This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.
Reporting to the Senior Officer, Student Programs & Services, the Manager, Advising & Engagement position oversees the Faculty of Arts Undergraduate Student Services Advising and Engagement activities. This position assists with the operational needs of the Undergraduate Student Services office (USS), including managing the day-to-day activities of front-line Undergraduate Student Advisors and Student Engagement teams to ensure the accurate, high quality and timely delivery of services within pre-set goals. The primary activities in this role include: staff supervision and development, acting as a relationship manager within the faculty of arts and beyond, all aspects of student advising and program supports from admission through to convocation, and student engagement and outreach (with focus in domestic, international, and indigenous portfolios).
In all facets of this role, the Manager, Advising & Engagement endeavors to integrate and advance the University's commitments to Access, Community, and Belonging.
This position has direct oversight of 7 student advising positions and functional oversight of 3 positions, including, Student Engagement & Outreach Specialist, Indigenous Engagement & Recruitment Specialist, and an International Recruitment & Engagement Specialist.
The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.
1) USS Operations Management
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Establish and oversee the workload and critical timelines for the work of the Advising and Engagement teams
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Provide occasional back up to the staff as needed and as such is responsible for knowing the day to day activities
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Responsible for keeping up to date on best practices in advising, student engagement, and student services, and ensures staff are trained, encouraging ongoing learning and professional development
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Active participant in decision making related to policy and procedure
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Identifies opportunities and provides ideas, proposals and solutions to the senior management team regarding policy, service, process, and opportunities for improvement, and provides strategic input into the overall direction of the Undergraduate Student Services office
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Identifies problem areas and risks and escalates them to the Senior Officer, Student Programs & Services
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As part of the leadership team, work collaboratively to ensure that there are established connections and consistencies between each of the USS units
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Responsible for records management of student records according to University records management protocol.
2) Undergraduate Student Advising & Program Management
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Oversees the delivery of all advising services including: advising students on program requirements and options, approving/denying requests for deferred exams or exam re-writes, approving/denying requests for exceptions within program (escalating decisions as appropriate), approving/denying requests for letter of permission to attend other postsecondary institutions,etc.
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Works closely with stakeholders in the Academic Department units, Office of the Registrar, Dean of Students, U of A International, etc. to ensure that students are able to complete their degree programs as needed
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Establishes opportunities for proactive outreach to students at risk
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Oversees the process of evaluating and approving both domestic and international admissions and transfer credit, including reviewing and approving new transfer credit proposals that are submitted
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Oversees the evaluation of student progression and completion of all students within the Faculty of Arts(academic standing and graduation), including the programming and maintenance of the student Academic Advisement Reports.
3) Undergraduate Student Engagement and Outreach (Domestic, Indigenous, & International)
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Works closely with the Senior Officer to develop and oversee a comprehensive student engagement, retention, and outreach strategy and plan (domestic, indigenous, and international) aimed at establishing positive connections between the Faculty office and the students and ensuring that the Faculty meets our goals related to student enrolment, increasing access and belonging.
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Oversees the organization and implementation of the Faculty’s New Student Orientation event and other events and activities throughout the year to help facilitate the development of community within the Faculty of Arts, and to encourage student retention
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Responsible for the development of strategic outreach plans for faculty-wide student initiatives and the implementation of all student-based outreach activities, such as the USS current student newsletter, contributing to the USS content created for the Faculty of Arts website, and contributing to Arts social media channels as it relates to student-focused content
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Works with the Recruitment Center of Expertise and the Indigenous Recruitment team to support their efforts as needed to support student recruitment and yield activities
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Works with stakeholders across campus, including the Dean of Students, Office of the Registrar, First Peoples’ House, U of A international, etc. to collaborate on engagement & outreach initiatives
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Works with the Transition Year Program, to ensure that advising and supports are in place for students looking to transition to the Faculty of Arts from that program
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Facilitates and oversees the management of our MOU Partnership agreements with international institutions from the Faculty’s perspective, working closely with U of A International on aspects of relationship management.
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Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
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3 or more years of supervisory experience in leading initiatives and teams, additional previous experience in student advising and/or engagement activities required
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Experience with student administration and understanding the undergraduate student lifecycle from recruitment through graduation
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Demonstrated involvement in developing and implementation of strategic operational plans
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Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, including excellent written and oral communication skills
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High level of analytical and problem solving, critical thinking, and negotiating skills.
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Planning, organizational, and time management skills
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Proven ability to work collaboratively with team members from different areas of expertise, and with senior administrators in an organization
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Experience working with and/or understanding of Indigenous cultures and communities an asset
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Strong commitment to student services, and knowledge of best practices within student advising and engagement
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Ability to work well in a multicultural, multilingual environment with students and faculty from many countries, cultures, linguistic groups, religions, sexualities and genders
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Familiarity with the Faculty of Arts and a commitment to the value of a liberal arts education
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Financial or budgetary experience an asset
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Experience in project management and/or change management an asset
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Demonstrated use of systems and tools (experience Campus Solutions a strong asset).
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.
This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $71,191 to $118,659.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
