Why AUArts?
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.
The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.
Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and compels us to see the world differently.
The Opportunity
Competition #2526-FE-MP-16
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Manager, Student Services who is focused on providing a high level of service in support of the implementation of strategic enrollment management goals. Reporting to the Dean of Students, this role leads a team focused on student engagement, retention, wellness, learning assistance resources, academic accommodations, advising, as well as dedicated support for students at risk, and international students.
As a member of the Student Affairs leadership team, this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include oversight of the Tutoring & Writing Centre, Accessibility Services, and international student supports. The Manager will serve as the liaison for the AUArts Students’ Association, supporting student interests, promoting inclusion, diversity, accessibility and overall, ensuring a quality student experience.
This is a full-time permanent management position starting as soon as possible. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Success & Support
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for student support services focused on academic success, learning supports and accessibility.
- Lead and oversee the management of complex student cases, including students at academic, personal, or wellness-related risk, ensuring appropriate escalation, documentation, and follow up.
- Guide the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to student conduct (non-academic misconduct), behaviour, wellness, and accessibility.
- Oversee academic advising, academic accommodations, tutoring and learning assistance, and wellness programming to ensure services are responsive, equitable, and student-centred.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to connect students with appropriate resources and supports throughout their academic journey.
- Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with institutional policies and relevant legislation related to accessibility student conduct, and wellness.
Campus Engagement
- Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of student engagement initiatives, including Orientation and Welcome Back programming, student ambassador activities, and other events designed to enhance student connection and campus involvement.
- Work closely with students and student groups to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment that supports a diverse student population.
- Ensure student engagement initiatives incorporate risk management, accessibility, and safety considerations, in alignment with institutional policies.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including acting as liaison with the AUArts Students’ Association.
- Act as institutional representative in student-facing forums, advocating for student needs while balancing institutional priorities and constraints.
- Represent Student Affairs on institutional committees, providing leadership and contributing to strategic decision-making.
Operational & Budgetary Management
- Oversee the human and financial resources of the Student Services and Wellness portfolio, including the management of applicable operating budgets and grant-funded initiatives.
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team that includes academic advising, academic accommodations and accessibility, tutoring, and student ambassador functions, ensuring effective goal setting, performance management, mentoring, and coaching.
- Lead departmental and workforce planning and recruitment to ensure continuity of critical student services.
- Provide direction and leadership aligned with institutional priorities and initiatives, including equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and student wellbeing, while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and student-centred service culture.
- Oversee internal and external reporting requirements, including provincial grant reporting and data analysis to support continuous improvement and informed planning.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications have been determined to promote the likelihood of success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
- 5 years experience in supporting student services, or equivalent
- 3 years experience in a leadership role within a post-secondary institution
- Demonstrated experience building effective teams and collaborative relationships
- Demonstrated experience supporting students and ensuring a quality student experience
- Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures
- Proficient in operational and financial management
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred
- Demonstrated accomplishment in enhancing student experience, recruitment, and retention is an asset
- Demonstrated experience managing post-secondary grants is an asset
Competencies:
AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization. Responsibilities of leaders include the following:
Healthy Spaces
- Create and maintain a respectful working environment.
- Lead by example creating respectful dialogue standards.
- Champion expectations related to physical and mental health, safety, and wellness.
Active Inclusion
- Create and maintain an environment of active inclusion.
- Lead by example implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles.
- Champion Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity and inclusion programs, policies, and communications.
Creative Innovation
- Evaluate current practices and propose innovative solutions.
- Lead implementation of projects with a change management focus.
- Champion change and actively support new initiatives.
Collaborative Practice
- Create and maintain active collaboration within and between teams.
- Lead by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization.
- Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders.
Strategic Leadership
- Create and implement operational plans, reviews, and projects.
- Ensure policy, budgetary and legislative compliance within department.
- Champion employee engagement by establishing and expanding best practices, employee development and continuous learning.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension and health spending account
- Annual vacation accrual starting at 24 days, 9 Flex days, Personal days, and other types of leave
- Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31
- Flexible / hybrid work arrangements
The starting annual salary will be dependent upon skills, education and experience.
How to Apply
Applications must include a Cover Letter and Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is preferred that your application package be submitted as a single PDF document.
Please visit our Application FAQ's page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Upload your single PDF to the “Resume” section of the application portal. If you are unable to combine your documents into one file, you may upload them separately under the “Additional Documents” section.
If you are an active AUArts employee, please submit your application through your Dayforce account. From the menu, select Careers > Search Jobs to view open positions.
The deadline to apply is June 12, 2026. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.
We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.
We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact hr@auarts.ca. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially.
Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The personal information collected through this website will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment, as well as immigration requirements and reporting. This collection is authorized by section 4 (c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected by section 10. For questions about the collection of personal information, contact hr@auarts.ca, or the University Secretary at access.privacy@auarts.ca or 403.284.7647.
