Black Student Advisor - Student Affairs and Services

Saint Mary's University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 59,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Mary's University is seeking a Black Student Advisor in the Student Affairs and Services department. This full-time, permanent position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, focusing on supporting African Nova Scotian and Black students' success in a welcoming academic environment. Responsibilities include developing support programs, fostering student relationships, and engaging with faculty and staff to enhance inclusivity on campus.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Defined Contribution Pension plan

Flexible Workplace

Professional development

Vacation and personal days

Summer hour schedule

Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience with African Nova Scotians or Black communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues facing African Nova Scotian and Black youth.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Establish professional relationships with students to foster trust.
• Support students with transition issues including academic and personal.
• Organize programming specifically to support African Nova Scotian/Black students.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Event planning skills

Presentation skills

Facilitation skills

Cross cultural communication

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Tools

MS Office

Access

Job description

Date Posted: June 5, 2025

Posting Deadline: June 19, 2025

Department: Student Affairs and Services

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-time

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 5 ($59,435 - $76,595 annually)

In support of the University's Employment Equity and Diversity Program, this position is designated for candidates who identify as African Nova Scotian or Black.

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Black Student Advisor to join our Student Affairs and Services team.

What We Offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit
  
  

Job Information And Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services, the Black Student Advisor will:

• Establish professional relationships with students to foster trust and understanding while recognizing opportunities to educate and inform in a respectful manner.
• Support students who are struggling with university transitional issues of coming to university including, but not limited to, cultural, academic, social, financial, and personal.
• Identify and develop partnerships, with both internal and external stakeholders to create relevant supports to ensure student success.
• Educate students on resources that are available to support them and that will assist with their success at university.
• Identify and assist students in applying for various internal and external funding opportunities including, but not limited to scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
• Engage faculty and staff in training programs, initiatives, sessions, or events to build relationships between students and faculty/staff and foster partnership possibilities for students to learn about services, opportunities and supports available at Saint Mary's.
• Plan, promote, implement and evaluate welcome weeks programming and other campus events specifically to engage and support African Nova Scotian/Black students.
• Work collaboratively with the Admissions and Recruitment offices in promoting the student experience at Saint Mary's.
• Develop, promote, screen, train, coordinate and evaluate students participating in peer support programming.
• Conduct frequent assessment of programming events as well as trend analysis and needs assessment.
• Present at local, provincial, national and international conferences and events on topics relevant to the position.
• Represent African Nova Scotian/Black student needs and experiences on various committees and working groups such as the Saint Mary's University Anti-Racism Committee, Welcome Weeks Planning Committee, etc.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders on topics related to equity and diversity for African Nova Scotian and Black Students.
• Liaises with users of the dedicated Black Student Space on campus and works with students to ensure the space is welcoming, safe and respectful.
  
  

Experience And Education Requirements

To be the successful Black Student Advisor you will have:

• Completion of an Undergraduate Degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years directly related experience, preferably at the post-secondary level working with African Nova Scotians, Black communities or Black organizations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the issues and concerns facing African Nova Scotian and Black youth.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to participate in consultative decision making.
• Demonstrated experience in developing programs for youth.
• Demonstrated skills in training and program evaluation.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office, Access, internet and e-mail applications.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Strong organizational and event planning skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills.
• Background in cross cultural communication would be considered an asset.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
  
  

Application Details

Required

Please note that the posting will be open for a minimum of ten (10) business days and will remain open until the position is filled. Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References
  
  

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].