Student Care & Support Associate Dean

Department: Dean of Students Office - Waterloo

Job Type: Continuing

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year)

Campus: Waterloo

Reports to: Dean of Students

Employee Group: Management

Application Deadline: April 27, 2025

Requisition ID: 9150

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier's thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Position Summary

The Associate Dean, Student Care & Support, is a senior leadership role within the Dean of Students Office, reporting directly to the Dean of Students. This position provides multi-campus, high-level strategic direction for the student support division, overseeing the delivery of advocacy, consultation, referral services, and case management for students requiring complex or coordinated interventions. The Associate Dean is responsible for managing intricate student case management, administering emergency funding, supporting fundraising efforts, leading Laurier's Student Death Protocol, and cultivating key internal and external partnerships.

In this role, the Associate Dean plays a critical leadership function, guiding staff in addressing complex student concerns and shaping the processes and frameworks that govern case coordination. The position ensures that staff are equipped to support students facing significant challenges, including physical or mental health issues, safety risks, behavioral concerns, or any other factors that may impact academic performance, personal well-being, or the overall student experience. A deep understanding of the student life cycle and the complexities of student care is essential for developing comprehensive support strategies that meet students' needs effectively.

Additionally, the Associate Dean collaborates with the Dean of Students and other Student Affairs leadership to develop and implement an integrated, cross-functional approach to student care. This includes building and maintaining strategic partnerships with key campus stakeholders such as the Student Wellness Centre, Student Conduct, Accessible Learning, Student Success, Special Constables, Residence Life, Faculty Leadership, Academic Faculties, Legal Counsel, and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management. The Associate Dean also plays a vital role in university governance by contributing to high-level committees and working closely with academic leadership to align student support initiatives with broader institutional goals related to recruitment, retention, outreach, and student success.

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus. The incumbent provides support in a multi-campus environment, requiring regular interaction, communication and collaboration with staff and stakeholders at the Milton Campus, Brantford Campus, locations in Kitchener and external partners. This position requires occasional travel to the Milton Campus and 1-2 days per week at the Brantford campus with limited opportunities for working remotely. The Manager will ensure the unit's policies, programs and services are delivered equitably across all campuses and reflect the needs of local stakeholders.

Accountabilities

Dean of Students Office Leadership Responsibilities:

• Dean of Students Office Leadership: In the absence of the Dean of Students, this role will serve as the second-in-command (2IC), collaborating closely with the Director, Student Life & Experience, to provide leadership across multiple campuses. This role will oversee the coordination of student services, support, and engagement efforts, ensuring a seamless experience for students across the university's campuses.
• Leadership of Student Death Protocol: Provide compassionate leadership and oversight in the administration of the Student Death Protocol, offering direct support to families, friends, and the campus community in the event of a student's passing. This role will ensure that all procedures are handled with sensitivity, respect, and in accordance with institutional guidelines.Financial Management of the
• Leanne Holland Brown Emergency Fund: Oversee the financial administration of the Leanne Holland Brown Emergency Fund, including the allocation, reporting, and management of funds. This role will ensure transparency and accountability in fund distribution, in alignment with the fund's intended purpose.
• Crisis Protocol Development & Implementation: Lead the creation and execution of crisis response protocols for student incidents, including student death and behavioral risk assessments. The Associate Dean will work in collaboration with the Dean of Students, Director, Student Life & Engagement and key campus stakeholders-such as Student Conduct, Residence Life, International Student Support, Accessible Learning, and the Student Wellness Centre-to develop comprehensive, campus-wide response plans.
• Appeals Process Oversight: Partner with the Dean of Students to manage and communicate student conduct and residence appeal outcomes, ensuring clarity, fairness, and sensitivity. The Associate Dean will uphold institutional values while focusing on student learning, accountability, and providing transparent, thoughtful communication with students and campus stakeholders.
• 24/7 On-Call Support: Provide expert guidance and on-call support for urgent student matters, offering around-the-clock assistance for high-risk cases, including those related to student safety and well-being. This role will be expected to respond promptly to emerging crises, ensuring a compassionate and effective response.
• Comprehensive Case Management: Lead the case management process for students exhibiting signs of crisis, including those at risk of harm to themselves or others. The Associate Dean will work collaboratively with campus partners to coordinate resources and interventions, ensuring that each student receives personalized, wraparound care.
• University Committee Representation: Represent the Dean of Students on various university committees and working groups, advocating for student care and support issues and providing strategic input into university-wide initiatives.

Case Management Process Development & Implementation:

• Strategic Development & Leadership: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of strategic processes related to student behavior management and case management services, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and student well-being.
• High-Risk Student Support: Oversee and manage non-clinical case management services for high-risk students, identifying individuals at elevated risk and ensuring appropriate interventions or referrals to student-at-risk processes. Provide proactive support to students navigating complex challenges, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Collaboration & Advisory Role: Serve as a key advisor to campus partners, providing guidance on complex student cases and recommending interventions for CARE cases. Facilitate communication among stakeholders to ensure coordinated and comprehensive support for students in crisis. This role will also ensure that critical cases are referred to senior leadership for oversight and action when necessary, balancing risk management with student support.
• CARE Team Involvement: Actively participate in the CARE Team, offering insights and contributing to decisions regarding the safety and well-being of individual students and the broader campus community. Collaborate with the Dean of Students to address high-risk cases, ensuring a thoughtful, holistic approach to student care.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Establish and oversee a multi-campus approach to the tracking, reporting, and analysis of case management activities. Identify emerging trends, assess the impact of services, and recommend adjustments to improve outcomes and service delivery.
• Records & Compliance Oversight: Manage the retention and confidentiality of CARE team records in compliance with relevant privacy legislation (e.g., FIPPA), ensuring that all documentation adheres to legal and institutional standards.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Team Oversight & Management: Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the multi-campus Care & Support team, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and effective service delivery across all campuses. Foster a cohesive, collaborative environment to support both staff and student needs. This role will focus on building staff capacity, enhancing their competencies, and cultivating a supportive work culture.
• Workload Management & Resource Planning: Lead the planning and prioritization of team tasks, providing both strategic direction and tactical guidance to ensure effective service delivery. Assess staffing needs, participate in staffing committees, and make informed recommendations for employee recruitment and selection.
• Performance Management: Establish clear performance standards, regularly assess team members' progress, and provide constructive feedback. Conduct ongoing performance reviews, setting measurable goals to support both individual growth and team success.
• Training & Development: Identify staff training needs and ensure that team members receive the necessary professional development to enhance their skills, sustain high performance, and adapt to evolving demands in student support services.
• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve employee relations issues, including disciplinary matters, with fairness and professionalism. Foster a positive work environment that encourages open communication and effective problem-solving.
• Campus Leadership: Collaborate with the Director, Student Life & Experience, to provide in-person leadership and support at the Brantford Campus 1-2 days per week, ensuring that campus-specific needs are addressed while maintaining alignment with broader team objectives.

Strategic Internal and External Partnerships:

• Fostering Institutional Relationships: Cultivate and strengthen relationships across all university units and external partners to enhance the development of student support programs, share best practices, and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
• Equity and Diversity Expertise: Bring a deep understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion, with demonstrated experience working with a wide range of equity-seeking groups. Ensure that the needs of diverse student populations are recognized and addressed in all aspects of student support services.
• Oversight of Strategic Initiatives: Lead and provide direction to special initiatives that align with the university's overall strategies for student care and support. Identify opportunities to increase efficiency, enhance service delivery, and support the broader institutional mission.
• External Relationship Management: Develop and maintain positive working relationships with external stakeholders, including local law enforcement, municipal governments (Waterloo Region, Brantford, Milton), and other community organizations, to engage support for student-centered strategic projects and initiatives.
• Collaboration with Security & Legal Teams: Serve as a liaison with Special Constable Services, WRPS, Emergency Services, and the University Secretariat and Legal Counsel to provide leadership on procedural fairness and student-centered practices. Analyze and address gaps in policies and procedures to ensure the safety, rights, and well-being of students.

Budgetary Responsibilities:

• Budget Planning & Analysis: Work with the Dean of Students to analyze financial and statistical data to develop and support the unit's annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and resource needs.
• Grant Writing & Funding Collaboration: Partner with university departments and Student Affairs units to identify and pursue grant writing and funding opportunities that support student initiatives and enhance available resources. This role will stay informed about external grants, donations, and sponsorship opportunities that could supplement funding for student support initiatives.
• Financial Forecasting & Budget Monitoring: Continuously monitor financial forecasting to ensure that emergency funding budgets are aligned with remaining timeframes and institutional deadlines, adjusting allocations as necessary.

Reporting Relationships

This Position Reports to: Dean of Students

Reporting to this Position:

Manager, Student Care & Support (Waterloo)

• Student Support & Administrative Officer (1)
• Student Care Coordinator (1)

Manager, Student Care & Support (Brantford)

• Student Support & Administrative Officer (1)

Qualifications

• Master's degree in student affairs, leadership, education, counselling, or related field required
• Minimum of 7-10 years' experience in a university setting with a demonstrated background in student case management, student affairs, student crisis management, complex problem solving and policy development, and program management
• Knowledge of current issues, best practices, and trends regarding case coordination, crisis prevention and response, behavioural intervention, safety and emergency procedures, university administration, student development theory, and student service delivery
• Experience managing case coordination team and experience navigating complex student situations
• Highly developed problem-solving skills, with a high degree of sensitivity to the needs of others, especially in times of stress
• Demonstrated experiencing building and fostering relationships with senior leaders, colleagues, and stakeholders
• Multicultural competence and a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Proven ability to maintain accurate data tracking systems, conduct research, and analyze trends to deliver actionable insights for strategic decision-making
• Experience in monitoring financial forecasts with a strong understanding of best practices in fundraising and budget management
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to present information in a persuasive fashion to teach and promote best practices
• Good judgment and ability to handle confidential/sensitive information with discretion
• Demonstrated knowledge of online student tracking systems and database management
• Certification in NaBITA non-clinical case management and/or Care team/behavioural intervention training an asset
• Demonstrated understanding of student conduct systems to communicate and process appeals on behalf of the Dean of Students Office
• Mental health and/or suicide certification e.g., Mental Health First Aid, safeTALK, ASIST
• Affiliation with HECMA (Higher Education Case Managers Association), NaBITA (National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment), and/or CACUSS (Canadian Association of College and University Student Services) is an asset for this role.

Hours of Work

This is a Full-Time, Continuing position. The normal hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

This role offers limited flexibility regarding flexible work arrangements. Please see Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy) for more information. All arrangement must be approved by the direct manager. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation

Level: 3A

Rate of Pay: $103,580 to $129,475 annually

Broad salary ranges include a hiring range ($103,580- $116,528 of range midpoint), a target range ($116,529 - $142,423 of range midpoint), and a premium range ($142,424 -$161,844 of range midpoint).

When new employees are hired the appropriate base salary is determined using these sub-ranges as a guide while adhering to rules on hiring as defined in our compensation policy. Considerations for new hire salaries include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier's core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.