8. Senior Manager - Student Affairs

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 Senior Manager of Student Affairs serves as the functional head of Student Affairs at AURAK and is responsible for strategic leadership, policy input, and effective management of the University’s student life ecosystem. The Senior Manager leads the planning and delivery of student life, residential life, sports, clubs, and student leadership initiatives to ensure a holistic, engaging, and supportive student experience. The role translates institutional strategy into operational frameworks and student-centered programs that support student success, engagement, and retention. The Senior Manager contributes to policy formulation, recommends policy enhancements, and ensures effective implementation of student-related policies and procedures. The role requires seasoned professional judgment, strong evaluative thinking, and the ability to influence behaviors and decisions internally and externally.

Minimum Qualification and Education

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in education, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Desirable: Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field. A doctoral degree is an added advantage.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of student life; student residential life; student academic support services; and enrollment management.
• Planning; supervision; negotiation; advocacy; mediation; conflict resolution; flexibility, multitasking, communication, budgeting, programming, analysis and evaluation and MS Office skills.

Work Experience

• At least 10-12 years’ progressive experience in student affairs administration in a medium-to-large public or private university.
• At least 7-10 years’ experience in a senior administrative role in university focused on student affairs, student development or related areas.

Language Proficiency Required

Professional written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic proficiency preferred.

Competencies

• Accountability
• Data Awareness
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Teamwork

Reporting line

Vice President - Communications and Student Affairs