Manager (Student Housing), Department of Student Services

Nazarbayev University Department of Student Services

Job purpose

Provides strategically important coordination and development of the student housing system, including placement planning, implementation of support programs, infrastructure modernization, and the promotion of an inclusive environment. Operates within a highly cross-functional context and a variety of stakeholder interests, building sustainable processes that contribute to the University's goals in student life and well-being.

Responsibilities (tasks, key areas of responsibility, and functions):

1. Organization and Coordination of Student Housing:

1) Plans and coordinates the student move-in process and ensures efficient use of residential facilities;

2) Develops and implements housing allocation schemes that consider student categories, seasonal fluctuations, exchange programs, and special needs;

3) Oversees adherence to deadlines and standards for housing placement and relocation processes, including application management, student lists, and internal systems;

4) Organizes the collection and updating of information about resident students and liaises with the University's student information systems.

2. Infrastructure Development and Living Conditions Enhancement:

1) Participates in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at improving dormitory infrastructure and student living conditions;

2) Proposes service modernization ideas, digital solutions, and strategies to increase student satisfaction;

3) Monitors residential conditions and initiates corrective actions in collaboration with relevant University departments and/or the USM private institution.

3.  Community Engagement and Student Support Programs:

1) Oversees the work of Resident Assistants, including recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing support;

2) Organizes regular training sessions, briefings, and consultations for Resident Assistants on student engagement and policy compliance;

3) Designs and implements mentorship, adaptation, inclusion, and peer support programs for campus residents;

4) Develops proposals to foster student engagement, a supportive community environment, and conflict prevention within residential settings.

4. Internal Collaboration and Process Coordination

1) Builds effective cooperation with internal University units on all matters related to student housing;

2) Initiates and coordinates working meetings, project groups, and cross-functional initiatives related to campus life and housing;

3) Supports and monitors the implementation of decisions aimed at correcting policy violations or addressing housing-related issues.

5. Analytics, Regulatory Support, and Reporting:

1) Collects, analyzes, and visualizes both quantitative and qualitative data on student housing; prepares summary analytical reports;

2) Develops proposals for revising or creating internal policies, procedures, and regulations related to student housing;

3) Prepares analytical and expert materials for Department and University leadership on housing-related issues;

4) Participates in surveys, research, and student feedback processes to assess satisfaction and identify areas for development;

5) Contributes to the design and implementation of projects, programs, and initiatives aimed at building a positive and sustainable student residential environment.

6. Support for Internal Processes and Events:

1) Participates in the organization of internal Department events aimed at building team culture (e.g., teambuilding activities, internal meetings);

2) Provides methodological and consultative support to Department staff on matters related to communication, promotion, and corporate standards;

3) Oversees the development, processing, and tracking of contracts, acts, invoices, and other documents related to events and activities;

4) Maintains records and monitors the implementation of administrative assignments, documenting progress and preparing reports for Department leadership.

Education requirements (level, field, licenses, professional certifications, etc.): 

Higher professional education in management, educational administration, finance, or public administration.

Work experience requirements: 

1) At least 3 years of relevant work experience

2) At least 1 year of relevant work experience with a Master's degree in a related field

Knowledge, skills, and competencies requirements: 

Knowledge:

1) Knowledge of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of education, culture, and youth policy;

2) Understanding of the higher education systems in North America and the United Kingdom;

3) Proficiency in MS Office programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint;

4) Knowledge of mentoring and advising practices, as well as principles for creating an inclusive residential environment;

5) Experience in project organization and management.

Skills:

1) Skills in organizing and coordinating student placement, relocation, and occupancy tracking processes;

2) Proficiency in financial and economic analysis methods;

3) Ability to organize and maintain administrative records and documentation (including in electronic formats);

4) Skills in preparing analytical notes, explanatory memos, and presentations.

Competences:

1) Ability to manage student housing processes in a systematic and organized manner;

2) Ability to build trust-based relationships with students;

3) Capacity to design and implement new initiatives;

4) Ability to analyze current processes and propose effective solutions;

5) Ability to monitor and ensure compliance with housing policies and regulations;

6) Capacity to perform effectively under uncertainty, tight deadlines, and high workloads.

Language requirements: 

Fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English for effective business correspondence, documentation, analytical materials, interaction with students and other structural departments, consultants, and partners

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values