Associate Director of Student Affairs

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Student Affairs is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple facets of student support services, including Student Counseling Services, Student Life, the English Language and Communication Program, Disability Support, and Student Conduct. The incumbent will provide direction and leadership to enhance the overall student experience, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal and academic success.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for Student Affairs that aligns with the University's mission and enhances the holistic development and well-being of students.
• Provide leadership and guidance to units within Student Affairs including Student Counseling Services, Student Life, English Language and Communication Programs, Disability Support, and Student Conduct.
• Foster collaboration among different Student Affairs units and academic programs to integrate support services seamlessly into the student experience, ensuring a cohesive approach to student support.
• Develop, review, and enforce policies related to student conduct, mental health services, and other areas, ensuring compliance, where applicable, with national regulations, international standards, and alignment with University values.
• Collaborate with unit heads to design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet the diverse needs of students in student support and student life areas.
• Establish and manage comprehensive crisis management protocols for student emergencies, coordinating with the full range of relevant University departments (KAUST Health, Security, Technical Security Services) to ensure timely and effective responses.
• Manage the student conduct process, providing full support to the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs and to the Student Conduct panel on such matters as required.
• Act as the primary point of contact with the Graduate Students Council, supporting their governance and their activities.
• Manage and oversee the budget for the Student Affairs department, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with the strategic plan, and working with budget managers to optimize resource allocation.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on the effectiveness of Student Affairs programs, using insights to inform decision-making, continuous improvement efforts, and strategic planning.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners to enhance student support services and community integration.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and professional development of staff within the Student Affairs department, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to support student success.
• Serve as an advocate for student well-being, providing support and guidance for students in need, and ensuring access to appropriate resources, including crisis management and emergency response.
• Oversee the planning and execution of orientation of students who are new to the University’s campus at Thuwal, ensuring a smooth transition into university life by addressing their unique needs and facilitating connections with peers, faculty, and support services.
• Ensure the effective promotion of services to maximize student engagement, wellbeing and success both academic and socially on campus.
• Represent the Student Affairs department, providing critical information and feedback on student experience matters.

Other Responsibilities

• Oversee administration of confidential records and information.
• Coordinate student referrals to community practitioners and partners.
• Support and assist divisional and University objectives and programs as appropriate.
• Participate in the overall mandate of the Division by attending staff meetings, serving on committees, representing the Division and University as requested, and cooperatively assisting colleagues.
• Other duties within the range of skills normally associated with this type of position, as required by the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs.

Competencies

• An understanding of international higher education (desirable).
• A strong appreciation of university student needs, and sensitivity to and experience with diverse cultural backgrounds (essential).
• Experience of leading or working in student-focused services and/or administration (essential).
• Able to manage, lead, guide, direct, or influence people at different levels. Exhibits strong strategic and operational decision-making skills (essential).
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to gain credibility and respect (essential).
• Knowledge of student policies and procedures, goals, and professional standards as well as standard ethical guidelines (desirable).
• Strong knowledge of risk-assessment processes (desirable).
• Strong knowledge of personal development and behavior change strategies (desirable).
• Able to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment; works independently yet successfully in a team setting (essential).
• Able to deliver services effectively and to identify and effect the changes required to meet the needs of the university and its student body (essential).
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and partnerships within and outside the University (desirable).
• Demonstrated expertise in presentation skills and experience delivering training programs (desirable).

Qualifications

• A Bachelors’ degree (essential); a Masters’ or PhD degree (desirable).
• A professional qualification(s) in an area relevant to the work of the team (for example in psychology or counselling) (desirable).

Experience

• 10+ years of related experience within a university setting.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse cultural populations.
• Experience of managing or working in student facing administration and services.
• Experience of managing tailored programs and interventions.
• Experience of managing individuals across teams.