Academic Advisor

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian university in Saskatoon is seeking an Academic Advisor for Indigenous Students to enhance student success and provide academic support. The role requires an undergraduate degree and experience in a service-related position. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, alongside a commitment to student success. This full-time position will be in-person on campus, with a salary range between $52,050 and $81,328 per year.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students in a service-related role.
• Previous advising or teaching experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with student life cycle and relevant resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising to Indigenous students.
• Develop plans for academic success and degree completion.
• Interpret and communicate academic policies and regulations.

Skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Problem solving

Conflict management

Attention to detail

Relationship-building

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to supporting Indigenous opportunities. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship is a condition of employment and a requirement to hold this position. The successful candidate must maintain those conditions throughout their employment.

Primary Purpose: The Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students, plays a critical role in enhancing student success, graduation rates, and the overall Indigenous student experience, as well as other student cohorts in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan. The academic advisor provides accurate and informed academic advising, coaching, mentoring, and administrative support to current and prospective students, ensuring adherence to College and University policies and procedures.

Nature of Work: The academic advisor works full-time in person at the Saskatoon campus. Responsibilities include evaluating academic records, exploring academic options, coaching students for success, and monitoring progress. The advisor reports to the Manager, Undergraduate Student Advising within the portfolio of the Director, Undergraduate Student Advising.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one and group advising to current and prospective Indigenous students as well as other undergraduate student cohorts
• Help students develop plans for academic success and degree completion
• Interpret and communicate degree regulations, requirements, and academic policies
• Assist with admissions, course selection, major selection, prerequisite checking, course registration, withdrawal, and funding information
• Help students identify and understand goals and skills as they connect their degree to their career goals
• Assist students with identified barriers that hinder their academic success
• Assist students with resource navigation, linking and liaising with campus and community resources that serve to support students
• Provide guidance on academic issues to help students cope with stressful circumstances or negative academic decisions such as continuation of the program or withdrawal from the University
• Complete graduation and convocation checks
• Maintain and update caseload data including accurate and timely case notes for student interactions
• Review and process visiting student requests (VSR)
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of advising processes ensuring services meet professional and industry standards
• Stay informed about industry trends and institutional policies to ensure alignment with current best practices and innovation in service delivery
• Work collaboratively with the Undergraduate Student Office team, other academic and non-academic Usask programs, and external partners to ensure clear communication, streamlined processes, and comprehensive support for students
• Work collaboratively with the Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) team and provide support to students participating in the ISAP program
• Provide guidance, expert counsel, and analysis of issues to the Director, as well as the Team Lead for ISAP
• At the discretion of the Director, the Academic Advisor, Indigenous Students may be asked to undertake an outreach and advocacy role for students through partnerships and consultation with external agencies and organizations, including Indigenous organizations, stakeholders, and secondary schools
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment: This high-volume position requires working under pressure in a fast-paced team environment. The advisor must balance competing deadlines and tasks, demonstrate effective decision-making and sound judgment, and work collaboratively within a complex and dynamic environment. The work environment is complex, diverse, and subject to shifting priorities, frequent interruptions and ongoing change. This position will have daily contact with students, staff, and many other on campus and off campus support and service providers.

Education: Completion of an undergraduate degree is required. A degree in an Arts and Science discipline would be an asset.

Experience: A minimum of two years of experience working with students in a service-related role within an adult education setting. Previous experience in academic advising or teaching would be an asset. Knowledge of the student life cycle, familiarity with Usask policies and procedures, and on and off campus resources would be an asset.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and verbal) and intercultural competency
• Sound judgement in problem solving, conflict management, and prioritization
• Commitment to student success, persistence, and exceptional service delivery
• Highly motivated, collaborative, and skilled in relationship-building
• Ability to work under pressure, balance competing deadlines and tasks, and maintain attention to detail in high volume environments
• Proven ability to interpret complex policies, manage data, track outcomes, and use technology effectively
• Effective organizational skills, high initiative, and accountability
• Skilled in managing sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to manage data and track outcomes
• Balance competing deadlines and tasks, demonstrate effective decision-making and sound judgment, and work collaboratively within a complex and dynamic environment

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Catherine Todd-McCoy at [e-mail]

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this position.

Department: Undergraduate Student Office

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Shift: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $52,050.00 - 81,328.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1

Posted Date: 9/15/2025

Closing Date: 10/5/2025

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship will be conducted as described above, and successful candidates will be asked to complete the verification process with documentation.