Graduate Community Leader Job Description

Department and Project Description:

The goal of Housing and Conference Services is to provide an intellectual and social Graduate residence community conducive to the pursuit of academic study, personal development, and that meets the changing needs of a diverse Graduate student population.

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

Job Summary:

As an ambassador of the Housing & Conference Services Team, the Graduate Community Leader will play an important role in creating an exemplary living environment that sets 10 Bay apart from all other housing opportunities for graduate students. The GCL will focus on developing a strong sense of community within the building and helping students adjust to life as a McMaster Graduate student. The GCL will focus on building an environment within the 10 Bay Graduate residence that promotes personal dignity, mutual respect, and consideration for others.

Accountabilities:

• Deliver interactive and engaging activities to participants both in a virtual and in-person environment.
• Ensure the physical, mental, and social safety of all residents. Report issues to Supervisor.
• Update and maintain a variety of correspondences, documents and related information.
• Liaise with a variety of internal stakeholders relating to student services.
• Conduct rounds of residence buildings throughout scheduled shifts.
• Attend all meetings and training sessions required.
• Seek out assistance and escalate issues when necessary based on established departmental guidelines.
• Assist students in dealing with transition, social and community needs and with the social integration and belonging of residence students.
• Maintain a strong presence and a high level of visibility and accountability to students and staff within the building.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding residence students and work-related matters.
• Manage conflict and resolve community issues by following training and department guidelines and referring to supervisor as necessary.
• Assist with Residence Life and Housing & Conference Services initiatives and events, including but not limited to move-in and move-out initiatives, residence tours and residence events.
• Be familiar with and implement the Sexual Violence Response Protocol.
• Adhere to Social Media Guidelines and Expectations.
• Actively monitor student compliance with residence health and safety protocols. Report any issues to Supervisor.
• Assist with building and apartment tours of 10 Bay at the request of Housing & Conference Services staff, with reasonable notice.
• Maintain weekly office hours to engage with 10 Bay residents.
• Have a thorough understanding of building procedures to enable the Graduate Community Leader to assist residents with inquiries and direct students appropriately.
• Work cooperatively with other members of the Housing and Conference Services Team present at 10 Bay, including but not limited to front desk staff, maintenance & custodial staff, Special Constable and Security Staff and others.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Be enrolled in full-time Graduate studies at McMaster University, meeting all academic requirements to be a student in good standing within their faculty.

Experience:

• Previous leadership experience at McMaster University is considered an asset.
• Previous experience in residence life at the Undergraduate or Graduate level at McMaster or comparable institution (minimum 8 months) is considered an asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to live in the 10 Bay graduate residence as stipulated by the lease agreement and maintain good standing in the building by following all policies and ensuring the payment of rent by applicable deadlines as stipulated in the lease agreement

Assets:

• Excellent communication skills: listening, written, verbal, facilitation, negotiation, and presentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively support the students within the residence community.
• Computer skills – proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated good judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a larger team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated skills in planning and implementing engagement opportunities for individuals and groups.

Additional Information:

• Graduate Community Leaders will be required to work and compensated for up to 15 hours per week. The compensation for this position does not include free accommodations.
• Abstain from consuming alcohol, cannabis (unless prescribed) or any illegal substances during any job responsibilities.
• Attend all required training sessions
• The 10 Bay graduate residence is open year-round and job responsibilities are ongoing throughout the year.
• This is a live in position, staff are required to be tenants in good standing of 10 Bay Graduate Residence.
• Be willing and able to create programming and interact with graduate students and their families which could include young children and older adults.
• This is a contract position. Staff must maintain full-time graduate student status to be eligible for the role.
• Staff are eligible to re-apply to complete an additional contract term, pending eligibility to remain in the building and their status as a full-time graduate student.