5. Assistant Manager - Residential Operations

American University of Ras Al Khaimah; Ras Al Khaimah; On-site; AED 391,000 - 558,000; Full time

Job summary

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) invites applications for the position of Assistant Manager for Residential Operations, a key role supporting the effective management and continuous enhancement of the University’s student housing experience.

The role oversees maintenance planning, facilities operations, budgeting, and compliance to ensure safe, inclusive, and well-maintained living environments while leading residential staff and coordinating with the Facilities Management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in law, facilities management, or operations management.
• Desirable: Master’s in Law or Facilities Management or equivalent combination of work and professional experiences in residential life.
• 3–5 years of facilities management experience including support to residential facilities.
• Experience leading facilities/operations management.
• Professional membership in Facilities Management (IFMA, MEFMA) is a plus.
• Fluent English; Arabic language skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Facilities and Operations
• Community and Residential Staff Development
• Student Conduct and Crisis Management
• Departmental Responsibilities

Skills

Facilities management

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Staff training

Crisis management

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in law, facilities management, and/or operations management

Master’s degree in Law and/or Facilities Management

Job description

Assistant Manager - Residential Operations

American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), UAE

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 sands 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.

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) invites applications for the position of Assistant Manager for Residential Operations, a key role supporting the effective management and continuous enhancement of the University’s student housing experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for a service-oriented and proactive professional to contribute to the delivery of high-quality residential services. The role focuses on ensuring a safe, inclusive, and well-maintained living environment, enhancing student engagement, and supporting day-to-day residential operations to promote student wellbeing and community development.

About The Role

The Assistant Manager for Residential Operations is responsible for the strategic and operational management of residential facilities at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK). The role oversees maintenance planning, facilities operations, vendor coordination, budgeting, and compliance to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality residential environments.

The position supports in leading residential staff and systems, asset planning, and works directly with AURAK Facilities Management Department and relevant authorities to implement preventative maintenance, risk mitigation, and sustainability initiatives. The Assistant Manager ensures compliance with health, safety, regulatory standards, and plays a key role in crisis response and operational continuity.

In addition, the role supports staff supervision, training, and on-call structures, and collaborates across departments to uphold residential standards, enhance service delivery, and contribute to institutional objectives.

Key Result Areas and Duties

• Facilities and Operations
• Community and Residential Staff Development
• Student Conduct and Crisis Management
• Departmental Responsibilities

Qualifications

• Academic Essential: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in law, Facilities Management, and/or Operations Management

Desirable: Master’s degree in Law and/or Facilities Management, or equivalent combination of work and professional experiences in residential life required.

• Professional/ Vocational

Essential: Experience in leading facilities and/or operations management

Desirable: Professionally accredited membership in Facilities Management (e.g. IFMA, MEFMA)

Work Experience

Essential: 3-5 years of facilities management experience including support to residential facilities

Desirable: 3-5 years of administrative experience in a university environment, including within residence life/housing operations and/or academic credentials or similar experience in a c closely related field.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of residence life and housing operations; and the ability to offer a clear judgement that navigates and coordinates the importance of residential life and housing operations.

Skills And Knowledge

• Ability to use and leverage technology and platforms for information and administrative management in support of problem-solving and decision-making.
• Knowledgeable and proven experience working with a diverse group of individuals and a demonstrated ability to provide leadership in an atmosphere and environment that promotes sustainability, diversity and inclusion. Strong working knowledge and ability to lead, communicate with and influence a diverse group of colleagues and students.
• Demonstrated ability to train/mentor full-time staff and student leaders in facilities management operations. Must be a dynamic, creative, innovative, and collaborative leader who can sustain current services, develop new initiatives, manage a complex organization, and understand the comprehensive interconnections among members of the AURAK community.
• Aprofessional who possesses strong verbal and written communication skills and who communicates in a timely manner, with appropriate frequency, and with the appropriate discretion.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing resources and budgets to deliver on facilities /operations/services.

Language Proficiency Required

Fluent English is required. Bilingual and/or fluency in Arabic is essential.

Working Relationships

Internal: Students, Faculty, Staff

External: Parents, University Partners, External Contractors, Government Departments and Officials

Key Behaviors

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