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Housing & Conference Services

Living At McMaster

Senior Community Advisor

Application Deadlines
Returning applicants: Sunday, January 7, 2024
New applicants: Thursday, January 11, 2024

For any questions, please contact applyrls@mcmaster.ca

Job Summary

Under close supervision the Senior Community Advisor will plan, organize, and implement team building and programming opportunities while assisting with various projects in accordance with established guidelines. 

Accountabilities

  1. Assist with the planning, coordination and implementation of events and activities.
  2. Aid in the coordination and training of student staff.
  3. Maintain a comprehensive database of event proposals and evaluations.
  4. Deliver interactive activities to participants.
  5. Ensure the physical, mental, and social safety of all participants. Report issues to Supervisor.
  6. Update and maintain a variety of correspondences, documents and related information.
  7. Liaise with a variety of internal stakeholders relating to student services.
  8. Attend all meetings and training sessions required.
  9. Facilitate meetings with students
  10. Seek out assistance and escalate issues when necessary based on established departmental guidelines.

Qualifications

Education:

  • Full-time student status (full-time undergraduate student is defined as one who is taking courses equivalent to at least 18 units between September and April, or is enrolled in  a full-time Co-op/outgoing Exchange program) and a minimum sessional (September-December) GPA of 6.0 must be achieved.

Experience:

  • Previous experience as Residence Life Staff member at McMaster (or equivalent experience).

Assets: 

  • Demonstrated positive attitude and proven initiative.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain excellent rapport with team members, in order to effectively lead a team.
  • Ability to juggle competing priorities and complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Ability to anticipate problems, by using forethought and reasoning, and plan appropriately for their resolution.
  • Excellent communication skills: listening, written, verbal, facilitation, negotiation, and presentation.
  • Good computer skills in order to stay organized and productive.
  • Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated maturity and ability to accept responsibility.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills in the planning and implementation of large-scale events.
  • Experience building relationships and developing consensus within a diverse team of students, student staff and professional staff.
  • Proven ability to make sound decisions in stressful situations.
  • Must have an open mind and be flexible when working with others.
  • Demonstrated good judgement and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative.
  • Certified in First-Aid and CPR-C is considered an asset.

Additional Information

  • Senior Community Advisor position is a live-on position
  • Attend all mandated training days including, but not limited to:
    • Residence Life Staff Orientation (RLSO) – TBD
    • Senior CA Training Day – TBD
    • August Training – TBD
    • January Revival – TBD
  • Abstain from consuming alcohol during McMaster Welcome Week Orientation Training and Welcome Week *Dates To Be Confirmed*
  • Promote and uphold the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR).
  • Anticipated 8-10hrs/week in addition to the Community Advisor expectations

Position Description

Housing and Conference Services’ mission is to provide distinctive and progressive student and client experiences which enable our community’s health and well-being, and the pursuit of academic and personal goals in a safe, comfortable, inclusive environment which advances learning and service excellence.

Residence Life supports student success by encouraging growth, educating character and enhancing the university experience.

McMaster Leadership Core Competencies

  • Investing in Relationships
  • Driving Results
  • Communication and Collaboration
  • Taking a Strategic Approach
  • Developing People
  • Championing Change and Innovation

Residence Curriculum Learning Goals

  • Self-Discovery and Learning
  • Inclusive Excellence
  • Sustainability and Wellness

The Senior Community Advisor will be responsible for all responsibilities related to the Community Advisor position and additional responsibilities including:

  • Act as a mentor to the Community Advisors by providing guidance, support, and team development opportunities through initiatives such as 1-on-1s, team meetings, team socials, office hours, etc.
  • Collaborate with the Residence Orientation Assistant (ROA) on building a relationship between both CA and ROR teams in regard to any Welcome Week related programming and events
  • Provide administrative support in upholding the Residence Curriculum with tasks such as:
    • Review program proposals
    • Bulletin Board reconciliation
    • Assessment initiatives
    • Facilitate and support building wide programming initiatives as needed
  • Participate in unit and department working groups such as Education Priorities and consultation committees
  • Assist with student conduct by tracking educational sanctions and conducting follow-up conversations