Community Housing and Relocation Coordinator

Position Job Title: Community Housing & Relocation Coordinator

Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-months Contract (Onsite)

Reports To: Associate Director, Student Experience

Under the direction of Student Experience Leadership the Community Housing & Relocation Coordinator plays a pivotal role in supporting UNF students in locating and maintaining safe, secure housing in the Niagara region. This position actively contributes to the enrichment of the student experience at UNF by shaping community housing student services and supports; delivering educational programs and initiatives on housing options and executing a service-oriented mediation approach tailored to meet the needs of both students and the local community. The Community Housing & Relocation Coordinator collaborates with campus partners to cultivate robust University – Community relationships by advancing current and potential housing partnerships.

*This is a 12-months contract opportunity on-site at the University of Niagara Falls Canada campus

Specific Responsibilities:

Community Housing Services

• Facilitate communication between students and landlords to help them navigate the rental housing market surrounding UNF.
• Provide guidance on finding safe and affordable housing options.
• Create and distribute resources for students, landlords, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Oversee external contracts and listing services to assist students in their search for accommodation, ensuring listings are accurate and up to date.
• Develop and deliver educational programs, including workshops and presentations, to educate students about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Offer support in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Human Rights Commission guidelines, and municipal by-laws to foster positive landlord-tenant relations.
• Create materials to promote behavioral expectations related to student civility, personal conduct, and property upkeep.

Relocation Guidance

• Provide personalized support to students relocating to Canada and/or the Niagara Region, including information on local amenities, transportation, and community resources.
• Assist students with housing-related concerns through guidance and referrals.
• Provide information on family-friendly housing options, daycare services, and other child and family support resources.
• Serve as a neutral third-party to facilitate resolutions for disputes arising between students and

landlords, fellow students, or community housing partners regarding housing and lifestyles.

Student Support

• Provide individualized guidance to students seeking off-campus housing, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Develop programming to enhance students' understanding of tenant rights, financial literacy, and independent living skills.
• Support international and out-of-province students as they adjust to living in the Niagara Region.
• Offer referrals to family-oriented resources, including childcare services, local schools, and community programs that support students with dependents.
• Work closely with Student Success Office colleagues to ensure housing support is integrated with broader student wellness and success initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop an integrated approach to support at-risk students. Serve as a referral point for students in need.

Service Development & Expansion

• Enhance and expand community housing and relocation services to better support student needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing programs and develop new initiatives that promote student success and engagement.
• Strengthen partnerships with landlords, community organizations, and campus stakeholders to increase available housing resources and support services.

Administration & Other

• Collaborate closely with Student Experience colleagues to provide integrated student services, supports, and resources to UNF students.
• Participate in a weekly rotation on the reception desk as a member of the Student Experience Team. Provide front-line student support, address queries and concerns, and make referrals as necessary.
• As a member of Housing Services, support residence operations as needed. This may include tasks such as providing front desk coverage, assisting during holidays or absences, and working physically at the residence to ensure smooth operations.
• Conduct research on best practices, actively participate in professional associations and organizations, and engage with institutional and GUS Canada partners to stay informed and connected in the field.
• Take the lead on special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Student Experience Leadership or other members of the UNF Leadership Team.
• Work collaborative within a team to conceptualize and create space for new and innovative programming at UNF. Partner with campus colleagues to bring these visions to fruition.
• Be available for some evening and weekend work, such as during student orientation.
• Perform other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success of UNF.

Position Requirements:

• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Demonstrates effective prioritization and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
• Capable of handling diverse situations, multiple projects, and rapidly changing priorities.
• Exhibits excellent collaboration and partnership development skills, building trust and cooperation with various stakeholders.
• Possesses strong presentation and interpersonal skills, influencing others with empathy and political acumen.
• Maintains a professional manner with tact, diplomacy, and discretion when dealing with colleagues and the public.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills in handling inquiries and resolving issues.
• Displays excellent listening skills, gathering accurate information and evidence.
• Exercises diplomacy, negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Possesses creative problem-solving abilities and exercises sound professional judgment, especially in handling confidential/sensitive matters.
• Demonstrates intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office, with a quick learning ability for new programs.
• Displays a strong student-centric orientation.
• Exhibits proficiency in facilitating training sessions, showcasing strong presentation skills.
• Maintains flexibility and willingness to work outside regular business hours to meet organizational needs.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years' experience in student services, preferably at the post-secondary level, including:
• Experience in areas related to student support and promoting student success.
• Experience supporting international communities and communicating effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Experience responding to student health & safety crises and emergencies.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field
• Experience supporting operations in a college/university residence environment, homestay program or property management role.
• Possesses a solid understanding of related Student Housing policies and procedures, as well as familiarity with the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), AODA & MFIPPA.
• Experience in conducting physical quality assurance inspections and coordinating inspections of facilities to audit and report on facility conditions is an asset.

Diversity, inclusion and equity

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply.

We recognize that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, please advise jobs@unfc.com to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.