Student Affairs & Engagement Specialist

About Liwa University

Founded in 1993, Liwa University has played a central role in higher education across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. With campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the university focuses on helping students grow academically and personally through strong guidance, resources, and support. It offers 30 master’s, bachelor’s, and diploma programs through four colleges: Media and Public Relations, Medical and Health Sciences, Business, Engineering and Computing, along with the General Education Department.

Role Overview

The Student Affairs & Engagement Specialist is responsible for strengthening student life by planning, delivering, and reviewing engagement programs that encourage student success, leadership, and community participation. This role supports councils, clubs, events, orientation, volunteering, and cultural activities, while working with different teams across the university to improve satisfaction, create a lively campus environment, and build a strong sense of belonging.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, launch, and manage student councils, clubs, and organizations that broaden participation and leadership opportunities.
• Plan and deliver a varied calendar of workshops, activities, and events that improve the campus experience.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with students, administrative teams, and academic staff.
• Track student engagement patterns and suggest enhancements to improve the student experience.
• Review the full student journey and collect insights that can be used to strengthen services and support.
• Spot gaps in current offerings and introduce practical actions to address student needs.
• Handle student queries through email, phone, and in-person meetings, route complaints to the right departments, and update students on resolution progress.
• Design events that increase participation, satisfaction, and meaningful student connections.
• Share guidance that helps students become more career-ready and better prepared for life after graduation.
• Support student leaders with advice and coaching so they can contribute positively to campus life.
• Prepare reports and data summaries for internal performance reviews, external audits, and accreditation bodies when required.
• Evaluate feedback and data to determine where student affairs programs can be improved.
• Apply creative approaches and refinements to keep activities relevant and high quality.
• Monitor club activity and engagement levels, and encourage the creation of new student-led initiatives.
• Guide student leaders in organizing and running club activities effectively.
• Promote student affairs initiatives through multiple communication channels to increase awareness and participation.
• Work closely with marketing and communications teams to publicize events, activities, and student success stories.
• Keep accurate records and communication databases related to student engagement activities.
• Carry out other duties assigned by the Manager of Student Affairs.
• Work may be assigned at either campus depending on operational needs.

Competencies and Skills

• Strong mediation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable collecting data and evaluating outcomes.
• Capable of supporting students with varied concerns and adapting to different cultural backgrounds and needs.
• Able to work effectively with ethnically and culturally diverse groups.
• Skilled at prioritizing and handling several tasks at the same time.
• Works well collaboratively with colleagues to solve problems and deliver results.
• Shows initiative and completes tasks promptly and independently.
• Dependable, flexible, people-focused, and highly organized.
• Event planning and coordination skills.

Qualifications and Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in student affairs, student engagement, or youth development programs within higher education is required.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in Student Affairs, Education, Business Administration, Psychology, Human Resources, Communications, or a related discipline is required. A master’s degree is preferred.

Additional Information

This role is based onsite in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates, and responsibilities may be performed at either the Abu Dhabi or Al Ain campus depending on operational requirements.