Degree Advisor

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Richmond; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, BC, is seeking a Degree Advisor to join the Wilson School of Design. The role supports student success through guidance on degree progression, retention, and program alignment with student needs.

You will collaborate with faculty and staff, develop and deliver workshops, and assist in recruitment activities. A strong background in counseling or academic advising and at least five years in related roles are expected. Travel within Canada is required.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; Masters preferred.
• Minimum five years related experience, preferably in a post-secondary setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to students to support degree planning and retention.
• Develop and deliver training activities and workshops for students.
• Assist in recruitment and marketing workshops for degree programs.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to align programs with student needs.
• Travel within Canada as required to support campus activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Team collaboration

Training delivery

Education

Undergraduate degree (Masters preferred)

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Student information systems

Job description

We are currently seeking a Degree Advisor to join our Wilson School of Design team.

Job Overview

Degree Advisors in the academic Faculties engage in collaborative practice to enhance the development, progression and retention of KPU students. Through guidance and the use of leading and innovative practices, Degree Advisors empower students to ensure student success. Degree Advisors also play a key role in the development and delivery of programs offered within the Faculty by providing advice and recommendations to the Dean and Faculty Chairs/Coordinators on alignment with student needs/interests and smooth degree completion.

Education and Experience

• Successful completion of an undergraduate degree (Masters preferred) in a related area from an accredited university.
• A minimum of five years employment in a related position, preferably at a post-secondary institution.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the curricular nature of Faculty-specific degree programs and their development.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of educational or career advancements available to Faculty-specific degree graduates including admission requirements to graduate studies and common professional certificate or other post-secondary programs.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of secondary and post-secondary educational systems.
• Superior communication skills in English, both spoken and written, exhibiting a high level of tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Superior inter-personal skills, with the ability to patiently and effectively deal with a diverse range of people in a respectful and professional manner.
• Demonstrated advocacy roles with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at a variety of administrative levels.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and constructively in a team environment, particularly in developing strategies for effective processes that require coordination between various departments in an organizational environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering effective training activities and workshops for students related to Faculty-specific degree advising.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and presenting recruitment and marketing workshops and activities.
• Demonstrated ability to address confidential matters and materials with tact and discretion.
• Proven ability to comprehend, communicate and comply with established policies, practices and procedures.
• Superior accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in editing and interpreting documents.
• Superior time-management skills in coordinating projects and meeting multiple overlapping deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to measure and recommend strategies promoting student success.
• Proven ability to successfully recognize, analyze and resolve problems; to work independently and establish own priorities; to exercise a high level of initiative and responsibility; and, to adapt quickly to new technologies and ongoing organizational transitions.
• Ability to work from all KPU campuses with flexibility for day and evening shifts; and, the ability to travel within Canada.
• Demonstrated competency at an intermediate level in various software including MS Word, MS Excel, and Power Point, internet browsers and email.
• Experience using student information management systems.

Salary Information

Salary and wage increments are in accordance with the Collective Agreement.