Residential Life Manager

About The Role

The Residential Life Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and enriching the student residential experience at UQ Res Gatton. This live-on-campus position is responsible for building a safe, inclusive and vibrant community that supports student wellbeing, academic success, and personal development. In addition to leading community-building programs and managing the Resident Assistant (RA) team, the role is a key point of contact for welfare-related matters and critical incidents, including those involving student safety, mental health, and serious misconduct. The Residential Life Manager provides frontline response, guidance, and support to students, ensuring timely escalation and liaison with relevant university services. This position includes on-campus accommodation and requires a commitment to flexible working hours, including availability outside normal office hours for emergency response. UQ Residences values diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from those who bring diversity to UQ Residences.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the General Manager on all aspects of residential life, student wellbeing, and incident trends within the community.
- Lead the recruitment, selection, training, supervision and development of the Resident Assistants and Resident Supervisors.
- Design and implement a comprehensive residential life program that fosters belonging, academic support, health and wellbeing, personal development, and leadership.
- Act as the first responder and coordinator during critical incidents, including welfare concerns, mental health crises, and reports of misconduct (including sexual misconduct), ensuring appropriate support and referral pathways are followed.
- Lead student conduct processes including investigations, applying the House Rules, Code of Conduct and preparing reports and recommendations for formal disciplinary matters.
- Oversee and deliver orientation and transition programs in partnership with UQ stakeholders, ensuring new residents are welcomed and well supported.
- Actively engage with students by being present in community spaces (e.g., dining hall, events, residential areas) and building strong relationships based on trust, respect, and approachability.
- Collaborate with student clubs, UQ support services, and external stakeholders to deliver impactful initiatives and support a thriving student community.
- Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, risks, and student interactions in line with legal and institutional requirements.
- Be available for scheduled evening meetings, weekend events, and an on-call roster for emergencies.
- Perform other duties as reasonably directed by the Regional Operations Manager.

Essential

- Tertiary qualifications in education, psychology, social work, youth work, community development, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or training.
- Significant experience working in a pastoral care, residential, student support or youth-focused environment.
- Demonstrated ability to respond appropriately and calmly in high-pressure and sensitive situations, including incidents involving student safety and wellbeing.
- Experience managing teams, particularly student leaders or volunteers; including recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Proven ability to design and implement programs and events that support engagement, development and wellbeing.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with students from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution and mediation skills, including experience handling behavioural and disciplinary matters.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement, particularly in emergency or after-hours situations.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, including digital record keeping and use of Microsoft Office.
- A current Australian driver’s license.
- Working with Children BlueCard and National Police Check clearance.
- Ability to live on campus and participate in an on-call roster.

Desirable

- Experience in a residential college, student accommodation or university environment.
- Familiarity with student conduct procedures, wellbeing support frameworks, and referral pathways.
- Mental Health First Aid or other relevant certifications (or willingness to obtain).

Questions?

Please contact the UQ Res team via reception@uqres.com

Want to Apply?

To apply, please click here to be redirected. Please do not click the apply button via the UQ Careers portal as this recruitment process is being managed by UQ Res.

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