2. Manager - Student Life Department

American University of Ras Al Khaimah; Ras Al Khaimah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UAE is looking for a Manager for the Student Life Department. The successful candidate will create a high-quality student life experience, advocate for students, and strengthen the relationship between students, staff, and faculty. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree and at least three years of experience in student activities, preferably in a North American model university. This role emphasizes excellent communication, student interaction skills, and social media proficiency.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, student counseling, or relevant field required.
• 3+ years experience in student activities planning or programming.

Responsibilities

• Create and support high-quality student life experiences.
• Function as a student advocate responding to needs.
• Promote relationships between students and faculty.

Skills

Excellent student interaction skills

Knowledge of best practices in student affairs

Experience with social media postings

Excellent communication skills

Leading and managing through example

Knowledge of trends in higher education

Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook

Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills

Excellent customer service skills

Education

Master’s degree in education or relevant field

Tools

Higher education software

Job description

Manager - Student Life Department

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

General Information About Institution

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sand dunes, and the many historical sites.

AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities. AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

Job Purpose & Responsibilities

The Manager of Student Life is responsible for creating and supporting a high-quality student life experience for all students at AURAK. The Manager of the Student Life Department creates, implements, and facilitates opportunities for co-curricular learning and student leadership development as well as promotes proactive retention activities and student engagement. The Manager of the Student Life Department functions as a student advocate by responding directly to student needs and issues affecting student well‑being, promotes relationships with individual students and student groups, and serves as a liaison between students and staff/faculty.

Minimum Qualification and Education

Master’s degree in education, student counseling, or any other relevant field with a Master’s in Student Affairs or Higher Education preferred.

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Excellent student interaction skills
• Knowledge of best practices in student affairs and experience with using research findings in student affairs to guide practices and planning
• Experience with social media postings, and ability to develop and implement social media marketing plans for events and activity planning and promotion
• Excellent communication skills
• Leading and managing through example to motivate staff members to achieve service excellence
• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to higher education, student affairs, student leadership development, and student well‑being
• Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook
• Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills
• Excellent customer service skills

Work Experience

• 3 or more years of experience in student activities planning or programming for students, preferably in North America, or in the UAE in a university following the North American model.
• Demonstrated ability to produce results while working in a fast‑paced, results‑oriented environment with minimal direction
• Experience with college student activities in leadership development
• Experience with managing business social media accounts
• Demonstrated experience with commonly used higher education software

Language Proficiency Required

• Essential: English
• Desirable: Arabic

Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Professional Ethics and Integrity
• Problem‑solving
• Time Management
• Teamwork

Reporting line

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs