Community Leader at Vancouver Island University

Community Leader

Reporting to the Coordinator, Community Life (CCL) the Community Leader (CL) is a part time, live-in student leadership position within the Department of Student Housing. This position is essential to the development of a positive community and learning experience for residents. As the primary support for residents, the CL assists in the creation of a safe and welcoming environment for all community members. Working closely with the Community Life Management Team (CLMT), they assist with residents’ academic and social transition to university life and manage issues within the community to ensure safety, security, and wellbeing of residents.

Working on a team of CLs, with support and mentorship from the Senior Community Leaders (SCL), and direct supervision from the CCL, the CL is responsible for offering opportunities and resources that address academic, personal, and social needs of the community. These opportunities are reflective of the Community Life – Community Development Program Model and the Community Life – Student Leader Handbook; comprehensive program documents which outlines the intended community and learning experience for students living at VIU Student Housing, as well as the expectations and responsibilities of CLs. The CL also serves as a peer leader, communicating and upholding the Community Standards, connecting residents to resources both on and off campus, and managing conflict and crisis situations. The foundation of the CL position is to develop a supportive community that is conducive to academic and personal growth while enhancing the overall experience of living in Student Housing.

Employment Group

CUPE

Position Number

01090

Division

Vice-President Students

Department

VIU Student Housing

Campus

Nanaimo campus *Successful candidates must be able to attend in person on campus as required.

Location

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Country

Canada

Appointment Type

temporary part-time

Workload

Four hundred eighty-seven (487) hours August 30 to May 1, and, if they work during the summer months, one hundred seventy-six (176) hours May 1 to August 25. Hours vary from week to week and are tracked to ensure that these totals are met.

Pay Level

CUPE Student Housing 2 $24.50 per hour

Appointment Start Date

30-Aug-2026

Appointment End Date

01-May-2027

Applicant Documents

CV/Resume, Cover Letter, Name and contact information of recent supervisors willing to provide a reference

Posted Date

02-Jul-2026

Closing Date

15-Jul-2026

Job Reference

Duties And Responsibilities

Community Support includes:

• Role Modeling, Strong Community Presence, Student Resource and Support. Community Leaders are peer leaders in the community and are expected to be professional and respectful of our diverse student population at all times.
• Model responsible community living by upholding all Student Housing and VIU policies, regulations, community standards, and expectations as outlined by the Student Housing Agreement, Student Housing Community Standards Handbook and the Community Life Management Team (CLMT).
• Acts as a first point of contact and resource for students living in Student Housing.
• Is highly visible, available, and accessible within their community. This includes being in their assigned community/area.
• Connects with residents in assigned living area, prioritizing the development of personal relationships through attending events, door-to-door visits, one-on-one check ins, meetings, and other forms of official communication.
• Is aware of community dynamics and addresses and mediates conflict in their community, referring up to their manager as needed.
• Works to ensure that residents in the community are promoting clean, safe, and welcoming shared spaces that all residents can enjoy.
• Acts in a respectful and professional manner in all interactions with students and staff.
• Respects and supports the diversity of the Student Housing community by promoting a space that is inclusive to all persons regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, national heritage, and lived experiences.
• Follows the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and maintains the principles of confidentiality.

Community Engagement includes:

• Student Housing orientation, Community Program Plans and Evaluations, Programs and Events, Community Meetings, Move-in/Move-out, and Winter Stay.
• Supports Student Housing with Student Housing orientation, as directed by the CCL. This includes attending and running events and welcoming students to Student Housing as a peer leader.
• Supports move-in and move-out periods in Student Housing.
• Conduct one-on-one check-ins with the students in their assigned area once per semester as outlined in the Community Development Program Model and Student Leader Handbook.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of Student Housing Wide Larger programs as outlined in the Community Development Program Model and Student Leader Handbook.
• Uses and follows the Community Development Program Model and Student Leader Handbook to plan, promote, and implement community-based programs on a monthly basis, using the assigned Community Life Budget to enhance the Student Housing experience.
• Hosts house/community/area meetings as determined by the Community Development Program Model and Student Leader Handbook and in consultation with the CCL.
• Supports the Student Housing Department, Campus Partners, VIU Students Union (VIUSU) and Mariners Athletics and Recreation sponsored events through promotion and attendance.
• Works with Student Housing Facilities to assist with communication about mid-semester room inspections as directed by the CLMT.

Community Safety & Incident Response includes:

• The promotion of, response to, and maintenance of student safety and wellness in Student Housing. This will occur both during and outside of In Night shifts.
• Performs scheduled In Night shifts and In Night support duties as determined by the CCL.
• Hold the In Night phone during scheduled shifts responding to the needs of the community and reporting any larger concerns to the Front Desk, VIU Security, Emergency Services or the Student Housing Manager on call in accordance with established protocols.
• Responds to emergency situations as appropriate and directed; informing the CLMT of issues arising from their community and Student Housing at large in a timely manner. On occasion, this may occur outside of an In Night shift.
• Refers any issues that are beyond the expectations of the role or their ability to the CLMT as appropriate.
• Works with the CLMT, Campus Partners and Emergency Services (e.g. Campus Security, Health Services, Student Affairs, Counselling, Ambulance, RCMP, etc.) to provide support for significant occurrences within the Student Housing community. In emergency situations (e.g. power outages, severe weather) this may occur outside of regular In Night duties and include the greater VIU community.
• Exercises sound and responsible judgement.
• Remains within assigned area during In Night shifts.
• Is aware of and able to respond appropriately when violations of University and Student Housing policies, procedures, guidelines, community standards, and Student Code of Conduct occur.
• Completes Incident Reports as required within StarRez, and within 24 hours of an incident, and documents all incidents as they occur in the In Night tracker.
• Submits maintenance requests as needed, including those required for common Student Housing spaces within their assigned areas; reporting any existing facility conditions or misuse that is a violation of departmental policies (vandalism etc.).
• Prioritizes and immediately reports unsafe or hazardous conditions to the CLMT.

Administrative and Other Duties includes:

• Regular Meetings, Ongoing Communication, and Working with the Community Life and Student Housing Department on various tasks.
• Attends Community Life Staff Training, on-going training sessions, student leader retreats and training workshops as required.
• Responds to communication from the CLMT on a regular and timely basis (i.e. generally within 1-2 business days).
• Submits community reports as determined by the CLMT, as well as any other reports requested.
• Participates in staff meetings and one-on-one meetings. An example of this schedule is outlined below and is subject to change:
• Weekly meetings with the Community Life Team (2-hour weekly time commitment, beginning no later than 8:00pm). Meeting days and times will be decided by the CCL) at the beginning of each semester. Staff meeting times will be based on staff members’ academic schedules only. Non-academic commitments will not be considered.
  • Monthly one-on-one meetings with the CCL or as needed
  • On-on-one check ins with students in their assigned areas
  • Individual meetings and/or building meetings with the SCL/ CCL
  • Assists with the recruitment, selection and hiring processes of student staff by assisting with information sessions, promotional campaigns, and group interviews.
  • Provides feedback to the Student Housing department (e.g. processes, procedures, structure, work-life balance).
  • Works with the CLMT to ensure that Community Life workspaces and storage spaces are properly maintained.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the CLMT that are consistent with the nature and expectations of this job description.
  • Supports programming and operational needs through the transport, lifting of materials (up to 20 lbs), setup, and movement of supplies and equipment as required.

Supervision Received & Exercised

Supervision Received

Community Leaders are directly responsible to their CCL who provide regular support and assistance to the CL in the execution of their responsibilities. CLs are evaluated by their CCL throughout the term of their employment and any concerns or disciplinary action will be noted. In addition, CLs are supported by the entire CLMT.

The CL role provides the incumbent with experience in peer-support, listening, referrals, event planning, crisis response, intercultural communication, guided teamwork and collaboration, independent work, and resourceful problem solving.

Supervision Exercised

None; this position does not supervise other employees or students.

Unusual Working Conditions

This position is a live-in position with an assigned Student Housing room. The CL acts as a resource to the students in their area and, as appropriate, the Student Housing system as a whole. The CL works in a combination of pre-determined and flexible self-assigning hours which require weekend, holiday, reading week, stand by, and evening/nighttime commitments throughout the year. The position involves regular interaction with students in a dynamic residential environment, including responding to urgent or time-sensitive situations, and requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional late-night shifts.

The CL is responsible for balancing their academic, personal, and work commitments within the role. The role includes residence-based responsibilities such as rounds, community engagement activities, participation in an on-call rotation, and response to Student Housing emergencies.

The CL attends Community Life Staff Training prior to the start of the semester (this time period is included in the contract dates, and attendance is mandatory). Community Leaders are required to fully participate in training the week before the start of the Fall semester, including evenings and weekends. All staff must also be present in Student Housing to support Move-In and Welcome Weekend, as well as Move-Out on dates communicated in advance.

Community Leaders are also expected to be “in” approximately three (3) nights per week, including at least one (1) weekend night (Friday or Saturday). Scheduling may vary based on operational and community needs, and flexibility is required. In addition, the first training night and final day of appointment are designated as mandatory “in” nights.

CL takes part in a rotating In Night schedule present during evenings, weekends, and holidays which includes responsibilities such as holding the duty-phone and/or conducting rounds throughout Student Housing properties. Due to the building configurations, including buildings without elevator access and the use of outdoor pathways, the CL is required to independently move throughout multiple Student Housing spaces to effectively fulfill these responsibilities.

In Night shifts include acting as a front-line staff member and responding to calls for assistance from the Student Housing community. The CL is required to remain in Student Housing until the scheduled end of their employment contract, unless otherwise authorized in advance by the CCL.

Absences greater than 24 hours must be submitted to their CCL at least two weeks in advance and are subject to approval.

Required Qualifications

• Passionate about contributing to an engaging Student Housing community
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in high-risk situations
• Demonstrated leadership and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as part of a team
• Appreciation for, and understanding of, diversity, inclusion, and interculturalism
• Effective and respectful communication skills
• Ability to manage time effectively including all academic, personal, and work commitments
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when administering university policies including maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to complete administrative tasks with an attention to detail and high degree of accuracy
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, reading break, winter break and holidays
• Previous experience in event planning an asset
• Must meet VIU Student Housing eligibility requirements
• This position requires you to live within a pre-assigned room within Student Housing, and to meet all Student Housing fees and payment deadlines.
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 – 3.0

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.