"Residential Life Manager"

About UQ Res

UQ Residences (UQ Res) was established to operate all accommodation owned by the University of Queensland, offering best-practice student care and well-being that provides an elevated experience for university student accommodation.

UQ Res delivers the key objective of a residential experience consistent with a world class university, an inclusive on-campus community for students with living environments to support academic excellence and facilitate a live-study-play cultural environment.

The Halls of Residence are comprised of four Halls accommodating 436 students in total, situated on-campus at Gatton, Queensland, providing accommodation to students during the academic year as well as providing conference accommodation and facilities. The Halls are home to a diverse cohort of students, including those from regional, rural and remote Australia and international students. Integration with other services on campus provides a seamless experience for students and helps them to adjust to university life. Gatton Halls of Residence provides the perfect place to study, unwind and connect with new friends.

UQ Res also offers purpose-built student accommodation at Walcott St and Kev Carmody House at St Lucia, and UQ Res Homes for students, student families and staff at St Lucia and Gatton campuses.

UQ Res recognises that our people are our greatest asset. As such, we seek to recruit innovative people who are passionate about helping us to advance our mission and broaden our impact.

Our culture is built on the things that we value most highly – the pursuit of excellence; creative and independent thinking; honesty and accountability; mutual respect and diversity; and providing support for our people. Through the promotion of these values, we’re creating a culture that encourages our people to bring their very best, authentic self when they come to work at UQ Res.

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.

About You

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).