Full-time Student Success Specialist

Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 52,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Benefits

Job summary

Algonquin College in Ottawa is seeking a Student Success Specialist to help students achieve academic success within an enrolment management framework. You will work with Faculty, Program Coordinators, Chairs and Academic Advisors to implement retention strategies and deliver targeted support for at‑risk learners.

The role focuses on proactive outreach, development of progression plans, and referrals to College services, while ensuring confidential records and robust reporting on student

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) year diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Adult Learning, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience working with adult learners and supporting academic success;
• Experience implementing student‑success, academic‑advising, learner‑support, or retention initiatives.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting information from multiple sources.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, judgment, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn College information systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to students at key points in their academic journey.
• Assist with developing individualized academic‑success and progression plans.
• Provide guidance to students on registration, course loads, withdrawals, transfers, pathways, returning to studies, and graduation requirements.
• Refer students to appropriate College and community supports.
• Review at‑risk and progression information and coordinate interventions.
• Develop and deliver academic‑success workshops and onboarding activities.
• Collaborate with academic and student-service partners on retention strategies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential advising records.
• Track participation and evaluate student‑success initiatives.
• Analyze withdrawal and progression information to identify trends and recommend improvements.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical abilities

Time management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Three-year diploma/degree in Social Sciences, Adult Learning, Education, or related field

Tools

Excel

Student information systems

Learning-management systems

CRM platforms

Job description

If you are a current Algonquin College employee. Department: Associate Chair's Office Position Type: Full-Time Support Salary Range: $38.09-$44.04-Hourly Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25 Anticipated Start Date: December 05, 2026 Length of Contract: n/a

Posting Information Support Staff employees, as defined by the full-time Support Staff Collective Agreement, will be given first consideration. Posting Closing Date: November 19, 2026 Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment: Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description

Reporting to the Associate Chair or Academic Manager, the Student Success Specialist plays a vital part in a student's academic success and is an important position in the strategic enrolment management process. Working within an integrated team of Faculty, Program Coordinators, Chairs and Academic Advisors, the Student Success Specialist plays a key role in the development and implementation of academic success strategies in a learner's journey. A major focus of this position is proactively reaching out to learners deemed “at risk” through various student engagement initiatives and integrate with the work of other internal stakeholders (Faculty, Program Coordinators, Chairs and Academic Advisors) by delivering enhancement programming to learners in accordance with a student retention calendar. This position places particular emphasis on programming and interventions on level one students. Working closely with Faculty, the Student Success Specialist brings in supports and resources at key times along the student academic journey. The incumbent supports strategic enrollment management by successfully implementing core student retention strategies, identifying process improvements and recommending new initiatives. As part of their duties, the incumbent will meet with at-risk students considering withdrawing from their program to support an informed decision process that may include referrals and check‑ins with various program supports and services. The incumbent will make recommendations based on analysis of student withdrawal data. The incumbent provides students with impartial guidance to support their academic success, offers resources and referrals to College services and respond to questions or concerns learners may have. The incumbent must work closely and partner effective with Student Support Services and programs.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to students at key points in their academic journey.
• Assist with developing individualized academic‑success and progression plans.
• Provide guidance to students on registration, course loads, withdrawals, transfers, pathways, returning to studies, and graduation requirements.
• Refer students to appropriate College and community supports.
• Review at‑risk and progression information and coordinate interventions.
• Develop and deliver academic‑success workshops and onboarding activities.
• Collaborate with academic and student-service partners on retention strategies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential advising records.
• Track participation and evaluate student‑success initiatives.
• Analyze withdrawal and progression information to identify trends and recommend improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) year diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Adult Learning, Education, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience may be accepted in place of formal education; Minimum three (3) years of experience working with adult learners and supporting academic success;
• Experience implementing student‑success, academic‑advising, learner‑support, or retention initiatives;
• Experience analyzing and interpreting information from multiple sources;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong analytical, organizational, judgment, and problem‑solving skills;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently;
• Ability to work collaboratively and handle confidential information appropriately;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn College information systems.

Assets

• Experience in a postsecondary environment;
• Experience with academic progression advising;
• Experience developing and facilitating workshops;
• Experience using Excel, student-information systems, learning‑management systems, CRM platforms, or reporting tools.

* This position is paid at Payband H This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy (subject to change): https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ This position is subject to the terms of the Full-Time Support Staff Collective Agreement: SSCollectiveAgreementCurrent_E-1.pdf (algonquincollege.com)

Why Join Algonquin College?

Compensation: Many roles offer a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans designed to support your well-being. Eligibility for benefits vary by position. Benefits | Careers Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, tuition assistance programs (Algonquin College Courses and Degree Completion), certifications, workshops, and professional courses that allow you to grow and advance in your career. About Us | Employee Learning and Development. Availability depends on role and employment status.

Company Culture

Our values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect define how we interact with one another. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Algonquin College has been recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2025 and one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): We are proud to be the first Ontario college to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. Affinity Group Conversation Communities | Inclusion & Diversity & Truth and Reconciliation Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. Select positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College’s Flexible Work Arrangement Policy https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change). How We Use AI in Hiring: Algonquin College uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening and assessing applicants and their applications, while ensuring that all processes respect and uphold the provisions of applicable collective agreements above all else. Accessibility: Algonquin College values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally respectful workplace. We offer an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and individuals from diverse communities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department at [e-mail]. While we thank all those who apply, only those to be interviewed will be contacted. Want a career that you can be proud of? We can help you build it. We are committed to growing your career through career and professional development, and providing you with the support, resources and technology you need to be successful Algonquin College is proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of Canada's Best Employers. Learn More Algonquin College is proud to offer a lifetime retirement pension. Find out more information on the CAAT Pension Plan website: Full-time Employees DB Prime Member Handbook Part-time Employees DB Plus Member Handbook