ABOUT THE STUDENTS’ UNION
The Students’ Union (SU) is one of the leading undergraduate Student Associations in Canada. We are a not-for-profit organization that works to ensure that University of Calgary undergraduate students have the best possible university experience through advocacy, representation, and providing valuable on-campus services and programs. We also manage several businesses within the MacEwan Student Centre including a restaurant and bar, two concert venues, a convenience store, a used bookstore and copy centre, and the MacEwan Conference & Event Centre.
We’re in the business of student leadership, and so SU staff are all teachers in some capacity. We coach, mentor, and work alongside the elected members of our student government to help them develop skills and make good decisions for the organization. As such, the SU is a nimble and leading-edge organization that can pivot quickly to address emerging issues and trends.
The Students’ Union offers all our employees a competitive, market-determined salary. Our benefits, though, tend to exceed the market. These include:
- Five weeks paid vacation, to start
- Unlimited paid sick time
- A six percent RRSP matching program
- Full health and dental benefits plus a health spending account
- A mission-driven culture that values work-life balance, diverse experiences, and kindness
At the Students’ Union, we prioritize the well-being and professional growth of our employees, fostering a supportive and engaging workplace. Our commitment to a positive work environment has resulted in a dedicated, long-serving team with low turnover. If you are seeking a meaningful career where your contributions are valued without compromising work-life balance, the Students’ Union may be the ideal place for you.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director, Student Services, the Manager, Student Services provides leadership and oversight for the effective delivery and ongoing development of Student Services programs and services. The position leads a team of staff responsible for a range of student-facing programs and services, including volunteer services, the LGBTQ Centre, Quality Money programming, scholarship and awards opportunities, the refugee student program, and office administration.
The Manager provides coaching, mentorship, and operational guidance to staff while working closely with the Director, Student Services and Policy Analyst to support the orientation, development, and ongoing work of elected Students’ Union officials.
The position also supports organizational planning, governance processes, elections, committee work, and the effective administration and continuity of Student Services programs.
SALARY
The hiring range for this position is $65,000 to $73,000 annually. The offered salary will be negotiated based on a candidate’s relative experience. As a not-for-profit organization, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to offer a successful candidate a salary outside of this range.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, manage, coach, and mentor the Student Services team, including three full-time and 14 part-time staff members.
- Provide oversight and guidance to the Coordinators responsible for Information and Administration, Governance Administration, and Volunteer Services.
- Oversee the delivery and ongoing development of Student Services programs and services, ensuring they align with organizational priorities and the needs of undergraduate students.
- Provide leadership and guidance for programs including volunteer services, food bank, LGBTQ Centre, event planning, Quality Money programming, scholarship and awards opportunities, refugee student programming, and office administration.
- Establish and maintain effective workflows, systems, processes, and information management practices to support efficient service delivery.
- Review and monitor staff-led projects and initiatives to ensure departmental responsibilities, timelines, and organizational priorities are met.
- Work alongside the Director, Student Services and Policy Analyst to support the orientation and annual planning processes for elected Students’ Union officials.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and operational advice to elected officials, particularly the Vice-President Internal, while maintaining appropriate professional and organizational boundaries.
- Support the administration of Students’ Union elections and provide leadership and guidance to the Programs and Services Committee and Quality Money Committee.
- Participate as an ex-officio member of internal committees as required.
- Provide budget and financial recommendations to the Director, Student Services and support responsible use of departmental resources.
- Work with Student Services staff to plan and implement initiatives that support student engagement, student life, and organizational priorities.
- Liaise with University departments and other internal and external stakeholders to support Student Services programs and initiatives.
- Provide advice and support on emerging issues, change management, conflict resolution, and operational matters.
- Support the development and implementation of annual and longer-term departmental plans.
- Perform other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A university degree in a related field and a minimum of five years of progressive leadership or management experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered.
- Previous experience working within a post-secondary education, government, public sector, or non-profit environment is preferred.
- Experience working with elected officials, student leaders, boards, or community organizations is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing staff in a professional environment.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, competing demands, and emerging issues.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with staff, elected officials, University partners, and other stakeholders.
- Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to change, manage conflict, and support others through periods of change.
- Basic financial literacy and experience with budgeting or financial administration.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
For more information, check out our website at https://su.ucalgary.ca/.
LOCATION
This is a fully in-office position at the University of Calgary’s main campus.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a resume and cover letter to resumes@su.ucalgary.ca. We are accepting applications until October 31, 2026, or until the position is filled. We anticipate making a hiring decision by early November.
STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.
The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.
The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.