Educational Advisor (Updated)

Duties:

Assist students to clarify career and academic goals and develop suitable educational plans. Provide accurate information about VIU to students, including appropriate courses or programs to meet identified career/program objectives. Support students of academic concern and evaluate individual student progress toward established goals and follow up with timely and purposeful intervention. Interact effectively and sensitively with students across VIU’s diverse student population. Enhance quality of student life on and off campus by collaborating in the planning, development, and implementation of services and supports to foster student wellness, success, and retention. Create, deliver and evaluate research-informed support programs and interventions to improve the academic success of VIU students, including collaborative initiatives with specific programs and/or faculties. Develop and facilitate group presentations and educational events. Consult with and make recommendations to the administration on issues that affect student success and retention.

Exemplify professionalism and a high standard of ethical behaviour. Develop and maintain effective working relationships. Foster a collegial and respectful working atmosphere, actively contributing to the high functioning of the Educational Advising team.

Beyond one on one and group contact with students, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the development of new initiatives and projects to support student success. Candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty, and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s Degree (Student Personnel, Social Work, Adult Education, Counselling or similarly relevant field) from an appropriately accredited institution. Minimum two to five years experience in an academic advising role including demonstrated experience with relevant student program planning, student development, and the organization, implementation and evaluation of student related initiatives.

• Knowledge of developmental academic advising philosophy as well as career development theory and counselling practices.
• Demonstrated awareness of and ability to respond to the developmental needs of a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication with diverse clients/student and with peers.
• Demonstrated excellence in public speaking, group presentations and group facilitation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology relevant to the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advising experience in a post-secondary institution.
• Familiarity with BC Colleges, Institutes and University systems, programs, services, policies and procedures.
• Experience developing and delivering outreach initiatives for students in a variety of modalities.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and have a confirmed satisfactory driving record.

VIU is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan that takes the worry out of retirement. 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.

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