Manager, Front Desk Operations (Internal Posting)

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, invites applications for a Manager, Front Desk Operations (Internal Posting). This regular, full-time role leads front desk operations across residence buildings, supervising staff and coordinating with campus partners.

The position entails on-call availability, hybrid work, and responsibilities in residence facilities, conference services, and related operations. A strong background in operations management and customer service is required.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with progressive experience in operations management or related field.
• Experience supervising large, multi-site teams in a unionized environment preferred.
• Strong financial oversight, scheduling, and coordination experience.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operation of residence front desks with high-quality service delivery.
• Provide leadership to front desk staff including recruitment, scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Oversee access control systems, financial charge processes, and compliance with security protocols.
• Manage front desk budgets and expenditures; advise on resource allocation.
• Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate operations and support projects.
• Support summer conferences, business continuity, and 24/7 on-call operations.

Skills

People leadership

Budget management

Customer service

Communication

Confidentiality

Operational coordination

Availability for on-call

Education

Undergraduate degree in operations management or related field

Tools

KX

Banner

Job description

Manager, Front Desk Operations (Internal Posting)

Position Title Manager, Front Desk Operations (Internal Posting)

Research Project

Department/Unit

Department/Unit Housing

Location

Posting Number

Posting Number S291-26

Employee Group

Employee Group DPMG

Position Type

Position Type Regular, On-Going

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

Employment Type

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0

Salary $55,850 -$75,599 per annum, 35 hours per week

Classification

Classification ADM-04

Provisional Statement

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Housing and Campus Connections of Dalhousie University consists of; Residence Operations, Property Management for College Street, Henry Street and Peter Green Hall properties, Conference Services, Off Campus Housing, University Food Services, DalCard Business Operations and UPass, and other ancillary activities. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Residence Facilities, the Manager, Front Desk Operations is responsible for the operational leadership of front desk services across all residence buildings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of residence front desks, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery, efficient processes, and a positive experience for residents and guests.
• Provide leadership and direction to front desk supervisory and student staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Oversee residence key and access control systems, coordinate financial charge processes, and ensure compliance with security and operational protocols.
• Manage front desk operational budgets, monitor expenditures, and provide recommendations to support effective financial planning and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with residence, facilities, conference services, and other campus partners to coordinate operations, support projects, and maintain operational readiness.
• Support summer conference operations, business continuity planning, and on-call response requirements to ensure seamless 24/7 residence operations.

Note

The incumbent is expected to be available on an on-call basis to address operational needs as they arise.

Applications for this position are restricted to current employees of Dalhousie University as described in the Internal Posting Guidelines .

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with five years of progressive experience in operations management, preferably within residence, facilities, or customer service environments (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience in a unionized environment and supervising large, multi-site teams.
• Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, scheduling, and operational coordination.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and function with minimal direct supervision.
• A high degree of interpersonal communication skills are necessary, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Assets

• Experience with enterprise systems (e.g., KX, Banner or equivalent).

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications for this position are restricted to current employees of Dalhousie University as described in the Internal Posting Guidelines .

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information. If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).