Job Description

Renison University College, affiliated with the University of Waterloo, acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Renison is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on either side of the Grand River.

Renison invites applications for the full-time, one-year contract position of Administrative Assistant with Renison’s Student Experience and Housing department (35 hours per week; grade 12, salary range: $44,635.00-$55,794.00).

Respected as an inclusive community that values the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students, Renison is committed to engaged education for the well-being of the world, offering degree programs reflecting social engagement through the School of Social Work, and the Social Development Studies Department; global engagement through our Culture and Language Studies Department and community engagement in our non-degree programs, including the English Language Institute, through the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education. More information about the College is available at uwaterloo.ca/renison

Objectives: The Administrative Assistant provides support in the execution of strategic initiatives and direction for the Student Experience and Housing Department,and leads the administrative processes for the effective management of Renison University College’s 214-bed student residence. This includes leadership in the coordination and processing of residence applications, management of residence fees, oversight of residence room inventories and floor plan records, management of residence’s software management system, room key coordination, and Homestay support.

This role works in collaboration with the English Language Institute’s (ELI) Administrative Officer and the Housing Manager in helping to research and negotiate appropriate housing arrangements for international students in ELI programs both on and off campus. This role will accomplish this by supporting with the accommodation component of proposals, overseeing the arrival and departure logistics of new ELI students, and working with various stakeholders to ensure a smooth delivery of housing requirements.

The role also provides administrative support to the department related to occupancy management, by supporting in the strategic placement of students, who are attending a wide variety of programs with multiple start dates, to ensure optimum usage of residence space, as well as maintaining move-out dates of residents as necessary. Additionally, the incumbent will represent Renison in a manner consistent with the values, goals, and strategic directions of organization.

Qualifications

• A College Diploma in a related discipline, such as Office Administration is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of office administration experience is required. work experience in a related field of Student Affairs or Student Development.
• A minimum of 2 years of occupancy management in a residence setting is preferred.
• Proven ability to take initiative and be both creative and flexible.
• Sound judgment, superb communication, and interpersonal skills developed through customer service experience.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy with political acumen, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, build consensus and be sensitive to the needs and interests of various stakeholders, and contribute to the functioning of a diverse team both within the department and across the institution.
• Demonstrated ability to use and interpret data to make decisions and communicate results effectively to various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to cope with exposure to stress and interactions with students who are upset or unstable due to significant stress, mental health issues, and culture shock.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously (strong project management abilities), while remaining detail-oriented and professional.
• Proven initiative, independence, and resourcefulness.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and diplomacy.
• Ability to approach cross-cultural communication and inter-group dynamics with sensitivity and respect.

Application Instructions

Application materials (including cover letter, resume and three references) should be submitted online through Interfolio The review of applications will begin on May 15, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Renison University College respects, appreciates, and actively encourages diversity. As part of Renison’s commitment to equity within the College, we welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals with diverse experiences based on race, ethnic origin, religion, age, colour, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability or disability, including women, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous Peoples, and other visible minorities. While all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Renison is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all parts of the hiring process. Please contact a member of Renison’s Human Resources department with accommodation requests. Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

References will be contacted at a later stage in the process as needed. The successful candidate will be asked for consent to have an educational and criminal records verification completed. The criminal records verification provides an indication of the existence of adult criminal convictions, for which a record suspension has not been granted, within the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.

A full job description is available here