Residence Life Coordinator

About the Organization

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is part of Global University Systems, an international group of private higher-education institutions. Based in downtown Niagara Falls, the university emphasizes technology-enabled learning, student-focused support, and programs shaped by industry insight. Its approach blends interdisciplinary study with work-integrated learning so students can build practical experience while developing skills that align with the evolving digital economy.

Role Overview

Located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, this is an on-site live-in position reporting to the Manager, Student Life. The role exists to fill a current backfill. The expected base salary starts at $60,000 and can go up to $70,000 annually. In addition, the package includes housing coverage for a 1-bedroom apartment and an on-call rate of $40 per day, up to $14,500 per year. Final compensation will be confirmed through an internal review.

The Residence Life Coordinator supports students living in UNF-managed residences and within the wider Niagara Region. The position focuses on building community, delivering residence and housing programming, supporting student learning, and helping ensure a positive residential experience. Because the role is live-in, the coordinator must reside in a designated apartment, have access to high-speed internet and a computer, and be able to travel to multiple UNF-managed residences, including locations not served by public transit.

Community Development and Student Learning

This role leads the planning and delivery of housing-based programs, activities, and services. It also involves regular community engagement through meetings, office hours, outreach, and activities that help strengthen relationships and identify community needs. Equity, diversity, and inclusion practices must be embedded in community development so students feel supported, respected, and safe.

Student Success and Support

The coordinator investigates breaches of Residence Community Living Standards, including matters related to sexual violence and mental health. The position responds to student questions and concerns, provides assessments, and directs students to the right supports or referrals. High-risk matters must be escalated to Student Success Office leadership when guidance is needed. The role also requires clear communication with students and stakeholders about outcomes, referrals, and any relevant updates. An after-hours response rotation is part of the job, covering housing-related questions, concerns, and disclosures.

Residence Initiatives

The successful candidate will coordinate residence initiatives from logistics and communication drafts through to on-site execution. The role also supports the Student Housing Assistant program through training, scheduling, guidance, and event support. Another key responsibility is the ongoing development and administration of the Residence Student Council, including governance documents, ratification, compliance, advisor support, and day-to-day council operations. In partnership with the Student Life team, the coordinator will help deliver a residence orientation day each term and ensure residence students have access to an exclusive social event each term.

Occupancy Management and Tracking

This position manages the full housing workflow, including advertising, applications, and room assignments. It also involves keeping occupancy data current, tracking student inquiries and application outcomes, and coordinating move-in and move-out procedures. The coordinator ensures housing-related messages about admissions, fees, availability, and general questions are accurate and timely. Ongoing relationship management with community stakeholders and operational teams is also part of the role.

Community Housing Support

The role includes creating and sharing resources for students, landlords, staff, and other community partners. It supports communication between students, landlords, and housing partners in the surrounding rental market. Acting as an advisor for students and landlords, the coordinator provides guidance aligned with the Residential Tenancies Act, Human Rights Commission guidelines, and municipal bylaws. Support may also extend to off-campus housing operations, including helping new students and families navigate housing searches, connecting landlords with approved partnerships, and assisting with expectations related to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Administration and Additional Duties

The coordinator works closely with Student Success Office colleagues to deliver integrated student services and support. The role also involves researching best practices, participating in professional associations, and engaging with institutional and GUS Canada partners to remain connected to developments in the field. The position may lead special projects assigned by the Student Experience Manager or other UNF leadership members. Team collaboration is expected to help design and implement new programming and campus initiatives. Evening and weekend work will be required at times, especially during student orientation and residence move-in periods. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate is self-driven, adaptable, and able to prioritize effectively in demanding situations. Strong collaboration, partnership-building, interpersonal communication, presentation, customer service, listening, negotiation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution skills are essential. The role also calls for sound judgment, discretion with sensitive information, creative problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities. Intermediate Microsoft Office ability and a quick learning curve with new software are expected, along with a student-centered mindset and confidence in delivering training sessions.

Experience and Education

A minimum of two years of experience in residence coordination is required, preferably in a post-secondary environment. Relevant background should include student support and student success, work with international communities, and experience communicating with people relocating to Canada. The role also calls for experience handling student health and safety crises or emergencies. An undergraduate degree in a related field is required. Knowledge of student housing policies and procedures, as well as familiarity with the Residential Tenancies Act, AODA, and MFIPPA, is expected. Experience conducting quality assurance inspections and coordinating facility inspections is considered an asset.

Conditions of Employment

A Criminal Records Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check, will be required as a condition of employment. The university states that candidates must be able to meet accommodation needs during the selection process in line with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Selected candidates will also need to complete any required background checks, credential verification, or other role-related screening in accordance with policy and applicable legislation.

Equity and Recruitment Statement

UNF is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Applications from qualified candidates from underrepresented communities are welcomed. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. The university also notes that AI tools may assist in candidate communication, while the Talent Acquisition team completes the review of applications. All personal information collected during recruitment will be treated confidentially.