OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create
OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.
It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.
Reporting to the Manager, Student Recruitment and the Manager, Undergraduate Admissions, the Coordinator, Visitor Experience & Special Events leads online and in-person front-of-house and special event support for the Admissions & Recruitment office. The Coordinator ensures visitors, applicants and new students receive accurate and timely information about applying to and attending OCAD University (OCAD U). The Coordinator works closely with team members and campus partners to create a supportive and welcoming environment to ensure visitors have the best experience when on campus or attending special events.
This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements; however, a minimum of four days per week of on-campus work is required, with flexibility to adjust on-campus days and hours to meet department needs. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required, with shift premiums applied in accordance with the Collective Agreement. All flexibility and scheduling provisions are subject to the terms outlined in the Collective Agreement.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Welcome Centre Responsibilities
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Working with Admissions & Recruitment staff and leading a team of students, coordinate frontline support for the Admissions & Recruitment office, including responding to or redirecting telephone/email inquiries from prospective students, parent(s)/guardian(s), guidance counsellors, teachers, and the general public
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Coordinate the recruitment and hiring of student monitors (i.e., student tour guides) and provide/facilitate relevant training on important tour information and best practices (e.g. health and safety, AODA, etc.)
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Coordinate and oversee the logistics of drop-in and scheduled on-campus tours, including booking system management and determining staffing needs for tours (i.e. student tour guides), and student support coverage for the office and other on-campus events.
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In consultation with the Admissions & Recruitment team, work with on-campus partners (e.g. Facilities & Studio Services) to create a welcoming and informed experience for visitors
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Implement process improvement to create better experiences for guests on campus and at events (i.e. reception inefficiencies, email/phone response times, in-person reception, campus tours etc.)
- Maintain a tidy and welcoming Welcome Centre to ensure a pleasant experience, including furniture and table arrangement, and print materials
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Perform administrative duties such as processing and distributing incoming/outgoing mail, booking rooms, ordering office supplies, preparing work order requests, and track walk-ins
Admissions Responsibilities
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Coordinate, schedule, and staff online info sessions including Meet-a-Student sessions, 1:1 advising appointments, and other online info sessions as required
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Respond to applicant inquiries regarding admission requirements, application process, and applicants’ status using student information systems (Slate, Colleague, etc.) and triage as needed
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Support the Admissions team and Office of the Registrar with new first year students’ registration assistance as needed
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Refer applicants to transition programming available to incoming students through other OCAD U departments (i.e. Campus Life, Centre for Learning and Teaching, Registrar’s Office, Student Accessibility Services, etc.)
Recruitment Responsibilities
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Coordinate major events with the Admissions & Recruitment team such as Open House, National Portfolio Day, Grad Ex VIP and plan logistics such as room booking, staffing, and catering across OCAD U units and departments, as required
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Support the Recruitment and Admissions team with portfolio reviews as needed
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Represent OCAD U at on-campus and off-campus student recruitment events, including portfolio review events and school visits, as required
General Responsibilities
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Contribute to the development of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies throughout all programs, services and communications
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Assist the Manager, Student Recruitment, Manager, Undergraduate Admissions, and other Admissions & Recruitment staff in other related duties contributing to the successful operation of the Admissions & Recruitment office
Qualifications:
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Post-secondary degree in art & design, or equivalent
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Minimum of two (2) years of administrative work experience, preferably in a post-secondary educational institution
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Willing and able to work evenings and weekends as required
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Knowledge of Ontario, Canadian and International Secondary School curriculum
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Demonstrated experience in initiating process improvement projects related to customer experience
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Experience with CRM and/or event registration systems
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Demonstrated strength in customer service, and the ability to exercise professionalism in dealing with people
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Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
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Demonstrated experience and comfort with public speaking and presentations
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An interest in building relationships with prospective students coming from diverse backgrounds
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Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
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Ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment
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Ability to understand and adapt to multiple priorities, processes, and workflows
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
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Working knowledge of all Microsoft applications; familiarity with database applications an asset
Mode of Work: Hybrid: on-campus 3 days per week and remote 2 days per week, subject to change based on operational needs
Compensation: Hiring Range - $50,163.56 to $57,378.18 per annum, commensurate with experience, plus benefits; Salary Range - $50,163.56 to $65,081.34 per annum.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday • Willing and able to work evenings and weekends as required
This role may occasionally require work outside of regular business hours in order to support operational requirements. Any overtime, scheduling adjustments, or flex time arrangements will be managed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Collective Agreement and University policies, including any required approvals
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated *resume and cover letter (PDF), no later than Tuesday July 7, 2026.
- Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code
As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.
OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities
All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.
