People (Student) of Determination and Student Success Officer

Job Summary:

This position is designed to provide comprehensive support to students through three interconnected areas of responsibility. First, the role focuses on Student Accommodation Management, which involves overseeing and coordinating reasonable learning support for students with documented learning disabilities or other conditions requiring accommodations. This includes ensuring compliance with institutional and UAE regulatory standards, managing exam proctoring, and facilitating access to assistive technologies and physical resources. Second, the position emphasizes Academic Success Support and Advisor Integration, where the officer works closely with academic advisors to assist students who are academically at risk or on probation. This involves proactive engagement, success planning, monitoring progress, and implementing early intervention strategies to promote retention and academic success. Finally, the role includes Administrative Support, ensuring the smooth operation of student services through managing walk-in inquiries, handling email correspondence, scheduling meetings, assisting with reports, processing student timecards and payroll, and maintaining accurate records. The position requires a student-centered, solution-focused approach, with strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and collaboration across departments.

Job Description:

People (Student) of Determination and Student Success Officer

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

General information about institution

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sands dunes, and the many historical sites.

AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities. AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

Job Purpose & Responsibilities

This position is designed to provide comprehensive support to students through three interconnected areas of responsibility. First, the role focuses on Student Accommodation Management, which involves overseeing and coordinating reasonable learning support for students with documented learning disabilities or other conditions requiring accommodations. This includes ensuring compliance with institutional and UAE regulatory standards, managing exam proctoring, and facilitating access to assistive technologies and physical resources. Second, the position emphasizes Academic Success Support and Advisor Integration, where the officer works closely with academic advisors to assist students who are academically at risk or on probation. This involves proactive engagement, success planning, monitoring progress, and implementing early intervention strategies to promote retention and academic success. Finally, the role includes Administrative Support, ensuring the smooth operation of student services through managing walk-in inquiries, handling email correspondence, scheduling meetings, assisting with reports, processing student timecards and payroll, and maintaining accurate records. The position requires a student-centered, solution-focused approach, with strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and collaboration across departments.

Minimum Qualification and Education

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in student support services, disability/accommodations services, academic advising, or related fields Strong organization skills, ability to multitask, and prioritize. Strong English and Arabic language skills.

Desirable:

• Master’s in counseling, Social Work, or Higher Education Administration
• Experience working with the needs of people of determination.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of accommodation practices and policies of the UAE and in a university setting.
• Good understanding of academic success strategies, including early warning/intervention practices.
• Have or be willing to adapt a student-centered philosophy for projects and services that are developmental and educational in nature.
• Excellent administrative and managerial skills for an office setting that requires solution-oriented thinking
• Knowledge of UAE higher education standards and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of international higher education systems preferring the American model.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is a must, and a willingness to learn and use all online office management software.
• Effectively using interpersonal and communication skills, including tact and diplomacy, and working with individuals from different cultures and needs.
• Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are mandatory.
• Must possess excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a setting with sensitive and confidential student information.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2-4 years post-bachelor’s degree professional work experience in an organization.
• Work experience in an organizational setting that is customer-facing.
• A proven understanding of Higher Education.
• Demonstrable experience of working with individuals or groups of students.

Language proficiency required

Fluent in English and Arabic

Competencies

• Service Excellence-
• Professional Ethics and Integrity-
• Problem-solving-
• Time Management-
• Teamwork-

Reporting line

Senior Manager- Advising, Tutoring and Counseling Center