Academic Advisor & University Counsellor

St. Margaret's School; Victoria; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Canada is seeking an Academic Advisor & University Counsellor. This role involves providing academic and career guidance, supporting students' transitions, and collaborating closely with educational teams. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree and have experience in academic advising, with strong interpersonal and communication skills. This position offers a collaborative environment with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Benefits

Collaborative environment

Access to on-site facilities

Emphasis on equity and diversity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for fields like education, psychology or other related field.
• Minimum of three years of academic advising is preferred, however, a combination of relevant training and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, career, and post-secondary counselling services for students.
• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Head of School and IB Coordinators.
• Communicate regularly with students and parents, providing guidance on academic progress.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Professional knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education or psychology

Tools

MS Office

Database systems

Job description

Overview

Academic Advisor & University Counsellor • Regular • Internal/External Posting

Posting Date: September 23, 2025

Closing Date: October 12, 2025

Posting # 2025067

Hours: 1.0 FTE projected, dependent on Enrollment

Beginning October/November 2025

Salary: Commensurate with placement on the SMS Salary Grid, based on years of teaching experience & education (TQS Category).

This is a bargaining unit position in the Professional Employees Association.

Summary

St. Margaret’s School (SMS) is Western Canada’s only girl-centered, independent day and boarding school located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on the unceded traditional territories of the Esquimalt Nations, Songhees Nations, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. Founded in 1908, SMS is an international centre for girl-centered learning and leadership development, providing empowering education for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (boarding grades 7–12). St. Margaret’s School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) School offering the Diploma Programme, and we are a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).

The Academic Advisor and University Counsellor works with groups of students and one-to-one in their navigation of the world of post-secondary admissions and scholarship opportunities, and in the process of writing university entrance and scholarship applications to help them gain acceptance into their chosen universities. The Academic Advisor also plays a key role in connecting with Grade 8 students and their families as they transition from Middle Years to Senior Years. The Academic Advisor and University Counsellor works closely with those students entering the Senior Years in planning their academic program inclusive of course selection, meeting graduation requirements, and ensuring appropriate placement based on individual learning needs and aspirations. The Academic Advisor works closely with the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator to ensure that students are provided with up-to-date and robust information related to post-secondary pursuits.

The Academic Advisor and University Counsellor will take the lead in reviewing each student’s progress towards graduation and connect regularly with parents in order to facilitate a school and family approach in supporting our students. The Academic Advisor and University Counsellor will support students with their academic or career goals and will work collaboratively with other members of the Educational Team.

The successful candidate will make an active contribution to our school community, co-curricular programs, and fully engage in the success of our students while at SMS and after graduation.

Core Competencies

• Integrity & Trust


• Service Orientation


• Adaptability


• Innovation


• Resilience


• Professional Knowledge


• Communication & Collaboration

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide academic, career, and post-secondary counselling services for students, supporting pathways aligned with the IB or Dogwood philosophy.


• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Head of School and the IB Coordinators (MYP and DP), particularly in course selection, timetabling, and ensuring alignment with IB and Dogwood programme requirements (HL/SL choices, core elements, CAS, TOK, EE).


• Communicate regularly and proactively with students and parents, providing clear guidance on academic progress, IB programme requirements, and post-secondary planning, using a variety of communication strategies.


• Build and maintain strong relationships: internal with staff, students, and parents, to foster a collaborative learning environment. External with post-secondary institutions, community agencies, and global networks relevant to IB learners.


• Provide timely information and guidance on the consequences of academic choices (e.g., subject levels, programme requirements, dropping/adding courses), with particular emphasis on IB Diploma Programme implications and post-secondary recognition.


• Plan and implement special events, workshops, and information sessions related to IB and/or Dogwood programme awareness, university admissions, and global opportunities.


• Maintain confidentiality of student records and sensitive information in line with school policies.


• Stay informed about international trends in career fields, university admissions policies, and emerging opportunities for SMS graduates.


• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines within the demanding context of programme requirements.


• Develop and maintain relationships with universities and external organizations, advocating for SMS learners and ensuring accurate information on admissions pathways.


• Research, organize, and share scholarship opportunities, including those specific to IB Diploma graduates, through presentations and one-on-one counselling.


• Actively promote the school’s and IB’s vision, mission, and values, modeling the IB learner profile attributes.


• Ensure accurate and timely completion of student reports, IB documentation, and Ministry of Education requirements; liaise with Student Records to support mark submissions, transcripts, and predicted grades for IB Diploma students.


• Collaborate with Admissions to review applicants entering Senior School, including guidance on programme placement.


• Undertake additional duties as assigned, consistent with the IB philosophy and within the scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities of this role.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for fields like education, psychology or other related field


• Minimum of three years of academic advising is preferred, however a combination of relevant training and experience may be considered

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge about post-secondary admissions (both at the national and international level)


• Familiarity with the IB Diploma Programme requirements


• Ability to work with students who come from a diversity of educational and cultural backgrounds


• Familiarity with available community resources and scholarship opportunities


• Exceptional interpersonal skills to establish strong connections with students, parents, colleagues, university reps and industry contacts


• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) and high emotional intelligence


• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team approach


• Computer literate, including proficiency with computer software including database systems, MS Office programs, online learning tools, and social media


• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability


• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, intercultural competence, and strong people skills


• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information


• A valid Driver’s License is an asset


• Other qualifications, skills and abilities as may be required to meet Ministry of Education requirements

Valued Benefits

St. Margaret’s School offers a collaborative, inclusive environment with access to on-site facilities and amenities. This position is located on the school campus. The school emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion across living, learning, and work environments. Applicants from groups facing equity barriers are encouraged to apply. For employment support or accommodations, contact Human Resources at care [e-mail].

Interested candidates are invited to submit an application package, including a covering letter, curriculum vitae and professional references, through Bamboo HR, by October 12, 2025.

Questions email [e-mail]