student development, including academic success, mental health and wellbeing, career development, and transition support.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and external organizations.
- Demonstrated skill in facilitating conversations, delivering training, and presenting on topics related to Black student success, equity, intercultural competency, and inclusive practice.
- Experience developing and managing student-centered programs and initiatives, including outreach, orientation, mentoring, workshops, and special events.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to write reports, correspondence, presentations, policies, procedures, and other professional documents.
- Experience managing budgets, operational planning, and administrative processes.
