Application Open:
Full-Time
The Student Engagement Specialist plays a key role in enhancing the undergraduate student experience at MBZUAI by coordinating and delivering a wide range of co-curricular programs and engagement initiatives. This includes onboarding, orientation, transition support, first-year experience, student representation, societies, intramural sports, and campus events. The role supports the strategic objectives of the Student Life function by fostering a dynamic campus culture that promotes student leadership, community responsibility, and belonging.
Key Responsibilities
Onboarding, Orientation, and Transition
- Support the planning and execution of comprehensive onboarding and orientation programs for new undergraduate students, ensuring a smooth transition to university life.
- Coordinate first-year experience activities in collaboration with academic and student support departments.
- Develop informational materials and workshops that prepare students for academic and social success.
Student Engagement & Community Life
- Design and implement initiatives that promote student engagement, well-being, and social development.
- Facilitate regular opportunities for students to participate in community-building activities, cultural events, and campus traditions.
- Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and responsibility within the student body.
Student Representation & Societies
- Support the election, training, and operations of student representatives and councils.
- Provide guidance and oversight to student societies, ensuring compliance with MBZUAI policies and encouraging leadership development.
- Act as a liaison between student leaders and the university, advocating for student needs and encouraging active participation in campus life.
Campus Events and Activities
- Plan and coordinate a diverse calendar of campus events, including awareness campaigns, celebrations, and social gatherings that align with MBZUAI’s values and academic calendar.
- Manage event logistics, including venue booking, communication, vendor coordination, and promotion in collaboration with Marketing & Communications.
- Evaluate the impact of events and gather student feedback for continuous improvement.
- Support strategic campus life initiatives led by the Head of Student Engagement
U18 Student Engagement & Intramural Sports
- Organize and supervise engagement activities and wellness initiatives for students under the age of 18, ensuring appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
- Develop and manage intramural sports programs that encourage student participation and physical wellness.
- Promote physical activity and wellness through competitions, challenges, and recreational events.
Communication & Collaboration
- Maintain effective communication with students to promote engagement opportunities and ensure awareness of campus life resources.
- Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders such as Academic Services, Admissions, Career Services, and Health & Wellbeing to align efforts and enhance student support.
- Maintain records of participation and support the development of reports on engagement outcomes and trends.
Academic Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, higher education, communications, social sciences, or a related field
- A postgraduate degree is preferred.
Professional Experience Required
Essential:
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in student engagement, campus life, student leadership, or co-curricular program coordination.
- Experience successfully building, managing, and motivating teams, and empowering individuals including staff and students.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, event planning software, and social media platforms.
- A proactive, student-centered approach with a commitment to student development success story.
- Demonstrated success operating in a multicultural environment and adapting systems and processes to meet diverse expectations and needs.
- Understanding of Middle Eastern working practices and culture.
Preferred:
- Experience successfully working in the UAE.
- Arabic speaker.
